I read about this band in the newspaper some days ago, I then moved to youtube to see them perform their song on a BBC show and instantly fell in love with them.
They had an odd South Indian/ Western fusion attire with fusion music; there was an electric violin along with acoustic and electric guitars backed by percussion and tablas; I saw a weird joy in Raghu's singing.
Luckily my friend told me that they were going to perform at Hard Rock Cafe in Mumbai (the gig was yesterday). I had to go.
I was so happy with the performance - they seemed like intelligent guys (Raghu is some sort of engineer I believe) and their sound was magnificent. They jumped, swayed and Raghu's voice captured me. Resounding, effortless and full of heart.
There is also a filmy story involved where Raghu had been turned down by production houses because his music wasn't "Bollywood" enough. Vishal and Shekhar heard them perform at Zenzi (Bandra) and decided to launch this guy as the first produce of their new label. The 'Project' has been touring the US, UK and Australia.
I will not be surprised if these guys make it big. Their sound is just so full of joy.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
District 9
A movie that will be categorised as 'just another alien flick', however, it is one of the most brilliant creations I have seen. Brilliant in terms of the thought process, the independence, the sincerity that is evident through the movie and a very natural screenplay. What I mean by the last part is that if an alien were to see the movie he would assume it without doubt to be a sample of life on earth - a bit of a stretch, but only a bit.
It was portrayed as a documentary on the life of and the life around Wikus van de merwe. The make-up of and the chemistry between actors was incredibly unbelievable. References were made to humans' need to have sex with the alien 'prawns' where the prawns would serve as prostitutes... The aliens were technologically quite advanced, yet quite weak - there was something very human about them and there was a small story behind their presence - Wikipedia does a great job of it. Search for 'District 9' - apologies for the complex steps.
I couldn't help but see how poor humans are at times and yet, we have a compassion for other beings. Wikus was discriminated against because he was different, scary and a potential research resource.
'Let it be'.
A must watch. Touching, gripping and almost non-fiction.
It was portrayed as a documentary on the life of and the life around Wikus van de merwe. The make-up of and the chemistry between actors was incredibly unbelievable. References were made to humans' need to have sex with the alien 'prawns' where the prawns would serve as prostitutes... The aliens were technologically quite advanced, yet quite weak - there was something very human about them and there was a small story behind their presence - Wikipedia does a great job of it. Search for 'District 9' - apologies for the complex steps.
I couldn't help but see how poor humans are at times and yet, we have a compassion for other beings. Wikus was discriminated against because he was different, scary and a potential research resource.
'Let it be'.
A must watch. Touching, gripping and almost non-fiction.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Bridges of Madison County
Has to be one of the best romantic movies of all time. Sadly, it's a questionable topic and one of my favourites... Infidelity.
Meryl Streep has done an outstanding job and that almost goes without saying :)
The slow movie does a great job of picturing the romance that apparently develops over a very long period of time but is in fact only a day. Before the intimacy begins, all along, the viewer is forced to believe that physical intimacy will lead to passion and so forth - but this story was about a very mature romance born out of the desire for something new and a form of security.
Meryl's character is quite evidently lonely and bored and when she finds a person who has traveled the world, is a gentleman and very secure about his own identity she experiences a lust which later develops to belonging and hope.
Loved the part when she is about to run out of the car her husband is driving and go for Robert's (Clint) car.
Regret - Francesca lived with it for her life and the movie shows her son and daughter living with similar circumstances where they adjust to 'normalcy'. It is something that many people accept and adjust to even though the possibilities of changing course could lead to greater paths. We often choose security over adventure and potential fulfillment.
Just a note about Clint Eastwood's brilliance.
Francesca asks Robert, "Tell me the most exciting place you've been to in the whole world, unless, of course, if you are too tired..." Clint almost takes a sip of his beer, glances at Francesca in a weird way, goes back to the bottle, takes a sip, looks back at Francesca and comments about how much guys like talking about themselves. The nuances to that scene and many others... :)
Meryl Streep has done an outstanding job and that almost goes without saying :)
The slow movie does a great job of picturing the romance that apparently develops over a very long period of time but is in fact only a day. Before the intimacy begins, all along, the viewer is forced to believe that physical intimacy will lead to passion and so forth - but this story was about a very mature romance born out of the desire for something new and a form of security.
Meryl's character is quite evidently lonely and bored and when she finds a person who has traveled the world, is a gentleman and very secure about his own identity she experiences a lust which later develops to belonging and hope.
Loved the part when she is about to run out of the car her husband is driving and go for Robert's (Clint) car.
Regret - Francesca lived with it for her life and the movie shows her son and daughter living with similar circumstances where they adjust to 'normalcy'. It is something that many people accept and adjust to even though the possibilities of changing course could lead to greater paths. We often choose security over adventure and potential fulfillment.
Just a note about Clint Eastwood's brilliance.
Francesca asks Robert, "Tell me the most exciting place you've been to in the whole world, unless, of course, if you are too tired..." Clint almost takes a sip of his beer, glances at Francesca in a weird way, goes back to the bottle, takes a sip, looks back at Francesca and comments about how much guys like talking about themselves. The nuances to that scene and many others... :)
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Inception
A fantastic creation with an intellectual / fantasy feel to it. Ellen Page will be acclaimed as a great actor soon enough, Leonardo was his normal good and Joseph Gordon-Levitt was rather striking. Some of the scenes were mind-blowing and cinematically it might be one of the best creations to have come out till date. The meticulous detail with which the 'dreams' were chalked out deserves appreciation. The plot was marvelous and dreams have always fascinated humans :)
The movie is currently ranked 3rd on Imdb's Top 250 and everybody who has seen it has been raving about it.
