Amitabh Bachchan--a living legend

My first awareness of Amitabh Bachchan was negative, but that is ok as his roles were very stern.   After two patriarchal roles the next one I viewed he played a bit of a goof. 

My first experience was viewing "Khabbi Khushi Kabhie Gham" (2001)  where Amitabh drove his son (Shah Rukh Khan) to leave the country with his disapproved bride (Kajol). In "Mohabbetein" (2000) he drove daughter to suicide played by his his future daughter in law Aishwarya Rai and co-starring Shah Rukh Khan.  My third experience was watching him in "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna" (2006) where he played to my eyes a goofy comic role in a serious soap opera film playing the father to his actual son Abhischek.  These were all otherwise enjoyable movies.

Gradually his versatility and his role effectiveness created a more positive appreciation.

I had no consciousness of how highly regarded he was.  He had been named in a BBC poll as Actor of the Millenium over Charlie Chaplin and Sir Laurence Olivier  At his peak he could attract movie ticket lineups of over 2 kilometres in length.  He was the first Asian to have a wax model at Madame Tussaud's in London.  His name was the answer to a quiz question in "Slum Dog Millionaire" (which I actually got).  Filmfare, the major Indian film academy gave him over 30 nominations for best actor and 9 for best supporting actors, one for playback singer and one for producer.

Born as the son of a poet,  Harivanh Rai Bachchan.  By university days he had befriended Rajiv Gandhi.  He was interested in films, but surprisingly in the beginning his looks were not considered good enough for leading roles, but his voice was noticed as authoritative.  He once got a reference from Prime Minister Indira Gandhi (Rajiv's mother) which led to his first big break "Zanjeer"  He starred with his future wife, Jaya Bhaduri.


He played in a variety of roles including a popular comedy "Chupke Chupke" in 1975.  That was also the year he co-starred with Dharmedra in "Sholay" that was the most popular movie to that date. 

For the next nine years he had many roles as the "Angry young man" written for him by Javed Akhtar and Salim Khan.  He was a self righteous man, fighting against a perceived evil, mostly the little guy fighting the giant    "Zameer" (1974), "Deewar" (1975) "Trishul" (1978); Don" (1978), Kaala Patthar (1979) and "Shakti" (1982) were all hits.  Javed Akhtar is father to Farhan Akhtar who is the subject of another post.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2011/11/farhan-akhtar-young-man-on-rise-in.html

During this time he also played in "Silsila" with Rekha who he was having a public affair with, and his wife Jaya Bhaduri.  Ironically the movie was revolving around adultery. 

At the end of this period with the encouragement of Rajiv Gandhi he got involved with politics, but got out after 3 years.  He did not do well for a few years, but was successful as a tv host and after a business setback he restructured his business and has gone forward ever since.


In "Black" with Rani Mukerji in 2005  Amitabh plays the teacher who breaks through with a young girl who is deaf, blind and mute.  The script was mostly in English  He later succumbs to a type of Alzheimer's.  A big award winner for many of the cast and crew.  This was the movie where I began to appreciate his versatility.

"In Cheeni Kum" (2007) with Tabu and Paresh Rawal  he played an arrogant London restaurant owner who pursues a younger woman.  It was funny, romantic and at one point tragic.  In researching  I discovered the young girl played by Swini Khara had also appeared in my favorite movie, "After the Wedding"and also "Paa."



"Paa '(2009) was released with his son Abischek playing his father. Amitabh was born out of wedlock and had a degenerative disease requiring many hours of makeup preparation.  By flukey circumstances he unknowingly interacts with his father, by now a prominent liberal politician.  A very touching movie with the unusual marketing gimmick.

With "Laksyha" (2004) he played a tough but supportive military leader in a movie starring Hrithik Roshan and Preity Zinta.

In "Aarakshan" (2011) he high-lighted a delicate problem in India's education with world wide implications.  Amitabh played a dedicated school owner who wanted to support a quota system for the lower castes against privatization efforts to exclude them.  Read more  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2013/10/aarakshan-study-on-education-inequality.html

In "Piku" (2015) he played a doddering old father to Deepika Padukone.

