A Norwegian Masterpiece captured by an Indian master

 Henrik Ibsen wrote "An Enemy of the People" in 1882, but the message rings true more than ever today.  Powerful people will deny truth if it hurts their profits.  The play has been adapted in different eras.  Arthur Miller adapted it for Broadway and later a film.  Steve McQueen took that adaptation for another film in 1978.  Satyajit Ray, a revered Indian film maker adapted it in 1989 in his Bengali language as "Ganashatru" and made available to an English speaking audience.

In all versions it starts with a scientific doctor concerned over an apparent disease spreading in his community. In the version by Satyajit Ray it is set in a Hindu environment and fundamentalists add to the pressure.  Doctor Gupta had noticed an increase in jaundice cases and suspected it was spread by contaminated water.  After sending some water to be tested it proved to contain a lot of bacteria.  

He approached a journalist friend who at first seemed impressed and promised to publish.  But soon the publisher/printer intervenes to advise against it.  Doctor Gupta's brother is on a business committee had thought disclosure of the water problem would hurt the temple that drew a lot of Hindu devotees and also tourists.  Religion is brought up a few points and the doctor confesses that he does not always follow Hindu rituals, but does respect other people's beliefs.  An attempt at a public meeting is broken up and the crowd turns against the doctor.  His daughter was let go at her teaching job and the doctor himself was threatened to be removed from his hospital position.

At this point there appears a ray of hope.  Ray seemed to feel there are people who fight the powerful.  Today our hope seems to reside among the youth as it does in this version.

In modern times some of us have been mystified why so many people vote against their own self interest.   One recurring thought has been that powerful people profit from choices of large numbers of people whose preferences can be manipulated.  Ibsen, Miller and Ray have used this play to demonstrate how this procedure works.

This version is world class because of the talented people involved.

The motivating key for me was Satyajit Ray, the writer, director and composer.  He is revered as one of the most important filmmakers in history.  Born in a Bengali speaking section of India.  He earned a degree in science and economics,  He became a commercial artist, later illustrating publicity for his films film credit titles, but also designing  typing fonts.  He was inspired after an interview with famous French director, Jean Renoir during a visit to London who he later helped find locations for a film in India.  Later he met with Akira Kurosawa in Japan.  He wrote film criticism and learned from other masters.  The French have an award for the highest artistic achievement and most recipients travel to France, however Premier Francois Mitterand traveled to Calcutta to give one to Satyajit. 

For his first film, "Pather Panchali" (1955) he took 2 1/2 years because of financing needs and that he would not accept money from those who wanted to change the script and meddle in production matters.  It was an international success.  In noting his films I noticed that he was credited with writing over a dozen well after he had died.  In total he has 85 credits for writing, 39 for directing and 37 for composing.including "The Music Room" (1958), "Devi" (1960), "The Big City" (1963), "Charulata" (1964) and "Nayak:  The Hero" (1966).

Barun Raha was the cinematographer.  He has 23 cinematographer credits and 7 for the camera and electrical department.

Dulal Raha was the editor.  He began as a makeup assistant and a clapping boy.  He has 66 editor credits, 2 for the editorial department and 2 for the sound department.  He was the editor for all of Satyajit's films including "The Music Room" (1958), "Devi" (1960), "The Big City" (1963), "Charulata" (1964) and Nayak:  The Hero" (1966).

Soumitra Chatterjee played Dr. Gupta.  He was active as actor and playwright for theatre and also was a radio announcer.  He has 332 actor credits, 1 for writer and 1 for additional crew including "Devi" (1960), "Charulata" (1964), "15 Park Avenue" (2005), "Samantaral" (2017) and "Shonar Pahar" (2018).

Dhritiman Chatterjee played Dr. Gupta's brother.  He was a favored Santyajit actor, but paralleling his acting roles he also was involved in advertising, social communication and documentary film making.  He has 66 acting credits including  "Black" (2005), "15 Park Avenue" (2005), "Guru" (2007), "Kahaani" (2012), "Agent Vinod" (2012), "Midnight's Children" (2012), "The Man Who Knew Infinity" (2015) and "Pink" (2016).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2016/11/pink-sensitive-film-to-deal-with-consent.html

 Ruma Guha Thakurta played Dr. Gupta's wife.  She founded the Calcutta Youth Choir in 1955 and was also a playback singer.  She has 64 actor credits, 14 for the music department and 1 for choreography including "The Namesake" (2006).

Mamata Shankar played Dr. Gupta's daughter.  She is a dancer and choreographer and has run a dance troupe that tours globally.  She has 84 actor credits including "Pink" (2016).

I watched the film on a DVD. spotted at my local library with an English title.  It might be hard to locate, but the Arthur Miller/Steve McQueen versions might be easier to catch. 

As usual I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen.  They are not necessarily a recommendation, but generally I found them worthy of my time.  If you follow the link you should be better able to determine if a particular film is worth following up.