I’m not really sure when the idea of realistic became synonymous with unhappy. Yes, this is a fairytale in many ways and yes, it’s Dickensian. Why does it need an unhappy ending? Why does it have to be political? This movie takes place in the slums of India, where countless numbers of people are in a situation they can’t escape, and many never try to escape. There’s a sense that this is where they are and where they will always be.
What kind of person can escape such a life? There are two roads shown here. There’s the one where you succumb to it all, the way his brother days. To try and rise above it, he covers himself and in all the worst parts of that area. He tries to harness it all, he takes advantage of others to try and stop others from taking advantage of him. But he never escapes from it. The only one who can escape a world like that, who could hold on to hope, is a dreamer. He’s not ambitious, just hopeful. He has many terrible things but instead of succumbing to it all he tries to hold on to the good he can find in the world – Latika. I think the movie is over hyped, but then underdogs and big successes usually are. I still really enjoyed it. The final question felt a bit much and too coincidental for me, but not enough to deter my enjoyment of it all.
@Juan – In response to “What’s the deal with that dance scene and those motion graphics credits? …I guess “it was written”.”
The dance scene would be referencing the entire Bollywood cinema which was infused throughout that film. You may not like that kind of cinema, but it’s a legit cinematic form, and I wouldn’t consider it tacky just because it’s not your preferred cinema.
I wasn’t trying to refer to why it deserves to be nominated over a Bollywood film or not, simply trying to explain why there was a dance a the end. And yes, generally, the best picture films are films in English. But I find that to be pretty similar in other parts of the world, every country’s version of the Oscars tends to favor those from it’s own country/language. I love Bollywood but I think it would be a while until it has a chance at the Oscars. In general, I find Bollywood weaker in their storylines, although often stronger in visuals. I do love Bollywood, but I’d say it’s unfair to compare it to a fusion film or vice versa. “Slumdog Millionaire” isn’t a faux version of a ‘genuine’ “Devdas”. It just has some influences from Mumbai.
Humiliation? Nonsense. It would be fascinating to have a Bollywood film in contention though. I mostly find it amazing that a film could have so many nomination and yet it’s not nominated in the acting categories. Not that I think it should be nominated in the acting categories, none of the roles seemed very challenging or impressive to me, but it’s interesting to think about. I’m going to guess 6 wins.
Sully – France didn’t nominate “I’ve Loved You So Long”, they nominated “The Class” so that’s why it wasn’t picked in the end. They must have thought “The Class” had a higher shot at winning. I too was surprised that “Gomorrah” didn’t make it, but I’m actually the odd one out and am not disappointed by that.
I haven’t seen many of the nominees though, and always try to get my hands on the unseen nominees as soon as they’re released in the US.
I think it’s all exaggerated. I’m 24, my friends all know who James Dean is. I think everyone has different taste and that’s fine, but know the big names should be a given. It’s like not knowing her Marilyn Monroe is. It’s not that someone needs to have gone and seen all her movies and be able to argue whether or not she was any good or just a pretty face who died young. But to think that you would believe that this entire generation wouldn’t even know the name of James Dean seems a little off.
Samurai, yeah it was written by the same guy…and it later came out that he pretty much just took his first screenplay and redid it. Even Ebert on his site said there would probably actually be booing had Roth won for best Adapted screenplay. He took the lazy route and took his own formula and changed it up a little bit.
As for the movie, I think it’s great that Criterion is able to do movies that are coming right out. They’re doing it with Revanche too. And if movies like Armageddon count, then why not this?
Honestly, I don’t think he’s the prime example of the point you’re trying to make. He had an unbelievably unfair trial. He, and both lawyers, were told that if he did the psychiatric treatment (which was in a jail with inmates) that he would be put on probation and that would be that. All sides agreed to it. Then the judge decided he didn’t like how the media was portraying him and he went back on his word. Polanski did everything he was supposed to and then the rug was pulled out from under him. The justice system failed. It’s not about him being a celebrity or not. He’s also already settled out of court with the girl. This is purely the state pursuing this now.
Do I think his original sentence and deal was light for the crime? Hell yes. But he went through with it and was told what would happen, he complied, and then the judge decided that the legal system meant nothing. He was later removed from the case, but it’s ridiculous all-around. I don’t think this is really about celebrity at all. It’s a case gone horribly wrong. He fled but he fled something very corrupt and he technically served the time he was supposed to. In essence he would be sentenced twice, and no matter what the crime, the justice system only has the right to make a criminal pay for his crimes once.
Since Nine is getting such press right now I thought this might be a fun topic. There’s a song in there called “Cinema Italiano” which praises the Italian films made during the years of Fellini.
So…what era/culture/movement would you praise in the film world? What about it do you especially love? What would you praise in the lyrics?