With "Pink" (2016) he felt the three women leads should get billing over him, even though he was a a bigger draw and his name starts with an A.  This is a movie that deals with sexual consent and is a masterpiece.  Amitabh wanted to emphasize how polluted Delhi is and insisted on wearing a mask for outdoor scenes.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2016/11/pink-sensitive-film-to-deal-with-consent.html

His only Hollywood movie was "The Great Gatsby," (2013)  in a minor supporting role as a Jewish gangster working with star Leonardo DiCaprio.

Returning to his voice .  He did narrate "Lagaan" (2001) which was a breakthrough for my interest in Bollywood, but not really appreciated his role at the time.   He also narrated  "Parineeti" (2005), a breakthrough movie for Vidya Balan who later played his mother in "Paa."  A movie with my favorite twist, "Kahaani "  (2012)  was capped by his singing voice over the credits.  In 2015,  "Shabitabh" (2015) was written for him in which he portrayed an actor with a voice to back up a Dhanush character who was mute.  Their egos clashed in a way symbolizing the contest between voice and appearance.

To get to well over 200 movies a lot were duds,   Played 15 duo roles and one triple role film.  His appearance doesn't guarantee a great movie, but he has been a key ingredient in some very top notch movies.  He doesn't appear to be very selective, but he has the advantage of being in such demand that scripts are written for him.  At his age he is more active than almost any actor and I am confident a lot of worthy films lie in the future.

The bolded movies are ones that I have actually seen.

Movie Actresses I have enjoyed watching.

As a male I admit that the female lead (sometimes a supporting actress) can be a deciding factor for any movie selection.  These women on screen, made up, coiffed and costumed by experts are not real.  And with no personal contact to assess their real personalities like other males I live in a fantasy world.  Yes there is lots to choose from and many overlooked.  Here are some I remember and I may add a few after posting.  We all would like to discover a fresh face.

I will start with Italian cinema as it is Sophia Loren who actually inspired this post   First saw her in Hollywood cinema, but lately appreciate her Italian roots.   Obviously very good looking, but surprisingly an excellent actress.  In "Sunflower,"she ages very well as well she does in "Marriage Italian Style". In "Two Women" where she was first actress in a foreign film to win an Oscar. she plays the mother of a teenage girl while only 25 herself.  Other notable movies include  "A Special Day" and  "Yesterday, To-day and Tomorrow."

Anna Magnani was another notable Italian actress, but only saw her in three movies.  In one, the director was on record as saying he didn't want her to take over the movie, but she is the main thing I remember from "Mama Roma".  She had a strong presence, even though the director tried to minimize her impact.   She was also in Rosselini's "Rome, Open City."  Another movie was "L'Automobile" near the end of her career and again she was a dominating presence.  Apparently I also saw her in "The Secret of Santa Vittoria" with Anthony Quinn, but confess I was unfortunately not conscious of her.

The French have a long reputation for sexy women and I can appreciate the history.  One of my favorites is Audrey Tautou in many movies but epitomized in "Priceless ",  "Amelie", "Delicacy" and her first English speaking role in "Dirty Pretty Things." She was  in a trilogy with Romain Duris.

Another very attractive actress is Bernice Bejo notably in the silent film "The Artist." "The Past". and "The Grand Role." were outstanding.  Very recently saw her in "Au Bonheur des Ogres."

Marion Cotillard made a claim to fame in America with 'La vie en rose" although in French she won the Oscar for the best actress, only the second to win that award in a foreign film.  She has been on both sides of the Atlantic.  French movies seen included "Rust and Bones'" and "Love me If You Dare"  In English she starred in "Inception" and more recently "The Emigrant".

Juliet Binoche won our attention in "The English Patient," and  "Chocolate."  "A 1000 Times Good Night" was seen at a film festival.  She appeared in all 3 Three Color movies."Blue" "Red" and "White."  Recently saw in "Words and Pictures" where some of her painting was displayed.

Marie-Josée Croze, the Quebecker with an incredible smile.  Recently saw in English speaking movie set in Ireland, "Cavalry" but more notably in "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly."  I had also seen her in a Quebec movie where she played a drug addict.

