When Hollywood meets Bollywood "Mississippi Masala"

One outcome of "Mississippi Masala" (1991) is to realize that racism is universal.  The underlying reason is that humans fear outsiders and/or look down on them.  If they are of a different color or even dress differently that is more than enough to awaken primitive feelings.  Among liberal whites we feel superior to those who are prejudiced against blacks.

"Mississippi Masala" (1991) not only brings Bollywood and Hollywood together, but opens us up to universal truths.  

 The movie starts in Uganda, Africa where Idi Amin had decided to rid his country of Indians.  The Indians had been brought to Uganda by the British to work on the railroad, but stayed and many became professionals and business managers. 

For the father, Jay it is agonizing leaving friends behind, but he has no choice.

We follow Jay's family with a young daughter that ended up owning a motel in Mississippi.  A black man, running a small business runs into an accident with the daughter.  They meet each other the same evening at a night club dominated by blacks, but she fits right in.  He makes a play for her really to make an ex girl friend jealous.  But inevitably they are strongly attached to one another.  At first blacks and Indians seem to get along, but as their relation deepens the black customers drop off causing financial stress.  Her family remembering how black Africans had forced them to abandon their home, despite the father feeling Uganda was his home. 

Bringing the two cultures together was done very professionally.  Here are some contributors

Mira Nair, director and producer was educated in India and Harvard University.  After a brief acting career and some documentaries her first feature film was "Salaam Bombay" (1988) which won two awards at the Cannes Film Festival.  Her film credits included "Monsoon Wedding" (2002), "The Namesake" (2007) and "The Reluctant Fundamentalist" (2012).

Sooni Taraporevala, born in India, won a scholarship to Harvard where she studied English, film and photography.  She established herself as a still photographer.  As a Parsi she developed photographs into a book and exhibits in India, the U.S., France and Britain. Through friendship with Mira Nair she got into script writing.  For this film she made trips to Uganda, Mississippi and New York.  She credits Denzel with helping on the script to better understand blacks in America.  Her film credits include "Salaam Bombay" (1988), "Such a Long Journey" (1988), "The Namesake" (2007) and "Yeh Ballet" (2021).  She has also been a director and has two credits for her still photography.

Music was composed by L. Subramaniam.  He had 7 credits including "Salaam Bombay" (1988).

Cinematography was by Edward Lachman.  He has 80 film credits including "Selena" (1997), "Erin Brockovich"  (2000). "Far From Heaven" (2002), "Paradise:  Hope" (2013) and "Carol" (2015).

Editing was done by Roberto Silvi.  He has 50 film credits including "The Ninth Configuration" (1980), "Closer to the Moon" (2014) and "The Homesman" (2014).. 

Denzel Washington after winning his first Oscar for "Glory" (1990) took one of the main roles for this film.  He got started in theatre and returned to it a few times winning a Tony Award.  His first break was as a lead character on popular tv. show "St. Elsewhere" (1982-1988).  His film credits as an actor include "The Pelican Brief" (1993), "Philadelphia"(1993), "The Hurricane" (1999), "Inside Man"(2006), "The Great Debaters" (2007), "Flight" (2012), "The Magnificent Seven"(2016), and "Fences" (2016).  He won a second Oscar as well as numerous other awards.  He also has produced 12 films and directed 5 films.  He now is one of the highest paid actors commanding over $20 million per film.  He has been generous with his wealth and has been a national spokesman and board member for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

Sarita Choudhury played the love interest in her first film.  She spent time studying at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario.  She has 92 film credits including "Midnight's Children" (2012), "Admission" (2013), "Learning to Drive" (2014) and "A Hologram for the King" (2016).

Roshan Seth played the father, Jay who all his life felt Uganda was his real home.  He studied at London 's Academy and Dramatic Arts and performed in theatre roles.  But he noticed he was only wanted for ethnic roles.  Back in India he developed quite a career, including such films as "Gandhi" (1982), "Such a Long Journey" (1998), "Monsoon Wedding" (2001), "Kabul Express" (2006), "Amal" (2007), "Guru" (2007), "Trishna" (2011), "Ek Tha Tiger" (2012), and "Behind Her Eyes" (2021).

