I know this movie has been out for a few weeks already, but better late than never:
Slumdog Millionaire is hands down the best movie I’ve seen so far this year, other than The Dark Knight. No other movie has come even close. Director Danny Boyle has turned in some of the most dazzling work I’ve ever seen, taking an already riveting tale and squeezing every possible ounce of tension, excitement and emotion from it. From literally the moment the movie begins, we are given a perfectly executed time-fragmented narrative, one mind-blowing & dazzling shot after another, some incredible performances from a lot of very talented young Indian actors, and a rare view into the world of present-day Mumbai to which most of us have had no prior exposure. Start to finish, Boyle puts his foot on the gas and never lets up, to marvelous success.
Reminiscent of the work of director Fernando Meirelles, especially his equally amazingly shot/tense story of slum life in Rio de Janeiro, City of God, Boyle delivers perhaps the most visually arresting film I’ve ever seen, but not without a strong narrative to support such powerful stylistic choices. In particular, the way Boyle shoots the film’s several chase scenes is simply unparalleled in cinematic history (yes, its a bold claim, but can you think of anything better? That first chase scene from the airfield through the slums? Worth an Oscar for that sequence alone). The films only shortcomings are a handful of convenient plot points/character turns towards the end that help tie up a few narrative loose ends, but by this point, the film has earned the right to do whatever the hell it wants because it’s been so damn good. I’m already counting the seconds until I get to watch it again.
You simply must see this movie. Make it your absolute first priority. Run, don’t walk.
Grade: A
nice stuff there. making me want to see it now.
yes, there are some big claims, but then you’ve nicely backed them up – just like Boyle has done in the film I’m guessing?
can’t wait till it’s over here.
Great to hear from you, Sandy! Thanks for weighing in– I’m surprised its not already over there, as Boyle is a Brit himself. Check the papers– go see it as soon as it opens!
Aside from Rachel Getting Married and the Dark Knight, this was definitely the best film of the year. However, I did find the dancing sequence at the end a bit too much. I know it was a throwback to Bollywood, but it still kind of killed the ‘mystique’ of the film for me; it was like the outtakes at the end of Being There. Regardless, nice review.
By the way, you never really did give a proper review of the Dark Knight; judging by your comments you clearly liked it, but I would love to read a more detailed write-up.
Also, seeing as how much you love ESOTSM, did you see Charlie Kaufman’s new film, Synecdoche, New York? It was certainly flawed, but I found it to be an incredibly authentic and rightfully convoluted passage into a writer’s mind. Def worth checking out.
And thank you for turning me on to Chuck, the most consistently entertaining show on TV! Keep up the good work!
Hey Alvy, thanks for the comments! Let me respond to each of your points:
1. I can understand how you might have been put off by the Bollywood dance number at the end, but I really liked it. It certainly is a shift in tone, but its a traditional Bollywood ending, and it celebrates the happy ending Jamal and Latika finally have together. Don’t hate, celebrate!
2. The Dark Knight — there isn’t much I can say that hasn’t already been said. I thought this movie was spectacular. I saw it at midnight on Thursday night when it came out, then again that Saturday night. It was just so enrapturing and powerful– My three favorite elements of the movie:
a. Heath Ledger (who better win a frickin Oscar– he’s just too damn good).
b. Sound effects/editing (I’ve never heard gunshots that rocked me the way the ones in this movie did, especially in the opening bank robbery scene, which by the way, was one of the best bank heists in movie history).
c. Tone — one of the darkest movies I’ve ever seen. Batman has to choose between essentially killing Harvey Dent or the love of his life. The Joker murders for the fun of it. Wannabe Batman roam the streets. It was just tougher, grittier and edgier more visceral than any action/superhero I’ve ever seen.
3. Haven’t watched Synecdoche yet — I certainly intend to, and I’ll drop a line here about my thoughts, just for you Alvy!
4. So glad you like Chuck! I knew you would!
Thanks for all the kind words!
Jonah,
We saw Slumdog when Rachel was home. I agree with your review! It was the best! Hope you are having a fun trip with your family.
Love to all.