Sweden also is noted for gorgeous women, but the one that most stands out for me is Ingrid Bergman.  "For Whom the Bell Tolls"  "Casablanca"  and with Cary Grant in two movies.   I recently saw one of her earlier Swedish films,  "June Night" for which she was the highlight.

Noomi Rapace played the "Girl with the Dragon Tatoo" and its two sequels in a very quirky role which led to a big surprise when I heard her fluent English accent on a special feature.  I have since seen her in "Child 44" and "The Drop.".

The Danes, another Scandinavian country with a reputation for attractive women have got my attention.  One I respect is Trine Dyrholm who appeared
in "Royal Affair,"  "All You Need Is Love" with Pierce Brosnan and the Oscar winner " A Better World."








I watched a number of Spanish movies and the one actress that stands out for me is Penelope Cruz, especially in "Volver" but had seen her earlier in "Open Your Eyes"  which she reprised in English with Tom Cruise.

Ingrid Rubio is established in Spain, but I saw her in an Argentine movie "Todas Las Azfalatzas van Cielo" where she was captivating.

I grew up with English speaking movies and the actresses no doubt played a part in developing my interests in movies.

Olivia de Havilland impressed me in"Strawberry Blonde" "Robin Hood," "Captain Blood" and "Gone with the Wind.  I enjoyed her performances in "The Snake Pit" and "The Heiress."
"
Elizabeth Taylor started as a child star in such movies as "National Velvet" and later moved to "Cleopatra" and "Who's Afraid of Virgina Wolf?"

I can only recall seeing two movies of Vivian Leigh.  "That Hamilton Woman" (one of mine and Winston Churchill's favorites) impressed me the most and "Gone with The Wind" almost equally impressive.
"
Katherine Hepburn is remembered in "The Philadelphia Story" and a number of movies with Cary Grant and Spencer Tracey.  Later I saw her in "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," "Golden Pond," and "the Lion in Winter"  A regal bearing and excellent diction.

Emily Blunt  in "Sunshine Cleaning"  "Young Victoria" "Your Sister's Sister," "Salmon Fishing in Yemen"  recently "Sicario" upcoming in "The Girl on The Train."

Elizabeth Banks with Russell Crowe, "The Next Three Days" "People Like Us"" Love and Mercy."

Meryl Streep has been a very dedicated actress who perhaps more than anyone on this list was very versatile.  "The Hours" "Doubt" "Kramer vs Kramer" and" Sophie's Choice

Zoe Saldana was impressive in "Avatar"  I had read her interest in the theatre was from her stay in the Domican Republic.  She starred in a Spanish film, "The Curse of Father Cardona" which was mediocre but she is mesmerizing   In "The Words" she paired with Bradley Cooper.

Halle Berry  was seen in "What We Lost In The Fire" and "The Call"

Rosario Dawson got my attention in "Trance"  "Seven Pounds" and "Unstoppable."

Gugu Mbatha-Raw was featured in "Belle."    Now I look forward to to watch "Concussion."

Viola Davis was "The Help"   "How to get away with murder" is addicting.  After an award she was quoted as saying"The only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity."

Hiam Abbass is an Israeli Arab who spends most of her time in France. First saw her in an American art movie, "The Visitor" and was quite impressed.  Saw in a number of other movies where she seemed to project herself better than the rest of the cast, but without being flashy.  Read more about her here:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2014/04/hiam-abbass-always-leaves-impression.html

My memories of Korean movies are mostly of the movies themselves, however a few actresses did get my attention.    "200 pound beauty" is still one of my all time favorites mainly because of Ah-jung Kim in a dual role that earned our empathy.*

 Do-yeon Jeon from "The Housemaid" where she played an unfortunate maid targeted by the philandering husband.

Ji-hyu Jun in "Assassination" played an action role with lots of variety.

Hyo-joo Han, charming in "The Beauty Inside" with a dozen leading men also in "Masquerade"

Chinese

Li Gong got international attention for films such as "The Geisha," but her earlier Chinese roles "Raise the Red Lantern", "What Women Want" and  "Ju Dou" are worth a look.  She is now a citizen of Singapore  "

Japan

The Japanese don't seem to emphasize a star system, although they have many regular actors.  Ryoko Hirose got my attention in the Oscar winner "Departures" going through quite the transformation of being disgusted with her husband to supporting him.  Later saw her in "Key of Life"  
          
Yasuko Matsuyuki from "Hula Girls" played a hula instructor fleeing from debts in the big city.