I am a bitch.
The entire emotional angle between Leo and his wife seemed hollow. The pace with which the movie ended and the abruptness of the end did not do justice to the other characters or the story. The end was rather predictable and the sequence of escapes from each dream was pretty boring.
When I got done with this movie I was quite impressed but also quite bored because towards the last half hour I was already waiting for the movie to end.
My sense is that at times people are so blinded and perplexed by confusing, intelligent stories that they mistake a good idea for a good all-round movie. If you keep people guessing and if you manage to dazzle them with good effects combined with good direction and good acting - does it make a good movie? Superficially - Yes! But dig down deeper and you realize that Shutter Island & Fight Club - they were complete movies.
I felt something was missing by the time the movie was beginning to end and I was rather dis-satisfied with an otherwise stupendous creation.
The movie is currently ranked 3rd on Imdb's Top 250 and everybody who has seen it has been raving about it.
I am a bitch.
The entire emotional angle between Leo and his wife seemed hollow. The pace with which the movie ended and the abruptness of the end did not do justice to the other characters or the story. The end was rather predictable and the sequence of escapes from each dream was pretty boring.
When I got done with this movie I was quite impressed but also quite bored because towards the last half hour I was already waiting for the movie to end.
My sense is that at times people are so blinded and perplexed by confusing, intelligent stories that they mistake a good idea for a good all-round movie. If you keep people guessing and if you manage to dazzle them with good effects combined with good direction and good acting - does it make a good movie? Superficially - Yes! But dig down deeper and you realize that Shutter Island & Fight Club - they were complete movies.
I felt something was missing by the time the movie was beginning to end and I was rather dis-satisfied with an otherwise stupendous creation.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Indian Summer
Book
March 1947:
"While all this [riots] was going on, Mountbatten had to meet the Indian leaders. For that first week, the two least compromising and highest profile among them declined his invitation... Mohammad Ali Jinnah, representing the Muslim League, remained in Bombay making inflammatory speeches. Mohandas Gandhi, representing Mohandas Gandhi, was living among the outcastes in distant Bihar, and refused to take advantage of the viceregal aircraft. "
1937:
Excerpt from published article:
"Men like Jawaharlal with all their capacity for great and good work, are unsafe in democracy. He calls himself a democrat and a socialist, and no doubt he does so in all earnestness, but every psychologist knows that the mind is ultimately a slave to the heart and logic can always be made to fit in with the desires and irresistible urges of a person. A little twist and Jawahar might turn a dictator sweeping aside the paraphernalia of a slow-moving democracy... His conceit is already formidable. It must be checked. We want no Caesars.
This powerful vilification was published under the pseudonym 'Chanakya', after an ancient political philosopher, and caused great outrage among Nehru's followers. What they did not realise was that 'Chanakya' was actually Jawaharlal Nehru himself. Introspection, honesty, wit and mischief: few other politicians in history could have written such a lucid essay in self-deconstruction. "
1947 August:
From the outset, Indian women would earn equal pay for equal work - a right not conferred upon British women until the 1970s....
But behind this image of feminist progress, lay a long, dark shadow of feminist despair. At Calcutta in 1946, and subsequently, the vengeance of the rioters had been wreaked deliberately on women. As the great migration and great slaughters following partition got underway, so too did a sustained and brutal campaign of sexual persecution. The use of rape as a weapon of war was conscious and emphatic. On every side, proud tales were told of the degradation of enemy women. Thousands of women were abducted, forcibly married to their assailants, and bundled away to the other side of the border. Many never saw their families again. Thousands more were simply used and thrown back into their villages. There were accounts of women who had been held down while their breasts and arms were cut, tattooed or branded with their rapists' names and the dates of their attacks.
- Indian Summer by Alex Von Tunzelmann
Fantastic book. Brazen and factual. Boring in parts but enjoyable nonetheless.
March 1947:
"While all this [riots] was going on, Mountbatten had to meet the Indian leaders. For that first week, the two least compromising and highest profile among them declined his invitation... Mohammad Ali Jinnah, representing the Muslim League, remained in Bombay making inflammatory speeches. Mohandas Gandhi, representing Mohandas Gandhi, was living among the outcastes in distant Bihar, and refused to take advantage of the viceregal aircraft. "
1937:
Excerpt from published article:
"Men like Jawaharlal with all their capacity for great and good work, are unsafe in democracy. He calls himself a democrat and a socialist, and no doubt he does so in all earnestness, but every psychologist knows that the mind is ultimately a slave to the heart and logic can always be made to fit in with the desires and irresistible urges of a person. A little twist and Jawahar might turn a dictator sweeping aside the paraphernalia of a slow-moving democracy... His conceit is already formidable. It must be checked. We want no Caesars.
This powerful vilification was published under the pseudonym 'Chanakya', after an ancient political philosopher, and caused great outrage among Nehru's followers. What they did not realise was that 'Chanakya' was actually Jawaharlal Nehru himself. Introspection, honesty, wit and mischief: few other politicians in history could have written such a lucid essay in self-deconstruction. "
1947 August:
From the outset, Indian women would earn equal pay for equal work - a right not conferred upon British women until the 1970s....