Sharmila Tagore played the mother.  She is distantly related to Nobel Prize winner, Rabindranath Tagore.  She married a famous cricketer and a noble, Mansoor Ali Khan.  She was mother to two successful stars, Saif Ali Khan and Soha Ali Khan.  She started with Bengali films before being brought to Bollywood where she played romantic roles in heer youth and became one of highest paid actresses,   She has 109 film credits including "Devi" (1960), "Nayak" (1966), "Khushboo" (1975), "Chupke Chupke" (1975), "Eklavya" (2007), "8 x 10 Tasveer" (2009) and "Break Ke Baad" (2010).

This is not only a compelling story, but an example of how collaboration should work.  I was able to get a copy from my local library.

As usual I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen.

My Favorite Movie Actors

The more movies one watches the more one forms preferences.  Who impresses me the most.  Who do I enjoy the most?   As a male who would I most like to emulate?

Many actors tried to project masculinity while others their sensitivity. Combining both traits usually result in celebrity status.

My parents got a tv when I was in about grade 3.  A few years later in the 1950's and 60's I got to enjoy the late show with them.  Television used a lot of movies to fill in time slots.  Below are listed some of the actors I have enjoyed over the years.

English-speaking

Glenn Ford projected masculinity in a quiet way.  Did comedies and thrillers well.   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2014/03/glenn-ford-forgotten-movie-star-from.html

James Cagney played the short tough guy who usually ranted during the movie--sometimes in a comic way and sometimes belligerently.   "The Roaring Twenties," and "The Strawberry Blonde" were among my favourites.  See more at:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2015/09/james-cagney.html

Ray Milland got my first notice with "Beau Geste."  Over a few years enjoyed  "The Big Clock," "It Happens Every Spring", and "The Major and the Minor"  You can read more at: http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2014/11/ray-milland-another-old-movie-favorite.html

Humphrey Bogart, is famous for "Casablanca," "Roaring Twenties," and "Maltese Falcon," "The Caine Mutiny," "The African Queen," and "Dark Passage."  Loved them all.

Cary Grant struck me as sophisticated in comedies, but was a bit more versatile.  I enjoyed "Notorius", "North by Northwest," "Arsenic and Old Lace" "Topper" "Suspicion"  "People will Talk" and "The Philadelphia Story,"

Fred Astaire established his reputation as a dancer and found himself singing.  Loved watching musicals and he was one of the best dancers.  A late comer who was close to 40 when he got rolling with movies such as "Top Hat," " Easter Parade," and Blue Skies."  

Tom Hanks is an actor. who seems very selective in his choice of movies.   First saw in "BIG."  Later enjoyed him in such as "The Green Mile," "Saving Private Ryan," "Sleepless in Seattle, "Philadelphia," "Saving Mr Banks, " and recently "Bridge of Spies."  Read more of "Bridge of Spies"  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2016/05/bridge-of-spies.html

Morgan Freeman was noticed in "The Shawshank Redemption, " which is considered one of the finest movies ever.  Later saw in "Driving Miss Daisy,"  "Se7evn," "Invictus" (playing Nelson Mandela).

Denzel Washington played in a number of outstanding movies such as  "Inside Man," "The Taking of Pelham 1 2  3, " and "The Great Debaters."

Chiwetel Ejiofar was first noticed in "Dirty Pretty Things" and around the same time "Kinky Boots" for an interesting contrast.  Later watched him in "12 Years a Slave" and "End Game."

Hugh Grant a modern Cary Grant type popular on both sides of the Atlantic often using self-deprecating humour

In my memory Trevor Eve in  "Heat of the Sun" struck me as the ideal masculine model.

Russell Crowe first seen in "Gladiator"  The Beautiful Mind"

Robson Greene has appeared mostly in television series.  Comic in "Reckless" and deadly serious in "Touching Evil"

French

Daniel Auteuil left a negative first impression in first movie, but later appreciated his versatility.   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2015/07/daniel-auteuil.html

Mathieu Alaric made a strong impression in "The Bell and the Diver."  Played in "Jimmy P," an American film.