Someone please explain this to me. I’ve read in several places that she’s favored to win the Oscar. Why?!? She did fine, but there was really nothing challenging about her role at all.
Someone please explain this to me. I’ve read in several places that she’s favored to win the Oscar. Why?!? She did fine, but there was really nothing challenging about her role at all.
Honestly? Of ones that the Academy could recognize…I personally have seen Meryl Streep, Helen Mirren, and Gabourey Sidibe and would pick any of them over her.
I’d probably pick Meryl Streep honestly for Julie & Julia….the Academy doesn’t tend to like comedy, and I’m sure the people on here find it too commercial, but she really did completely transform. And she was brilliant in a so-so movie.
I will probably end up seeing Nine with my mother over Xmas, it seems like something she’d like. I hope with so many roles that at least one of them is brilliant. What’s Loren’s role in the film?
I think most people are going to be familiar with what’s around at the time. Younger people are more up to date with what’s come out recently. Of course older generations are going to be aware of James Dean, they were closer to when he was alive and current news. Yes, I think people should try and educate themselves in all areas but there are a lot of films out there and a lot of actors/actresses/directors etc. Everyone has their own personal taste.
I’ve been surprised by films some of my friends have never even heard of, let alone seen…but you know what? They’re usually willing to sit down and give the film a shot. As do I when they suggest something. Just give people the opportunity, most will take it.
I do and will continue to get a lot of crap for this but most recently…
UP
One very good wordless and emotional montage does not a good movie make. Clearly they weren’t aiming for kids either as they throw almost every possible depressing bit of life into that movie.
I think people general remember Best Pictures, but as far as it being a classic in the future…so hard to say. I personally don’t think it was groundbreaking or something that’s going to affect the future of cinema, but that’s really something only time will tell.
I loved that book but wow, the casting is nowhere near what I imagined in my head.
Not sure how I feel about Christoph Waltz. He was great in Inglourious Basterds but I’ve not seen him in anything else. He’s very funny, but that role shouldn’t be so…I don’t really have anything of his to compare it to.
Jardun – Yeah, i wouldn’t say I hated it but I honestly left the theater very disappointed. It’s my least favorite Pixar by far. I have no desire to ever re-watch it. And yet I know people who say they think it deserves best picture of the year. sigh
No. I think a performance should be based on the performance, not knowing anything else about what went into it. If the part is 100% believable within the rules of the film then they succeeded. I think the result is what should be judged not what it took to get there.
Just for curiosity’s sake…which 5-10 actors or actresses do you think will become stars in the next 10 or 20 years? I will leave the definition of ‘star’ up to you. It can be who you think will become a star, or who deserves it most. This can consist of young actors/actresses or older ones that just haven’t been given a fair shake.
Well I’m sure I’ll get lots of yelling from the forum about these but:
Pulp Fiction – I can see why people like it, and I can say positive things about it objectively, but I don’t like it
The Godfather, Part II – So not better than the first, and too much crammed in…granted I only saw it once a long time ago, but that was enough for me
No Country for Old Men
Although he’s not that young, I’d say that given the right vehicles, Joseph Gordon-Levitt could turn out some great roles. He’s come a long way since his childhood films, and he’s taking more risks.
Well I haven’t seen all his recent films, but yes, I quite liked him in Mysterious Skin. I still think he has lots of potential. I’m quite used to nobody agreeing with me though. I think he has a decent range, and has done different types of roles with success.
Why I didn't love Slumdog Millionaire. about 4 years ago
I’m not really sure when the idea of realistic became synonymous with unhappy. Yes, this is a fairytale in many ways and yes, it’s Dickensian. Why does it need an unhappy ending? Why does it have to be political? This movie takes place in the slums of India, where countless numbers of people are in a situation they can’t escape, and many never try to escape. There’s a sense that this is where they are and where they will always be.
What kind of person can escape such a life? There are two roads shown here. There’s the one where you succumb to it all, the way his brother days. To try and rise above it, he covers himself and in all the worst parts of that area. He tries to harness it all, he takes advantage of others to try and stop others from taking advantage of him. But he never escapes from it. The only one who can escape a world like that, who could hold on to hope, is a dreamer. He’s not ambitious, just hopeful. He has many terrible things but instead of succumbing to it all he tries to hold on to the good he can find in the world – Latika. I think the movie is over hyped, but then underdogs and big successes usually are. I still really enjoyed it. The final question felt a bit much and too coincidental for me, but not enough to deter my enjoyment of it all.
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how many oscars will slumdog millionaire win? about 4 years ago
@Juan – In response to “What’s the deal with that dance scene and those motion graphics credits? …I guess “it was written”.”