Argentina

Norma Aleandro is now viewed as an older stately woman.  One of her big movies was "The Official Story."  "Anita" "Andres doesn't nap in the afternoon" and an English movie, "The City of Your Final Destination."  Recently saw her in a small cameo in "Todas  Las Azfalatzas van Cielo."  

Martina Guzman in "Carncho" with Ricardo Darin and in another "White Elephant"  that unfortunately saw on defective DVD

Soledad Villami played female lead in the Oscar winner "Suspect in their eyes" as Ricardo Darin's lost love. Apparently the two had been paired together in popular movies earlier.

What I watch most these days seems to be Bollywood and the many attractive women are one of the reasons.--they seem to have the most actresses partly as they churn out more movies than Hollywood and some are making waves in the American market.  Although there are quite a few, I couldn't bring myself to cut any of them

Vidya Balan in her first movie played literally a girl next door in "Parineeti"   But she refuses to be typecast as proved by "The Dirty Picture" "No One Killed Jessica" "Kahanni" (where she played a charming pregnant woman) and    "Te3n"  Read more:
http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2012/08/vidya-balan-very-versatile-bollywood.html

Juhi Chawla's heyday was in the 1990's but she goes from giggly glamorous type to mature.  I was very disappointed to see her listed with "The 100-Foot Journey" that had her killed off in the early minutes.

Shreya Saran played the girl next door in "The End Of The Line" where I decided I wanted to see any film with her in it.  The next one was a big surprise, "Kantswamy' which was in Tamil and she played a vengeful conniving bitch.  She had roles in two Canadian films directed by Deepa Metha, "Cooking with Stella" and "Midnight's Children."  She had bit roles in some Bollywood films that I was unable to obtain.  Most recently saw her in "Drishyam" that turned out to be a masterpiece. http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2015/11/driishyam-bollywood-remake-masterpiece.html

Tabu is one classy actress who can do comic role, but also very authoritative.   A strong woman can be off putting to males, but I have come to respect her.  Read more at:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2015/12/tabu.html

Preity Zinta another sparkly actress was in one of my first Bollywood films "Kal Ho Naa Ho" and she is one reason I got hooked.  She had been spotted in a tv. commercial.  A number of her movies are noteworthy, "Dil Chata Hai" "Veer Zara'  "Kol...Mil Gaya".  One movie  "Heaven on Earth" for Deepa Mehta was filmed in Brampton.

Rani Mukerji has been in a wide range of movies and projects a sophisticated, energetic image. Read more: http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2014/11/rani-mukerji-maturing-actress.html

Parineeti Chopra has a sparkly personality.  In "Ladies vs Ricky Bahl" she only had supporting role , but captured a lot of attention.  In "Hasee Toh Phasee" she had a charming, but unusual leading role

Priyanka Chopra is now fairly well known in the States as she appeared as lead in American tv series, "Quantico."  She was Miss World 2000, but she has a lot more going for her than her looks.  Some of her other movies include  "Don", "Don 2"  "Fashion" "Barfi."  In "Mary Kom" she portrayed a champion boxer .

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, was once declared the most beautiful woman in the world after winning Miss World in 1994.  She seemed like fluff, but is not.  "Devdas," "Sarkar Raj," and "Jodha Akbar" are some of the more memorable ones.  "Provoked" in English was a strong social commentary.

Deepika Padukone debuted with Shah Rukh Khan in "Om Shanti Om."  She did a great job in "Bachna Ae Haseeno" and "Karthik Calling Karthik."  She has expanded her repertoire with such movies as "Finding Fanny"  Recently enjoyed her in "Tamasha" where she paired up with a past boyfriend, Ranbir Kapoor.  Now making her first American movie with Van Diesil,    See a blog on

http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2016/02/tamasha-wonderful-story.html


Kangana Ranaut has been in her share of duds, but she has really shone in "Queen" "Gangster," "Once Upon a Time in Mumbai,"Tanu Weds Manu,"  and "Woh Lambe." She often plays very glamorous women often with unstable mentality, but in "Queen" she played someone more ordinary, but determined. Read more:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2014/07/kangana-ranaut.html

Kajol is 1/2 of my favourite jodi.   She paired with Shah Rukh Khan to really good effect in "Diwale Dulhania Le Jayenge," "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" "Kabhi Khusi Kabhie Gham," and "My Name is Khan."  She paired with Aamir Khan in "Fanaa" and with Arjun Rampal in "We Are Family."

