Like 90% of this country’s adult population, I’ve always felt like I could write the next great American novel. Unfortunately, I’ve never been able to develop a compelling narrative. I’ve got the beginnings of several works of fiction swimming around in my head, but I’ve yet to be able to connect all the dots to form a convincing middle or a gripping conclusion.
It’s been said that every story worth telling has already been told – that there can never be anything truly new or original in the world of literature or cinema. The trick is to tell an old story in a unique way. Though he has since fallen into a stupor of arrogance and self-parody, the ability to take a common concept and twist it into a new vision is what made M. Night Shyamalan’s early work so successful. Unfortunately, the ability to take an iconic, conventional narrative and brand it with a unique style is either a gift I never received or a skill I’ve yet to master.
British director Danny Boyle’s film, Slumdog Millionaire has received wide critical acclaim, even earning the top honors of Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay at the 2009 Oscar Awards. Based on Vikas Swarup’s novel and working from a screenplay by Simon Beaufroy, Slumdog Millionaire tells a classic rags-to-riches story - with the familiar trappings of true love, and triumph against overwhelming odds fixed by a cruel, crushing system - but does it with an unusual style and against an exotic and unfamiliar backdrop. The film is, at times, unrelentingly bleak, but its true and hopeful heart beats with unlikely optimism.
Slumdog Millionaire opens with the brutal interrogation of Jamal Malik, a young Indian Muslim who works as an assistant in a massive call center. The previous evening, Jamal appeared on the Indian version of the wildly popular game show, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?. Jamal has fared better than anyone else in the show’s history and is just one question away from winning the grand prize of 40 million rupees. Though he is scheduled to appear on the show the following night to face the final challenge, Jamal soon finds himself arrested on suspicion of fraud.
The police inspector is convinced that an uneducated and lowly “slumdog” like Jamal couldn’t possibly know the answers to all of the questions he has successfully bested. But Jamal, stoic and honest to a fault, calmly recounts his troubled youth and explains just how he was able to correctly answer questions that stumped proffessors and scientists. Using this unique narrative device, the film tells us the story of Jamal’s life -the crushing poverty of his childhood, the tragic circumstances of his mother’s death, his harrowing escape from horrifyingly depraved and ruthless criminals, his heartbreaking rift with his troubled brother, Salim, and his pure adoration and undying devotion to Latika, the love of his life. As the tale of his life unfolds, it becomes clear that Jamal’s appearance on the show is the fulfillment of his destiny.
We’ve all heard this story before, but we haven’t heard it told in this way or in this setting. Framing the narrative around the reasons for Jamal’s knowledge of seemingly inane trivia is a brilliant idea and it’s thrilling and heartwarming to see all of the pieces come together in the end. The film is also deeply rooted in its Indian setting and doesn’t pull any punches. Dismal poverty, despicable living conditions, senseless violence, religious hatred, vindictive prejudice, and unspeakable abuse are all on full display. At times I found it hard to keep my eye on the hope that is so central to the film when almost every moment is bathed in such depressing desperation.
While the story works, the structure does allow for some holes in the narrative that leave the film feeling a bit disjointed. The effect is exaggerated by a lack of characterization and some confusing editing that forced me to rewind the film in a few spots.
Aside from Jamal, other characters, while interestingly portrayed, are given less development. I would have loved to learn more about the complicated character and convoluted motivations of Jamal’s brother Salim; and, while it remains touching, the love story between Jamal and Latika could have been better served if her character had been more fleshed out.
Despite any lack of characterization in the script, every actor in the film makes the most of their time on screen. Every supporting character rings true; and despite the demands of a collaborative effort, the actors that portray Jamal, Salim, and Latika at different ages manage to not only deliver touching and affecting performances, but somehow pull together to form a convincing and cohesive whole. The film is also well served by a good selection of Indian pop music and a competent and exciting score.
Families will need to approach Slumdog Millionaire with caution. In terms of content, this is a very light “R”, but the tone of the film is such that it demands a mature audience. The interrogation scene that opens the film is stark and troubling. While it’s nothing more than you’d see on a typical episode of 24, its inclusion in this film feels more real. There is also violence against (and perpetrated by) children that will disturb many viewers. A violent, religiously-fueled attack is depicted through the eyes of a young Jamal. There is some language, frank sexual talk, and child nudity. Sexual violence, while not shown, is heavily implied.
On a moral footing, Slumdog Millionaire has its feet planted firmly in a gray area. Jamal’s humble nature, undying determination, and unswerving honesty are all admirable and imitable qualities. On the other hand, Jamal and Salim are driven by their poverty and hunger to steal and defraud. Given the circumstances, of course, you’d find it hard to blame them, but the film makes no apologies for their actions.
This is a hopeful film, not a happy one. Though we rejoice in Jamal’s triumph, it is hard to rinse off the memory – and reality – of his sad and squalid circumstances. For every happy ending there must be literally millions whose lives were not as blessed. Still, Slumdog Millionaire reminds us of an oft forgotten hope – that despite appearances, there are still some strong, faithful lights struggling against the darkness. No matter how horrible the world may seem, there will always be those things worth dying – and better still – living for.
Caution Rating: 9.5