But behind this image of feminist progress, lay a long, dark shadow of feminist despair. At Calcutta in 1946, and subsequently, the vengeance of the rioters had been wreaked deliberately on women. As the great migration and great slaughters following partition got underway, so too did a sustained and brutal campaign of sexual persecution. The use of rape as a weapon of war was conscious and emphatic. On every side, proud tales were told of the degradation of enemy women. Thousands of women were abducted, forcibly married to their assailants, and bundled away to the other side of the border. Many never saw their families again. Thousands more were simply used and thrown back into their villages. There were accounts of women who had been held down while their breasts and arms were cut, tattooed or branded with their rapists' names and the dates of their attacks.
- Indian Summer by Alex Von Tunzelmann
Fantastic book. Brazen and factual. Boring in parts but enjoyable nonetheless.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Everybody's Fine
Sometimes we lie because it seems like the most convenient thing to do and sometimes because we need to judge other people's convenience. People who we don't know well appear to be fine simply because we don't know them well.
This movie is rather precious as it addresses loneliness - something that will most probably be forced upon us as we age. Robert is begging for some company throughout the movie and it is not easily seen...
Another thing this movie addresses is, well, what I mentioned earlier - lying. Keep the peace my friends, it usually works out :)
Robert De Niro is a widower who now lives alone and his 4 children live all across the US. He believes that things are fine with his children but, as most things go, things are far from fine. I must say that even though things tend to be 'not fine', all in all, things have a way of becoming fine - just look at the half full glass where the other half is full of precious air.
Needless to say, towards the end, my eyes were watery.
This movie is rather precious as it addresses loneliness - something that will most probably be forced upon us as we age. Robert is begging for some company throughout the movie and it is not easily seen...
Another thing this movie addresses is, well, what I mentioned earlier - lying. Keep the peace my friends, it usually works out :)
Robert De Niro is a widower who now lives alone and his 4 children live all across the US. He believes that things are fine with his children but, as most things go, things are far from fine. I must say that even though things tend to be 'not fine', all in all, things have a way of becoming fine - just look at the half full glass where the other half is full of precious air.
Needless to say, towards the end, my eyes were watery.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Lakshya
Another grossly under-rated movie. This movie did not do well commercially but was outstanding because of Farhhan Akhtar's vision combined with his ability to portray that vision. I loved the way he took his time with the movie and tried his best not to succumb to commercial demands. I must also add that he did a fantastic job with Hritik Roshan. Hritik's acting in Koi Mil Gaya was appreciated but I found it too 'in my face' and he was still Hritik Roshan.
In Lakshya, Hritik as a college kid was the perfect confused college kid, Hritik as a new entrant in the army seemed correctly raw, Hritik leading his team for the final fight was the focused leader. It's only in the dance scenes that I saw Hritik Roshan and not the character.
Farhan made the Indo-Pak 'battle' classy and slightly believable and not as commercial and dramatic as Border, but therein lie the pitfalls of such a movie: The masses don't really like such movies.
Scene: An hour or so before the end, Hritik rushes to the opening of a bunker while bellowing the movie battle cry "Dhavaa" and gunning the infiltrator down :D
People forget what the movie was meant to be about: Lakshya, loosely translated to 'Goal'.
I loved Hritik's transformation from a chilled out and carefree / careless college kid to a kid trying to prove himself by joining the army to a young man in Kashmir to the man hoisting the flag at the disputed mountain peak.
In Lakshya, Hritik as a college kid was the perfect confused college kid, Hritik as a new entrant in the army seemed correctly raw, Hritik leading his team for the final fight was the focused leader. It's only in the dance scenes that I saw Hritik Roshan and not the character.
Farhan made the Indo-Pak 'battle' classy and slightly believable and not as commercial and dramatic as Border, but therein lie the pitfalls of such a movie: The masses don't really like such movies.
Scene: An hour or so before the end, Hritik rushes to the opening of a bunker while bellowing the movie battle cry "Dhavaa" and gunning the infiltrator down :D
People forget what the movie was meant to be about: Lakshya, loosely translated to 'Goal'.
I loved Hritik's transformation from a chilled out and carefree / careless college kid to a kid trying to prove himself by joining the army to a young man in Kashmir to the man hoisting the flag at the disputed mountain peak.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Glee
You know what's missing in most movies nowadays? Heart. They may be cinematically brilliant and the actors might be better performers(?) but a certain truth is missing from even the most sincere movies today.
Glee is not a movie. Glee is a TV show which is also a musical. The TV show is such that I do end up greeting each episode with glee :)
Much of the show is nonsensical and far-fetched but that is exactly what musicals tend to be. Individual stories, songs and the performances tackle the minute miseries of our time. What this show manages to do is not easily describable but I can say that it makes me want to sit back, relax and just watch. I find it funny that I lock my door and try to dance along once in a while. The ease with which I watch it is greater than that while watching FRIENDS or Seinfeld. The show is a must watch.
The problem with TV shows is that it's difficult to sustain the same enthusiasm and art with which the first couple of seasons are created. We shall wait and see.
(Side note: The lead character - Will Schester (Matthew Morrison) - is incredibly cute and hot at the same time. The fact that he is a brilliant dancer just makes it difficult for me to remain straight.)
Glee is not a movie. Glee is a TV show which is also a musical. The TV show is such that I do end up greeting each episode with glee :)
Much of the show is nonsensical and far-fetched but that is exactly what musicals tend to be. Individual stories, songs and the performances tackle the minute miseries of our time. What this show manages to do is not easily describable but I can say that it makes me want to sit back, relax and just watch. I find it funny that I lock my door and try to dance along once in a while. The ease with which I watch it is greater than that while watching FRIENDS or Seinfeld. The show is a must watch.
The problem with TV shows is that it's difficult to sustain the same enthusiasm and art with which the first couple of seasons are created. We shall wait and see.