Srvedi had taken a break from making movies, then appeared in "English Vinglish" in a more gracious mature role.  Earlier films such as "Lamhe" established her reputation as a glamour star.

There are so many choices that I know some worthy actresses have been left out.  Any you would care to recommend?  For my favorite actors:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2016/08/my-favorite-movie-actors.html

Nawazuddin Siddiqui

Nawazuddin Siddiqui has played supporting roles in a number of films that I did not notice him.  Like many I tend to focus on the leading characters, but have come to realize if we don't accept the supporting actors as believable characters, the romance, the mystery, the suspense, the excitement is greatly diminished.  The fact that we enjoyed or at least appreciated a movie is a credit not only to the (celebrity) leading actors, but to the whole ensemble.  Nawazuddin has worked hard in many small roles and has been given the opportunities to demonstrate his versatility and believability in more significant roles.

First time noticed was in "Kahaani," truly a great film with a super twist ending.  He played a very despicable character who basically admitted that he was as much a scoundrel as the bad guys, but it was ok because he was the law. The viewer is disgusted.  He made Vidya Balan more creditable as a heroine and the movie more suspenseful than it would have been otherwise.

Second film I noticed was in "The Lunchbox" a film festival favourite. His role was obsequious, trying to please everyone.  Again he is playing the third character, but gives a sounding board and a contrast with Irrfan Khan.  A hit at the Toronto International Film Festival.

"Gangs of Wassepur," released in 2012 was a 5 hour blockbuster that is often called the Bollywood equivalent of "The Godfather."   To me there was too much senseless killing done very casually (more than with the Marlon Brando version)  On the other hand they explained different methods of corruption that gangsters took part in to make money.  Nawazuddin played a very cold blooded killer with a few human moments.  Directed by Anurag Kashyup.

In "Talaash"  released in 2013 he played a bad guy with a bit of a heart.  He truly loves a prostitute who has been abused.  Aamir Khan starred, always a mark of quality, especially in details.  Buried in the credits.

2015 was a big year for Nawazuddin releases.  "Badlipur"  saw him as another bad guy.  Involved in robbery where Yami Gautam was killed.  It boils down to an unusual revenge story very well done where in reality Nawazuddin is the main focus, but also noteworthy were Varun Dhawan and Radikha Apte.

In "Bajrangi Bhajga" with Salman Khan he played a journalist who saved the day for the hero in a very popular and critically successful film.  Salman Khan for the most part drops his macho persona and plays a simple man trying to help a young mute girl back to the fearful Pakistan.  Siddiqui  appearing in second half comes through as a Pakistanni journalist who at first writes against Salman, but soon becomes a supporter and is key to the happy ending of the movie.

In "Manjhi:  The Mountain Man"  he goes one step beyond to become the leading hero, based on a true hero who over 22 years working with hammer and chisel mostly alone to create a path through a mountain.   His wife  (whose death inspired the effort) was played by Radhika Apte, the two of which were a really good match to watch.  She doesn't disappear after her death.

He is very good at projecting a happy go lucky image or a deadly killer.  But more than that he immerses himself in the character so you stop thinking of him as a mere actor and enjoy (or hate) the character and how it fits into the story.   He adds to every film.

The Bollywood Gender Gap and Culture

What makes you decide which movie to watch?  Of course some of us look at a lot of details, but for this post I am interested in whether the male lead or the female lead influences your decision.  Even this can be a bit difficult as many of us go as a couple and have to consider the opinion of our companion.  Even with same gender groups, decisions may partly be made by whether or not they are looking for the opposite sex or to affirm their own gender culture.

Most of us very definitely like to look at the opposite sex and the more attractive the better.  Men also  like to see what masculinity standards and which approaches to desirable women work.   Women also want to see what fashion (and behaviour) standards are important. Members of the LGBT community might spin things a little differently, but have a definite interest in gender issues.