The dance scene would be referencing the entire Bollywood cinema which was infused throughout that film. You may not like that kind of cinema, but it’s a legit cinematic form, and I wouldn’t consider it tacky just because it’s not your preferred cinema.
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Movies That Should Be In the Criterion Collection about 4 years ago
Bin-jip / 3-Iron (Kim Ki-duk)
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how many oscars will slumdog millionaire win? about 4 years ago
I wasn’t trying to refer to why it deserves to be nominated over a Bollywood film or not, simply trying to explain why there was a dance a the end. And yes, generally, the best picture films are films in English. But I find that to be pretty similar in other parts of the world, every country’s version of the Oscars tends to favor those from it’s own country/language. I love Bollywood but I think it would be a while until it has a chance at the Oscars. In general, I find Bollywood weaker in their storylines, although often stronger in visuals. I do love Bollywood, but I’d say it’s unfair to compare it to a fusion film or vice versa. “Slumdog Millionaire” isn’t a faux version of a ‘genuine’ “Devdas”. It just has some influences from Mumbai.
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how many oscars will slumdog millionaire win? about 4 years ago
Humiliation? Nonsense. It would be fascinating to have a Bollywood film in contention though. I mostly find it amazing that a film could have so many nomination and yet it’s not nominated in the acting categories. Not that I think it should be nominated in the acting categories, none of the roles seemed very challenging or impressive to me, but it’s interesting to think about. I’m going to guess 6 wins.
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Foreign Film Nominations, 2009 about 4 years ago
Sully – France didn’t nominate “I’ve Loved You So Long”, they nominated “The Class” so that’s why it wasn’t picked in the end. They must have thought “The Class” had a higher shot at winning. I too was surprised that “Gomorrah” didn’t make it, but I’m actually the odd one out and am not disappointed by that.
I haven’t seen many of the nominees though, and always try to get my hands on the unseen nominees as soon as they’re released in the US.
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I have lost faith in the majority of the younger generation. about 4 years ago
I think it’s all exaggerated. I’m 24, my friends all know who James Dean is. I think everyone has different taste and that’s fine, but know the big names should be a given. It’s like not knowing her Marilyn Monroe is. It’s not that someone needs to have gone and seen all her movies and be able to argue whether or not she was any good or just a pretty face who died young. But to think that you would believe that this entire generation wouldn’t even know the name of James Dean seems a little off.
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IS "BENJAMIN BUTTON" WORTHY OF BEING IN THE COLLECTION? about 4 years ago
Samurai, yeah it was written by the same guy…and it later came out that he pretty much just took his first screenplay and redid it. Even Ebert on his site said there would probably actually be booing had Roth won for best Adapted screenplay. He took the lazy route and took his own formula and changed it up a little bit.
As for the movie, I think it’s great that Criterion is able to do movies that are coming right out. They’re doing it with Revanche too. And if movies like Armageddon count, then why not this?
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IF WE IGNORE 81/2 AND DOLCE VITA, WHAT'D BE THE BEST FELLINI MOVIE? about 4 years ago
Amarcord is actually my favorite Fellini movie all-around. La Strada would be a close second here.
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What films have you walked out on and why ? about 4 years ago
I can’t walk out on films. I don’t know why.
The only movie I fell asleep during was “Wag the Dog”. My mother did too.
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The Polanski Debate over 3 years ago
Honestly, I don’t think he’s the prime example of the point you’re trying to make. He had an unbelievably unfair trial. He, and both lawyers, were told that if he did the psychiatric treatment (which was in a jail with inmates) that he would be put on probation and that would be that. All sides agreed to it. Then the judge decided he didn’t like how the media was portraying him and he went back on his word. Polanski did everything he was supposed to and then the rug was pulled out from under him. The justice system failed. It’s not about him being a celebrity or not. He’s also already settled out of court with the girl. This is purely the state pursuing this now.
Do I think his original sentence and deal was light for the crime? Hell yes. But he went through with it and was told what would happen, he complied, and then the judge decided that the legal system meant nothing. He was later removed from the case, but it’s ridiculous all-around. I don’t think this is really about celebrity at all. It’s a case gone horribly wrong. He fled but he fled something very corrupt and he technically served the time he was supposed to. In essence he would be sentenced twice, and no matter what the crime, the justice system only has the right to make a criminal pay for his crimes once.
Go to Comment
What is your "Cinema Italiano"? over 3 years ago
Since Nine is getting such press right now I thought this might be a fun topic. There’s a song in there called “Cinema Italiano” which praises the Italian films made during the years of Fellini.
So…what era/culture/movement would you praise in the film world? What about it do you especially love? What would you praise in the lyrics?
Go to Comment
golden globe nominations over 3 years ago
Carey Mulligan for “An Education”
Someone please explain this to me. I’ve read in several places that she’s favored to win the Oscar. Why?!? She did fine, but there was really nothing challenging about her role at all.
