Oscar Watch: Slumdog Millionaire

By Patrick, on January 28th, 2009 at 08:30 AM

Last Friday I was able to watch Slumdog Millionaire with Carrie, and I have to say I’m really glad it was nominated for Best Picture.

The story focused on Jamal Malik (Dev Patel), a Mumbai teen from the slums who reaches the final question on the Indian version of “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?” The boy is then interrogated by the police under suspicion of cheating. Throughout the film Malik walks through his embattled life as he explains how he knew all the answers.

I thought Malik’s character was ok, he appeared too lifeless at times, especially for a boy who’s been through so much and was chasing for his true love. I would of loved to see more passion or drive in his chase.

The film has been criticized with it’s depiction of caste and clases in India. While it’s something I vaguely remembered in school, the story really brought the issue back to attention with me. I think in today’s modern society arcane practices such as that need to go by the wayside.

The images and cinematography was great. I particularly enjoyed a shot of money in a bathtub in the beginning of the movie, it really fit in over the Millionaire TV soundtrack. The use of stop motion frame rates was interesting and it appeared as if some of the wide shots were composites but I can’t be for sure. The film is a modern rags to riches story with a search for love mixed in; however the movie still stays true to it’s Bollywood roots. The themes of written destiny were prevalent and even though the movie didn’t have the cheesy signing and dancing, they made sure they covered their bases with a number during the credits. I couldn’t help but laugh at the number, their moves were so bad! I particularly loved the fist in front of the face motion they kept doing.

The film has been nominated for ten Oscars including Best Picture, Best Director, Editing, and a bunch of sound awards including two songs for Best Song. I think Slumdog Millionaire is a great story that should be recognized at least on the screenplay level. The cinematography was excellent so I hope it wins that one- and I think it was strong with editing as well.