Slumdog Millionare (2008)

I had a chance to view "Slumdog Millionare" this weekend as it arrived in town amongst the other Oscar hoopla films. The theatre was packed and the attendees ranged from teenagers to several individuals well into their 60s and 70s. I mention this because I felt that the subject matter of the film had great appeal to all age groups and the film itself was a very enjoyable experience overall. Though I am initially hesitant about films where there is an overabundance of Oscar buzz, I decided to try and go into the film with an open mind and sense of positivity.
What I found most enjoyable about the film was the direction and editing. "Slumdog" is a very beautiful film and vibrant with color. Though the subject matter of the film was very bleak and depressing, I found it nice that Boyle chose to use color as a means of portraying Indian culture in all of its alluring majesty. Even the scenes filmed in the poorer parts of town, stood out in contrast to depictions employed by other directors, who often overuse darker colors as a means to symbolize the inner and outer struggles of the lower class. Boyle's India, while similarly sad and emotionally binding, offers a glimmer of hope and prosperity in a world foreign to many of its viewers.
The camera work and editing in "Slumdog" are equally impressive and I my expectations (after viewing such films as "Millions," "28 Days Later," and "Trainspotting") were again exceeded. Boyle has a great eye for direction and captures some very impressive shots from various perspectives. The scenes, which are especially noteworthy, are the numerous chase sequences throughout the film. These scenes are cutting and quick and transition from characters running through multiple still frames to an assortment of high action tracking shots. I was also particularly impressed with Boyle's choice of film. In an age of digital clarity, Boyle chose to create a more subtle and grainier film. I thought that this was a very nice touch and have to applaud him for taking a chance on a very well done artistic decision.
The acting in "Slumdog" was very good and I thought that all three incarnations of the main actors did a very nice job of portraying their characters. I was most impressed with the characterization of the older brother, Salim. Though may the most complex of the three leads, the younger and older actors did a nice job of bringing this character to life.
Though much of my experience with "Slumdog" was very positive, I found that the plot of the film lacked in creativity. In a culture obsessed with reality television and game shows, drawing on a specific pop cultural icon (i.e. "Who Wants to Be a Millionare") is a bit too easy and trite. For such a serious film, I often found myself in disbelief that something so mechanical had been worked into a plot. During the scene where the children were in the storm pipe (approx. 15-30 minutes in), I turned to my wife and told her what the final "Millionare" question was going to be. Though I heard a few gasps when the question was revealed at the end of the film, I couldn't help but to look at my wife and sneer in disbelief. Before going to the theatre, I had seen an article, which professed "Slumdog" as the "feel good movie of the year" and I couldn't disagree more. If we are to take some sort of solace from this film, I feel that it has to be at the expense of another culture. The film is conclusively wrapped in a pretty pink bow and it's a shame that much of the struggle and plight of the characters is lost in translation on the audience. I feel that the film unintentionally mimics our culture in that it asserts that the end-all means to financial independence and removal from a bleak socioeconomic environment is through attaining fame (i.e. reality shows, game shows, sports, etc.).
Though I had some issues with the plot and message, I felt that "Slumdog Millionare" was a very enjoyable film. While I think that the Academy will ultimately choose it for "Best Motion Picture," for its accessability and wide audience appreciation. I would certainly put a few others above it.

3 out of 4