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golden globe nominations over 3 years ago
Carey Mulligan for “An Education”
Someone please explain this to me. I’ve read in several places that she’s favored to win the Oscar. Why?!? She did fine, but there was really nothing challenging about her role at all.
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golden globe nominations over 3 years ago
Honestly? Of ones that the Academy could recognize…I personally have seen Meryl Streep, Helen Mirren, and Gabourey Sidibe and would pick any of them over her.
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golden globe nominations over 3 years ago
Not to mention I liked several of the performances in that movie better than her, so I still don’t understand why she’s being singled out.
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golden globe nominations over 3 years ago
I’d probably pick Meryl Streep honestly for Julie & Julia….the Academy doesn’t tend to like comedy, and I’m sure the people on here find it too commercial, but she really did completely transform. And she was brilliant in a so-so movie.
I will probably end up seeing Nine with my mother over Xmas, it seems like something she’d like. I hope with so many roles that at least one of them is brilliant. What’s Loren’s role in the film?
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What is your "Cinema Italiano"? over 3 years ago
Anyone?
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I have lost faith in the majority of the younger generation. about 3 years ago
I think most people are going to be familiar with what’s around at the time. Younger people are more up to date with what’s come out recently. Of course older generations are going to be aware of James Dean, they were closer to when he was alive and current news. Yes, I think people should try and educate themselves in all areas but there are a lot of films out there and a lot of actors/actresses/directors etc. Everyone has their own personal taste.
I’ve been surprised by films some of my friends have never even heard of, let alone seen…but you know what? They’re usually willing to sit down and give the film a shot. As do I when they suggest something. Just give people the opportunity, most will take it.
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What's the all time greatest movie? about 3 years ago
I don’t care if I’m a sellout. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is perfect to me.
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So what's the film that your friends loved and you thought was rubbish. about 3 years ago
I do and will continue to get a lot of crap for this but most recently…
UP
One very good wordless and emotional montage does not a good movie make. Clearly they weren’t aiming for kids either as they throw almost every possible depressing bit of life into that movie.
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Is No Country for Old Men a Modern Day Classic? about 3 years ago
I think people general remember Best Pictures, but as far as it being a classic in the future…so hard to say. I personally don’t think it was groundbreaking or something that’s going to affect the future of cinema, but that’s really something only time will tell.
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Water for Elephants, Sara Gruen/Movie Adaption (new) about 3 years ago
I loved that book but wow, the casting is nowhere near what I imagined in my head.
Not sure how I feel about Christoph Waltz. He was great in Inglourious Basterds but I’ve not seen him in anything else. He’s very funny, but that role shouldn’t be so…I don’t really have anything of his to compare it to.
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So what's the film that your friends loved and you thought was rubbish. about 3 years ago
Jardun – Yeah, i wouldn’t say I hated it but I honestly left the theater very disappointed. It’s my least favorite Pixar by far. I have no desire to ever re-watch it. And yet I know people who say they think it deserves best picture of the year. sigh
And I liked Juno.
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Should a performance be judged by how much the actor suffers? about 3 years ago
No. I think a performance should be based on the performance, not knowing anything else about what went into it. If the part is 100% believable within the rules of the film then they succeeded. I think the result is what should be judged not what it took to get there.
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Your Top 5 or 10 Future Stars over 2 years ago
Just for curiosity’s sake…which 5-10 actors or actresses do you think will become stars in the next 10 or 20 years? I will leave the definition of ‘star’ up to you. It can be who you think will become a star, or who deserves it most. This can consist of young actors/actresses or older ones that just haven’t been given a fair shake.
Reasoning is of course always appreciated!
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What films do you always catch shit for for not liking? over 2 years ago
Well I’m sure I’ll get lots of yelling from the forum about these but:
Pulp Fiction – I can see why people like it, and I can say positive things about it objectively, but I don’t like it
The Godfather, Part II – So not better than the first, and too much crammed in…granted I only saw it once a long time ago, but that was enough for me
No Country for Old Men
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Your Top 5 or 10 Future Stars over 2 years ago
Yes, I could see that happening as well…
but let’s just say the 5-10 that deserve to be then, shall we?
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Your Top 5 or 10 Future Stars over 2 years ago
Great thoughts everyone!
Although he’s not that young, I’d say that given the right vehicles, Joseph Gordon-Levitt could turn out some great roles. He’s come a long way since his childhood films, and he’s taking more risks.
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Your Top 5 or 10 Future Stars over 2 years ago
Well I haven’t seen all his recent films, but yes, I quite liked him in Mysterious Skin. I still think he has lots of potential. I’m quite used to nobody agreeing with me though. I think he has a decent range, and has done different types of roles with success.
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