(Side note: The lead character - Will Schester (Matthew Morrison) - is incredibly cute and hot at the same time. The fact that he is a brilliant dancer just makes it difficult for me to remain straight.)
Friday, May 14, 2010
Drake
Finally, I've decided to write about this artist - Nick Drake. He's dead now, wish he was still creating his art :)
There is a raw emotion in his voice, which by the way is not really sweet or melodious. But it's so truthful. I can see him crying while he was singing his songs. The sad part about this is that I cannot describe the psychological superiority that he may have had.
His words are so simple and yet, amazingly powerful.
The music is just original and can make one cry.
I am disgusted at how poorly I am writing this post because this guy deserves some real words.
"So I leave the ways that are making me what I really don't want to be."
There is a raw emotion in his voice, which by the way is not really sweet or melodious. But it's so truthful. I can see him crying while he was singing his songs. The sad part about this is that I cannot describe the psychological superiority that he may have had.
His words are so simple and yet, amazingly powerful.
The music is just original and can make one cry.
I am disgusted at how poorly I am writing this post because this guy deserves some real words.
"So I leave the ways that are making me what I really don't want to be."
Thursday, May 13, 2010
My Blueberry Nights
One of those movies which remain hidden. Could easily see this movie again :) Was sincere, painful, sweet and romantic. Once again, the direction stood out. Once again, time was utilized as it should be... slowly. Norah Jones did a pretty good job, wonder if she might take up acting as a career. The best scenes in the movie? Jude Law reaching out across the table towards a sleeping Norah, especially in the last scene of the movie. Indescribable. A must watch scene :)
I enjoyed seeing Norah miserable when her boyfriend decided to cheat on her and dump her. Enjoyed seeing Jude's ex-girlfriend (may be?) come back to him just for a goodbye. Enjoyed the cameos by Natalie Portman and Rachel Weisz (her story). Take chances my friend.
I enjoyed seeing Norah miserable when her boyfriend decided to cheat on her and dump her. Enjoyed seeing Jude's ex-girlfriend (may be?) come back to him just for a goodbye. Enjoyed the cameos by Natalie Portman and Rachel Weisz (her story). Take chances my friend.
Monster's Ball
Patience is missing too often nowadays... The director did a great job of taking his time with filming each scene. Often times, loosely woven stories and bad actors make movies slow, and in this case, great acting, especially by Halle Berry, combined with a well-knit story made this movie easy to watch. When I say easy, I refer to how quickly the movie passed me by; it was, however, a movie that was subtly grotesque.
There was a guy who was going to be executed, and he liked drawing. He said that he disliked pictures - portraits were better. This statement stood out: "Truly takes a human being to see a human being".
Loved the way the movie tackled racial discrimination in the US, the way sexual satisfaction tends to make humans happy, the way we are forced to think of our plight once we grow old... This movie touched so many nuances. Wouldn't call it one of the best movies I have seen.. Would call it a very good movie. But surely, a must watch.
There was a guy who was going to be executed, and he liked drawing. He said that he disliked pictures - portraits were better. This statement stood out: "Truly takes a human being to see a human being".
Loved the way the movie tackled racial discrimination in the US, the way sexual satisfaction tends to make humans happy, the way we are forced to think of our plight once we grow old... This movie touched so many nuances. Wouldn't call it one of the best movies I have seen.. Would call it a very good movie. But surely, a must watch.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Million Dollar Baby
I have seen many movies but I have not come across any actress who I have been crazy about, may be because there are very few woman-centric movies.
Never thought I would adore or be in awe of a female actor, but Hillary Swank... I have no better way of saying this. I am terribly attracted to her character in the movie, and on a certain level, to her. Clint Eastwood lends charisma to the movie and Hillary is simply outstanding. The movie does get a bit slow towards the end but certain aspects of human relationships were highlighted so well that it made me smile.
What was the bond that Clint and Swank shared? Why was Swank so loyal to her family? What emotions did Freeman go through the entire movie? Why was Clint such a devout follower of a religion? The movie was made magnificently and I'm not surprised that it won the best movie, best directing and best actress awards at the Oscar.
Never thought I would adore or be in awe of a female actor, but Hillary Swank... I have no better way of saying this. I am terribly attracted to her character in the movie, and on a certain level, to her. Clint Eastwood lends charisma to the movie and Hillary is simply outstanding. The movie does get a bit slow towards the end but certain aspects of human relationships were highlighted so well that it made me smile.
What was the bond that Clint and Swank shared? Why was Swank so loyal to her family? What emotions did Freeman go through the entire movie? Why was Clint such a devout follower of a religion? The movie was made magnificently and I'm not surprised that it won the best movie, best directing and best actress awards at the Oscar.
Before Sunset
A simple movie, a simple plot, complex emotions and a messy history filled with regret. A guy (Ethan Hawke) and a girl (Julie Delpy) met nine years ago, spent an evening and a night together, promised to meet each other six months thence; the guy arrived, the girl did not. They did not see each other for the next 9 years. The guy wrote a book about his life and that night. He comes to Paris (Julie's hometown), and they meet each other at the bookstore where he's signing books.
The movie begins, they walk, they talk. They laugh and they break down (internally, at least). You see the love in their mannerisms and in their eyes; you see that they don't know if they want it, you see that both of them are overjoyed and overwhelmed. One can continually smile through the movie and hope that they end up together. The movie ends rather abruptly but on a positive and joyous note.
There isn't much to describe but it is, by far, one of my all-time favourites.