Omar Sy was very noticeable in "The Intouchables."  He played small roles in a few other movies I saw.   Paired up with Charlotte Gainsbourg in "Samba" in another enjoyable movie.

Francois Cluzet was first seen in "Tell No One".  He shared billing with Omar in "The Intouchables"  Also watched him in "Little White Lies."

Romain Duris got my attention with "Heartbreaker."  He appeared in a movie series of students who kept in touch over a number of years;   "L'auberge Espagnole," "Russian Dolls," and "Chinese Puzzle" and I hope they continue the series.  For a change of pace he was riveting in "The Big Picture."

Jean-Louis Trignant has a long history with an early film seen "My Night with Maude."    More recently gained international attention in "Amour"

Spain

Javier Bardem has crossed the ocean a few times.  Enjoyed in "Love in the Age of Cholera," and "Eat Pray Love,"  but his best movie was "The Sea Inside."  For more:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2013/10/javier-bardem-gift-from-spain.html

Denmark
Mads Mikklesen got my attention with "After The Wedding" one of my very favourite movies.  As with Javier  Bardem,  Mads also was a James Bond villain. Read more at
http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2014/05/mads-mikkelsen-helping-denmark.html

Another Susanne Bier favoured actor,  Ulrich Thomsen was first noticed in "Brothers."  Also impressive in "In a Better World" and "Adam's Apples."  He has been in English speaking movies and I saw him in a Hungarian film, "The Notebook."

Argentina

Ricardo Darin is a strong indicator of a quality movie.  Read more:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2015/04/ricardo-darin-brings-charm-from.html

Sweden

Michael Nyqvist was first noticed in the Dragon Tatoo trilogy, but later saw in "Mother of Mine" and "As it is in Heaven."

Israel

Lior Ashkenazi struck the right balance between comedy and dead seriousness in "Walk on Water"  Will be seen in an upcoming American production with Richard Gere.

Bollywood

#1 Shah Rukh Khan--has left a strong impression in" Swades," "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai," "Kal Ho Na Ho", but lately seems pretty commercial.  All in all he is the one I most look forward to watching.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2016/06/shah-rukh-khan-worlds-most-famous-actor.html  Part 2: http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2016/06/shah-rukh-khan-worlds-most-famous-actor_23.html

Aamir Khan is versatile, intellectual and one of my top two indicators of a quality movie.  "Lagaan" was my first Bollywood movie, and to be honest I enjoyed the movie, but was not impressed by Aamir.  I changed my opinion gradually with such movies as  "Dil Chatha Hai, " "The Rising:  the Ballad of Mangel Pandey," "Gajini,"  "3 Idiots," "PK"   "Dhoom 3" and "Earth" with Canadian director Deepa Mehta.   You can read more about him in PK at  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2015/03/pk.html

Ayushman Khurana made a big impression with "Vicky Donor" but followed with a bunch of ordinary films, but then starred in the very memorable "Dum Laga Ke Haisha."  You can read more here:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2015/05/a-feel-good-movie-little-off-beaten-path.html

Ranveer Singh is an up and comer "Band Baaja Baaraat," "Ladies vs Ricky Bahl," and " Dil Dhadakane Do."

Amittabh Bachchan has long history most of which I missed.  Early he was an action hero, and the angry man.  He now plays patriarchs and older meddling men.   Recently saw him in"Te3n"  Scripts tailored for him, one example was "Shabitabh" where the plot focused on matching his voice to another's acting.

I am sure you have your favorites.  I know I have overlooked some, so please feel free to tell me who you think belongs on your list.  For a list of my favorite actresses:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2016/08/movie-actresses-i-have-enjoyed-watching.html

The Voice in Movies

Movies are thought of as a visual art, but since 1927 the voice has been an important factor.  Some silent film stars did poorly after the breakthrough, but others came to prominence.  Al Jolson took a chance and launched movies with sound.  In elementary school along with some friends I became very interested in the two biographical movies about Jolson and can appreciate he had the stature to get sound movies off to a good start.  I even watched that first original sound film, "The Jazz Singer." My focuses on voice are tone, diction and phrasing with accents sometimes lending an element of charm.  Many actors and actresses were hired to be narrators or voices for animated movies.