The movie begins, they walk, they talk. They laugh and they break down (internally, at least). You see the love in their mannerisms and in their eyes; you see that they don't know if they want it, you see that both of them are overjoyed and overwhelmed. One can continually smile through the movie and hope that they end up together. The movie ends rather abruptly but on a positive and joyous note.
There isn't much to describe but it is, by far, one of my all-time favourites.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Serendipity
Predictable, corny, warm, cute and a good watch with one's 'partner' ;) I saw it for the first time with my ex, at which time I really liked it; now, eh...
It's a cute movie and it has one of my favourite looking actresses - Kate Beckinsale. I must say that the concept is quite cool; collides with Coelho's 'The Zahir', something about following signs and following your heart and blah.
What struck me was the fact that the name of the movie which means 'A fortunate accident', not quite what happened during the movie with me but quite amusing nonetheless.
The first few notes of Black Eyed Dog - Nick Drake - played during 2 scenes of the movie; filled me with warmth; the song did not play, only the first few notes :)
Watch the movie if you just want to unwind and relax.
It's a cute movie and it has one of my favourite looking actresses - Kate Beckinsale. I must say that the concept is quite cool; collides with Coelho's 'The Zahir', something about following signs and following your heart and blah.
What struck me was the fact that the name of the movie which means 'A fortunate accident', not quite what happened during the movie with me but quite amusing nonetheless.
The first few notes of Black Eyed Dog - Nick Drake - played during 2 scenes of the movie; filled me with warmth; the song did not play, only the first few notes :)
Watch the movie if you just want to unwind and relax.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Bavra Mann
Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi: Bavra Mann
Translation by 'Anonymous' and some edition by me:
The bewitched mind is on its way to dream
The bewitched mind, see, has bewitched thoughts
Crazy are its heartbeats, crazy are its breaths
Why does sleep run away from the crazy twisting and turning
The bewitched eyes long to, through the crazy windows, watch bewitching sights
The bewitched mind is on its way to dream
In this crazy world, I wish I had some bewitching company!
With this scheming crowd around, I wish in my hands were your's
Wish there was a bewitching melody and a bewitching composition
My bewitched feet desire to dance to the bewitching tunes of bewitching lyrics
The bewitched mind is on its way to dream
I wish the darkness was bewitching and so were the silences
I wish quivering lips go easy, the intoxication is bewitching!
One bewitched veil, slowly tells us of the break of dawn, wants to slip away from a bewitched face
The bewitched mind is on its way to dream...
Translation by 'Anonymous' and some edition by me:
The bewitched mind is on its way to dream
The bewitched mind, see, has bewitched thoughts
Crazy are its heartbeats, crazy are its breaths
Why does sleep run away from the crazy twisting and turning
The bewitched eyes long to, through the crazy windows, watch bewitching sights
The bewitched mind is on its way to dream
In this crazy world, I wish I had some bewitching company!
With this scheming crowd around, I wish in my hands were your's
Wish there was a bewitching melody and a bewitching composition
My bewitched feet desire to dance to the bewitching tunes of bewitching lyrics
The bewitched mind is on its way to dream
I wish the darkness was bewitching and so were the silences
I wish quivering lips go easy, the intoxication is bewitching!
One bewitched veil, slowly tells us of the break of dawn, wants to slip away from a bewitched face
The bewitched mind is on its way to dream...
Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi
Emotions when hidden, stories when unsaid, and love when unconsummated can create pieces of art that stay engraved.
I cried twice during this movie and was filled with rage once.
The name of the movie means: "A thousand desires such as this..." The literal translation may not be possible as the name implies something and is open to interpretation.
A story that seems to be about ideologies but is in fact about emotions, behaviours, choices, helplessness and unbridled suffering; great work by Shiney Ahuja, Chitrangada Singh (possibly one of the most beautiful women I have seen) and Kay Kay Menon.
Period movies rarely rear their heads from the Indian stable; there are a lot of untold stories from India's past, possibly because Indian film-makers do not have the courage to make them - which is quite understandable.
Technically unsound, weird editing, but the silence spoke and the story was told. A movie that should be seen for there are a lot of things that this movie can make one think of, because art, at times, has rough edges, because pain is difficult to feel - and this movie gets one close to it. I may sound a bit too poetic about this, but such is the movie.
I cried twice during this movie and was filled with rage once.
The name of the movie means: "A thousand desires such as this..." The literal translation may not be possible as the name implies something and is open to interpretation.
A story that seems to be about ideologies but is in fact about emotions, behaviours, choices, helplessness and unbridled suffering; great work by Shiney Ahuja, Chitrangada Singh (possibly one of the most beautiful women I have seen) and Kay Kay Menon.
Period movies rarely rear their heads from the Indian stable; there are a lot of untold stories from India's past, possibly because Indian film-makers do not have the courage to make them - which is quite understandable.
Technically unsound, weird editing, but the silence spoke and the story was told. A movie that should be seen for there are a lot of things that this movie can make one think of, because art, at times, has rough edges, because pain is difficult to feel - and this movie gets one close to it. I may sound a bit too poetic about this, but such is the movie.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Snatch
Weird accents, intelligent humour, classy cinematography, great editing, semi-convoluted plot.
"You should never underestimate the reliability of stupidity."
An intelligently made movie that stands out. It's as though the ingredients of the movie can be isolated and appreciated, but the movie in its entirety is also awesome.
There is a smart narration that goes on through the narration.
Silly sound effects and flash-back snapshots.
The piker accent.
One liners such as, "In the quiet words of the Virgin Mary, come again?"
Brutal scenes (kind of).