Peter Lorre was one of the first voices that I noticed.  He had a raspy voice with a clipped manner of speaking.  He was successful on radio programs and was often parodied by cartoonists. On the other hand he appeared in some classic films "The Maltese Falcon" and "Casablanca"

Charles Laughton got my attention for his way of talking.  He wasn't a hero a young boy could identify with, but his speaking impressed me.  "The Big Clock", "Spartacus,"  "Witness for the Prosecution" and "O Henry's Full House" were some where his voice was noticed.  He had been a stage actor and started his movie career before sound.  Later he made many stage readings.

James Cagney was my earliest movie hero a lot because of the way he expressed himself.  In many of his movies he is ranting, but he could also be soft.  Some of my favorites includes "The Roaring Twenties," The Strawberry Blonde," and "Angels with Dirty Faces." For more on Cagney:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2015/09/james-cagney.html

Spencer Tracey, appeared in "Inherit the Wind"  "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" and I vaguely remember "Bad Day at Black Rock" as well as some of the earlier films with Katherine Hepburn.  His strength was his diction.  He also narrated for a few films.

Boris Karloff was silent in his most famous movie, "Frankenstein" and I don't recall hearing his voice in my youth, but perhaps "The Grinch that Stole Christmas" was my first consciousness of his voice, although I must have heard some of it before.  As a teenager I remember "The Monster Mash" which wasn't really his voice, but a sort of parody.  In my research it was suggested that his voice was the base for Tony the Tiger.

Orson Welles in "Citizen Kane"was  first seen in my university days where many assured me it was the best film ever made.  He was famous for "The War of the Worlds" radio broadcast--he had been involved with radio theatre--and had done voice for animated films.

Geoffrey Rush, (from Australia).  First seen in a small clip of "Quill", which although I have never seen the whole movie greatly impressed me.  He was brilliant in "The King's English," "The Book Thief" and "The Best Offer."  Like others on this list he has done a fair amount narrating and animation voice roles.

Richard Burton to me was a majestic Shakespearian actor and Welsh.  "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf" and "The Longest Day".  He acted on stage during his movie career.

Clive Owen, first noticed on a British tv movie "Second Sight".  Later watched him in "Inside Man," "Children of Men", "The Boys are Back" and most recently "Words and Pictures."  He has a distinct voice I think particularly effective when speaking softly.

Russell Crowe, another Aussie (actually born in New Zealand), first got my attention with "Gladiator", a muscular role for sure, but playing a man who took on a leadership role.  Shifting gears I next saw him in "A Beautiful Mind."  Some others of his movies seen were "The Next Three Days", "Broken City" and most recently "The Water Diviner."  His voice commands respect and he uses it well.

Roger Allam's voice caught my attention in an episode of "Foyle's War" and I have spotted him in a few other British tv series.  He was a good choice as the narrator in "The Book Thief" representing Death.

Black actors have been noted for their deep bass tones, and some are also very eloquent.

James Earl Jones took a Broadway performance to the screen with "The Great White Hope" where he played an articulate boxer.  He became more famous as the voice behind Darth Vader in "Starwars."  Remembered fondly for roles in "Roots" and "A Family Thing."  Perhaps my favorite voice.  Strange to read that as a youth he had a problem with stuttering, perhaps a reason why he is very careful when he speaks.

Morgan Freeman, has the authoritative voice and demeanor to have played President of the United States as well as Nelson Mandela.  He had a background in theatre including Shakespeare.  I remember him in "The Shawshank Redemption," "Glory," "Driving Miss Daisy"  "Se7en" and "The Bucket List".  Well known as a narrator including tv commercials and animated films.