Memorable characters such as Mickey, Boris the Bullet Dodger, Franky Four Fingers, Turkish, Bullet Tooth Tony, Brick Top (Sometimes, the names are more memorable than the characters).
A fitting soundtrack.
And for once, no actor stood out; the movie was bigger than any particular character.
"Speak English to me Tony, I thought this country spun the fuckin' language and so far nobody seems to speak it!"
"You should never underestimate the reliability of stupidity."
An intelligently made movie that stands out. It's as though the ingredients of the movie can be isolated and appreciated, but the movie in its entirety is also awesome.
There is a smart narration that goes on through the narration.
Silly sound effects and flash-back snapshots.
The piker accent.
One liners such as, "In the quiet words of the Virgin Mary, come again?"
Brutal scenes (kind of).
Memorable characters such as Mickey, Boris the Bullet Dodger, Franky Four Fingers, Turkish, Bullet Tooth Tony, Brick Top (Sometimes, the names are more memorable than the characters).
A fitting soundtrack.
And for once, no actor stood out; the movie was bigger than any particular character.
"Speak English to me Tony, I thought this country spun the fuckin' language and so far nobody seems to speak it!"
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
East of Eden
Shakespearean - that's what I would like to call this movie. A story about lust, jealousy, greed, naivety and ambition. I had often heard about James Dean and always wondered why he was so critically applauded; now I know why. He was a child in this movie (metaphor) and he played that character to perfection. The movie revolved around relationships within the family, flaws of human society and customs and James's search for himself.
What makes it special? The character is not loud or in your face; rather, one can see the confusion on the child's face and every drop of emotion comes out so strongly. There is an elan coupled with confusion and aggression. There were moments when I simply gaped in awe at James's face; partly because he seemed flawless, and partly because he was a gorgeous guy.
Physical struggles are difficult to perform convincingly, but emotional struggles are near impossible to portray well; I do not know how James managed to do so, but he did it very well.
I saw in this movie what I see everyday - flaws in human society and the idiosyncrasies of each individual, and I saw in this movie an actor that could have been cherished.
What makes it special? The character is not loud or in your face; rather, one can see the confusion on the child's face and every drop of emotion comes out so strongly. There is an elan coupled with confusion and aggression. There were moments when I simply gaped in awe at James's face; partly because he seemed flawless, and partly because he was a gorgeous guy.
Physical struggles are difficult to perform convincingly, but emotional struggles are near impossible to portray well; I do not know how James managed to do so, but he did it very well.
I saw in this movie what I see everyday - flaws in human society and the idiosyncrasies of each individual, and I saw in this movie an actor that could have been cherished.
Friday, March 26, 2010
This Boy's Life
One of those that gets lost in the plethora of movies that rush by year on year... A great story that every child can relate to, even though it may be in the smallest of ways. I wonder if people knew that Leonardo DiCaprio would one day be as big an actor as he is today... I have seen a lot of his movies and his performance in this one stands out; he was a natural.
The new father (De Niro) seems paternal at times and turns to his wicked side all of a sudden; a fabulous actor in his own right but is overshadowed by DiCaprio in this flick.
I believe that most great movies are made great through the cast, its ability to convince an audience and the director's ability to mould everything together - all of which have been achieved. One can't help but believe that this is Tobias Wolff (DiCaprio) himself, as this movie is based on his childhood.
One notices the mother's helplessness, the new father's own dark background and resentment, Tobias's friends, Tobias's different sides and the raw emotion in almost each scene. There was nothing over the top, given that De Niro's performances are, at times, too 'in your face'. Every part of the movie blended perfectly with the other and a reason for this could be the fact that this was Tobias's real story - writers are often overlooked, but it is they who plant the seed for what can be a great on-screen story.
The new father (De Niro) seems paternal at times and turns to his wicked side all of a sudden; a fabulous actor in his own right but is overshadowed by DiCaprio in this flick.
I believe that most great movies are made great through the cast, its ability to convince an audience and the director's ability to mould everything together - all of which have been achieved. One can't help but believe that this is Tobias Wolff (DiCaprio) himself, as this movie is based on his childhood.
One notices the mother's helplessness, the new father's own dark background and resentment, Tobias's friends, Tobias's different sides and the raw emotion in almost each scene. There was nothing over the top, given that De Niro's performances are, at times, too 'in your face'. Every part of the movie blended perfectly with the other and a reason for this could be the fact that this was Tobias's real story - writers are often overlooked, but it is they who plant the seed for what can be a great on-screen story.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Big Fish
Our lives are too boring; exaggerate. One of very few true fantasies intertwined with reality. One never knew (nor did the Son) where reality waned and imagination erupted. But somehow, as one watches the movie, one cannot help but believe in every nugget of information even though it may well be absurd.
"She said that the biggest fish in the river gets that way by never being caught." Is this statement a positive or a negative? Figure it out :)
For me, this movie signified story-telling in its rawest form; such that it would generate a buzz long after the storyteller was dead and gone. Could this be how many of the folk stories and mythologies came into being?
Edward Bloom was pure, free-spirited, gutsy, dumb and a child - till he died. One of those movies where most of the actors were replaceable, but the story and the screenplay were exquisite - and nothing could have changed that. Only later did I come to know that this movie was directed by Tim Burton, which draws a perfect parallel with Alice in Wonderland :)
"She said that the biggest fish in the river gets that way by never being caught." Is this statement a positive or a negative? Figure it out :)
For me, this movie signified story-telling in its rawest form; such that it would generate a buzz long after the storyteller was dead and gone. Could this be how many of the folk stories and mythologies came into being?
Edward Bloom was pure, free-spirited, gutsy, dumb and a child - till he died. One of those movies where most of the actors were replaceable, but the story and the screenplay were exquisite - and nothing could have changed that. Only later did I come to know that this movie was directed by Tim Burton, which draws a perfect parallel with Alice in Wonderland :)
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Cape Fear
Revenge is what makes us human, may be. Directed by Martin Scorsese and even though I believe that it would have been more refined had it been created today, he did an excellent job of giving Robert De Niro his identity - fantastic acting; Martin played with gore and nudged at us with hints of brutality. The movie definitely lives up to its name.
When we watch older movies (this one was released in 1991 - and was in fact a remake of a movie by the same name from 1962) we notice how difficult it would have been for a creator to paint his/ her movie, and therefore we notice the flaws.
The end of the movie was very well chalked out (although it was poorly pictured, relative to current standards) and that is when Max Cady (De Niro) surprises the audience, with his brutality, grit and sheer insanity; when he turns back to talk to the camera as an attorney talking to a judge, how he is able to weather physical pain and when he sinks down to the river bed while uttering incoherent 'sounds?'
When we watch older movies (this one was released in 1991 - and was in fact a remake of a movie by the same name from 1962) we notice how difficult it would have been for a creator to paint his/ her movie, and therefore we notice the flaws.
The end of the movie was very well chalked out (although it was poorly pictured, relative to current standards) and that is when Max Cady (De Niro) surprises the audience, with his brutality, grit and sheer insanity; when he turns back to talk to the camera as an attorney talking to a judge, how he is able to weather physical pain and when he sinks down to the river bed while uttering incoherent 'sounds?'
The Shawshank Redemption
A well-said story that went about at its own pace just to surprise us with a smile in the end - but highly overrated. For me, it was a story about a man who tried to keep his peace, work his way through pain; he lived with complete knowledge of his innocence; he knew that he had to find a way out, and was determined. Perseverance, Focus and Humility.
I couldn't help but think of all that we take for granted; particularly, freedom. This movie brings out a different perspective to life - Get busy living or get busy dying.
Quotes:
"What the fuck do you care, new fish? Doesn't fuckin' matter what his name was; he's dead."
"You know what the Mexicans say about the Pacific?"
"No."
"They say it has no memory; that's where I want to live the rest of my life... One place with no memory."
"Get busy living or get busy dying."
I couldn't help but think of all that we take for granted; particularly, freedom. This movie brings out a different perspective to life - Get busy living or get busy dying.
Quotes:
"What the fuck do you care, new fish? Doesn't fuckin' matter what his name was; he's dead."
"You know what the Mexicans say about the Pacific?"
"No."
"They say it has no memory; that's where I want to live the rest of my life... One place with no memory."
"Get busy living or get busy dying."
Friday, March 5, 2010
M
Fritz Lang's M is a movie in German that was released in 1931. The story is about a psychotic child murderer and potentially, a rapist. It's an old movie, one which could well be set in today's time sans some of today's technology; very similar to how 12 Angry Men could be an everlasting classic. The insanity is well portrayed by Peter Lorre and even though the movie seems to be going towards an expected end, it doesn't. The last 30 minutes or so of the movie are very powerful, powerful to such an extent that it can glue a viewer to his / her seat, think, question and sympathise. Peter Lorre was beautiful and his eyes were perfect - one who watches the movie will know what I am referring to. He was theatrical and he was the psychotic killer whom he portrayed. Be afraid of people who whistle a tune.
When one watches old movies, one notices how there was so much emphasis on the story and on the direction. The actors had to work harder, and one can see it in their performances (at times). One can see how movies have changed; they are more colourful now (pun intended) and the movies are louder. One also notices how times have changed and how society has changed. This is one of the beautiful aspects of movie-making - preservation of the people as they used to be.
When one watches old movies, one notices how there was so much emphasis on the story and on the direction. The actors had to work harder, and one can see it in their performances (at times). One can see how movies have changed; they are more colourful now (pun intended) and the movies are louder. One also notices how times have changed and how society has changed. This is one of the beautiful aspects of movie-making - preservation of the people as they used to be.
Once
Glen is an emotional, care-free singer who writes meaningfully and the Irish charm pours from his face while he sings.
Marketa has the cutest innocence and a unique accent; she is confused and stuck and sad.
This movie was made whole through the music and creations by Glen Hansard, etc. A sweet movie with a twisted romance that has, what most would believe to be, a sad ending. For me, it signified joy; it was an uncanny, short-lived, memorable and meaningful relationship between Glen and Marketa. Both of them were broken and torn and they saved each other - a fact that is easily overlooked. It seemed a true story and the ease with which Marketa and Glen played their characters made one believe wholly in their stories.
A part that stuck with me:
Marketa playing the piano towards the end of the movie and the look on Glen's face with his eyes shining and his mouth open, as though in horror. She sings well and she looks great and then she breaks down before completing the song. He says nothing, rubs her back and says, "Did you write that for your husband?"
What ensues, can make a viewer so confused and sad and hopeful. The viewer can see how much they fit and how much they care for each other, but Marketa is attached to her child and mother and still longs for her husband. Till the very end, the viewer hopes that they find a way to be together...
Marketa has the cutest innocence and a unique accent; she is confused and stuck and sad.
This movie was made whole through the music and creations by Glen Hansard, etc. A sweet movie with a twisted romance that has, what most would believe to be, a sad ending. For me, it signified joy; it was an uncanny, short-lived, memorable and meaningful relationship between Glen and Marketa. Both of them were broken and torn and they saved each other - a fact that is easily overlooked. It seemed a true story and the ease with which Marketa and Glen played their characters made one believe wholly in their stories.