Denzel Washington ("The Great Debators,"  "Inside Man",  "Taking of Pelham 1 2 3", and "Glory". Recently saw one of his earliest films, "A Soldier's Story."  He usually plays authoratative figures using a commanding voice.

Idris Elba who played Mandela in "The Long Walk Home."  Also watched a bit in "Luther"--His voice can be heard in "The Jungle Book".  He was born in England of African parents (father from Sierra Leone and mother from Ghana).

Foreign speaking movie actors are a bit difficult to evaluate because I have my limited attention focusing on the subtitles, but the voice is one reason I prefer subtitled movies to dubbed movies.

Amitabh Bachchan was the son of a poet.  When he first attempted to make a mark on Bollywood, his looks weren't considered good enough, but his voice got him jobs as a narrator.  Eventually he got his break and for two decades was a box office hit.  Even today in his sixties he has scripts tailored for him.  A recent movie was conceived as a tribute to his voice,"Shamitabh."  The main plot device was that a mute actor needed a voice and stumbled upon Amitabh and became an overnight star.  It then becomes a clash of egos destroying both the voice and the body.  I have seen Amitabh in numerous movies and originally was annoyed  by some of the characters he portrayed, but gradually came to appreciate he is a very versatile actor and has a mesmerizing voice.  One of the movies I most admired was "Black"  Americans got to see him in a supporting role in "The Great Gatsby." Bollywood uses backup singers for even their top stars, but he surprised me  in "Kahaani" where he sang a song over closing credits that was very stirring as a great cap for an especially memorable movie.  more at:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2018/05/amitabh-bachchan-living-legend.html

Max von Sydow has played many supporting roles.  Where I remember him is "The Seventh Seal", "Wild Strawberries" and "The Diving Bell and The Buterfly".   He has appeared in many English speaking films.  Has had his voice in animation and narration in both English and French.  Also his voice has been used in some video games.

What of women?  Women have always felt looks were essential, but in fact a voice can make a difference.

Can a voice be sexy?  Lauren Bacall's certainly used her voice to good effect.  Most famous paired with her husband Humphrey Bogart in such movies as "The Big Sleep", and "Dark Passage" and also on radio programs.  She acted in several stage productions, winning a Tony for "Applause."   She also did some English dubbing for Japanese animated film by Hayao Miyazaki.

Marlene Dietrich used her German accent to get attention.  First saw her in "Pittsburg" with John Wayne, but she made the strongest impression in "Witness for the Prosecution" sharing the spotlight with Charles Laughton and Tyrone Power.

Meryl Streep is a perfectionist in using a variety of accents.  Her voice sets a tone for the rest of the movie.  "Kramer vs. Kramer," "The Devil Wears Prada" "It's Complicated".  She has used her voice in animated films and done some narrating.

Emily Blunt, plays on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.  When she was age 8 she spoke with a stammer until age 12 when a teacher persuaded her to act in a play with a northern British accent and that cured her.  Early in her career she played in an episode of "Foyle's War" which I regret not paying enough attention to remember although one of my favorite series.  I also barely remember her in "The Devil Wears Prada"  Her sparkly voice as well as her appearance and acting ability did get my attention in "Sunshine Cleaning",  "The Young Victoria", "Your Sister's Sister" and "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen."  Recently saw a different Emily Blunt in "Sicario." I am looking forward to seeing her in "The Girl in the Train" as I enjoyed the book and have seen the trailer.  She sings and has been a voice on "The Simpsons" and other animated films.

Audrey Tautou shot to fame with "Amelie" and "A Very Long Engagement."  I enjoyed  her in several pictures with Romain Duris, "Delicacy", "Precious".  English speaking audiences first saw her in "Pretty Dirty Little Things", and "The Da Vinci Code" where her accent was considered charming.

Katherine Hepburn has a very distinctive way of speaking.  "Philadelphia Story" "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?", "The African Queen"  "The Lion in Winter" and many romances with Cary Grant, and Spencer Tracy.

Do you agree?  Does an actor's voice affect your perception of them? Whose voice do you remember the best?