A part that stuck with me:
Marketa playing the piano towards the end of the movie and the look on Glen's face with his eyes shining and his mouth open, as though in horror. She sings well and she looks great and then she breaks down before completing the song. He says nothing, rubs her back and says, "Did you write that for your husband?"
What ensues, can make a viewer so confused and sad and hopeful. The viewer can see how much they fit and how much they care for each other, but Marketa is attached to her child and mother and still longs for her husband. Till the very end, the viewer hopes that they find a way to be together...
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Taxi Driver
The character was so flawed, from the very beginning, and everything went astray from the first half of the movie onwards. The end seemed rather poor but served its purpose well. Robert De Niro was fabulous without a doubt; but the real gem lay in the character that was created by the writer and shape given to it by Martin Scorsese. A particular part of the movie stood out:
This is when Robert meets the secret service agent and Robert acts like, or is, a complete moron, similar to a village idiot; he was very convincing - It reminded me of real idiots who mouth inane sentences and people at the receiving end tend to have monologues running through their minds. Also, the length of that encounter did not seem to serve a real purpose, which stuck out for me.
This is when Robert meets the secret service agent and Robert acts like, or is, a complete moron, similar to a village idiot; he was very convincing - It reminded me of real idiots who mouth inane sentences and people at the receiving end tend to have monologues running through their minds. Also, the length of that encounter did not seem to serve a real purpose, which stuck out for me.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Fight Club
There is a particular scene from Fight Club that has stuck with me. It's when Tyler speaks of pain, control, acceptance and reality.
Excerpts: After Tyler sprinkles lye on the 'Narrator's' hand.
Narrator Voice Over: I tried not to think of the words searing flesh.
Tyler: Stop it! This is your pain. This is your burning hand its right here.
Tyler: This is the greatest moment of your life and you’re off somewhere missing it
Narrator: I am not! [sobbing and grunting in pain]
Tyler: Shut up. Our fathers were our models for god, if our fathers bailed what does that tell you about god?
Slap.
Tyler: Listen to me! You have to consider the possibility that God does not like you; never wanted you; and in all probability... he hates you. It's not the worst thing that can happen. We don't need him!! Fuck damnation man! Fuck redemption!!
We are God's unwanted children? SO BE IT!!
Tyler: Listen to me. You can run water over your hand to make it worse, or, look at me. [Their eyes meet.] Or you can use vinegar to neutralize the burn
Narrator: Please let me have it!! Please!! [sobbing]
Tyler: First you have to give up. First you have to know, not fear, know that one day you are going to die.
Tyler: Its only after we’ve lost everything that we’re free to do anything.
Thank you to : http://blaiseryan.wordpress.com/2009/01/08/fight-club-quote-%E2%80%9Cits-only-after-we%E2%80%99ve-lost-everything-that-we%E2%80%99re-free-to-do-anything%E2%80%9D/
Although, there was a part in the middle about God that, I believe, he was too scared to write about :D
Quotes:
"With insomnia nothing's real; everything's far away; everything's a copy of a copy of a copy."
"This is your life and it's ending one minute at a time."
"If you wake up at a different time, in a different place, could you wake up as a different person?"
"Things you own end up owning you."
"You're not the car you drive, you're not the contents of your wallet, you're not your fuckin' khakis; you're the all singing all dancing crap of the world."
"Listen up maggots: you're not special, you're not a beautiful or unique snowflake, you're the same decaying organic matter as everything else; we're the all singing all dancing crap of the world."
Excerpts: After Tyler sprinkles lye on the 'Narrator's' hand.
Narrator Voice Over: I tried not to think of the words searing flesh.
Tyler: Stop it! This is your pain. This is your burning hand its right here.
Tyler: This is the greatest moment of your life and you’re off somewhere missing it
Narrator: I am not! [sobbing and grunting in pain]
Tyler: Shut up. Our fathers were our models for god, if our fathers bailed what does that tell you about god?
Slap.
Tyler: Listen to me! You have to consider the possibility that God does not like you; never wanted you; and in all probability... he hates you. It's not the worst thing that can happen. We don't need him!! Fuck damnation man! Fuck redemption!!
We are God's unwanted children? SO BE IT!!
Tyler: Listen to me. You can run water over your hand to make it worse, or, look at me. [Their eyes meet.] Or you can use vinegar to neutralize the burn
Narrator: Please let me have it!! Please!! [sobbing]
Tyler: First you have to give up. First you have to know, not fear, know that one day you are going to die.
Tyler: Its only after we’ve lost everything that we’re free to do anything.
Thank you to : http://blaiseryan.wordpress.com/2009/01/08/fight-club-quote-%E2%80%9Cits-only-after-we%E2%80%99ve-lost-everything-that-we%E2%80%99re-free-to-do-anything%E2%80%9D/
Although, there was a part in the middle about God that, I believe, he was too scared to write about :D
Quotes:
"With insomnia nothing's real; everything's far away; everything's a copy of a copy of a copy."
"This is your life and it's ending one minute at a time."
"If you wake up at a different time, in a different place, could you wake up as a different person?"
"Things you own end up owning you."
"You're not the car you drive, you're not the contents of your wallet, you're not your fuckin' khakis; you're the all singing all dancing crap of the world."
"Listen up maggots: you're not special, you're not a beautiful or unique snowflake, you're the same decaying organic matter as everything else; we're the all singing all dancing crap of the world."
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