With all that, it is fair to say that we are attracted to both male and female leads and roughly equally.  Strange to say that is not reflected in their pay.  Some reports regarding Bollywood point out that in the past the male lead has been paid as much as ten times what the female lead is paid.  Also there are more significant male roles in the film industry.

India, like many other cultures has a long history of male dominance.  Men are the ones with the aggressive hormones that lead to fighting and bossing.  And they have been the ones controlling the money.   With men dominating families in real life it was naturally reflected in films.  Not getting pregnant helps men develop leverage for salary negotiations, but really it is primarily their traditional position in families.

Negotiating for compensation for films can be complicated.  Seldom is it a straight fee, often it is a share of the profits with different calculations used.  Females are less inclined to accept share of box office receipts in lieu of a larger fee.  Both established actors and actresses can make a big part of their income from product endorsements.

Athletes were at one time demanding what seemed like large amounts of money and one of the rationalizations was that their careers were short and risky.  Actresses, particularly the ones whose avatar must reflect youthfulness and attractiveness are subject to a short big income career.  In India years ago it was taken for granted that when a woman gets married she retires from whatever work she was doing to concentrate on household duties..


Today more Indian women are working outside the home and more unmarried couples are attending movies as dates.  If a young man wants to make an impression he will have to consider what his prospective date would be attracted to.  Women want to see their lives reflected in what is shown on screen and this is starting to happen.

To me one of the reasons Western societies have gained prominence has been their willingness to give women more credit and more responsibility.  Getting the vote was a big breakthrough and so was their contributions to war efforts. Glamour is still important (to both sexes), but as women achieve more economic, social and political power they need to be represented by a wider range of activities. Women  in India are more visible in policing, the military, politics, business and even boxing.

Women consumers have enough clout that women centric movies are more common.  Examples include "Kahanni," "Queen," "Mary Kom," "Mardaani," and "English Vinglish."  There are still plenty of male oriented films with the women serving merely as props for the men, but there are changes there as well

Bollywood actresses are looking for something more meaningful than complementing the male lead.

Nandita Das has played her share of romantic roles, but has sought more meaningful roles--for my first awareness she played a gun toting rebel in "A Peck on the Cheek.." In " Provoked" had her playing an activist in a wife abuse case.   She has written and directed "Firaaq" concerning the aftermath of the Gujarti riots. She had had key roles in Canadian Deepa Metha's films "Earth" and "Fire" set in India. The latter film was very controversial with Nandita's role at the centre.

Juhi Chawla basically played romantic roles in her early career, but was smart enough to accumulate resources to get involved in film production and has produced four movies. Rani Mukerji (who recently married a producer), Vidya Balan (also married a producer), Kangana Ranaut and Priyanka Chopra have all had leading glamorous romantic roles, but have sought more meaningful roles and more money.  Deepika Padukone is supposed to have received bigger contracts in recognition that she does attract big audiences.

Mira Nair got started with documentaries and then in1988 directed and helped write "Salaam Bombay" which was nominated for the Oscar best foreign film.  She is most famous probably for "Monsoon Wedding"  I was very struck by "The Namesake."

Farah Khan was a noted choreographer for popular dance sequences.  Her ability to organize the most elaborate dance routines gave her the opportunity to direct "Main Hoon Na" and continues to direct big budget films.

Women directors are now receiving more opportunities and also getting involving in producing decisions.  Gauri Schinde, after doing ad commercials and short films made her feature "English Vinglish" in tribute to her mother who ran a home business and never spoke very good English as a sort of apology.  Sridevi made her comeback in this film.  It might be a step for female directors for women centric movies, but it might be a bigger step for them to direct big budget male oriented movies such as "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara" directed and written by Zoya Akhtar.

As women direct and produce more films they will give the female perspective more emphasis.  As more consumers accept their critical importance to the success of a film (financially and artistically) they will get closer to pay equality.

As India achieves more gender equality it can create its own momentum.  Real life inspires movies and movies in turn inspire more dreams that reach towards reality.  There will always be gender differences (thank goodness), but it will be better for all when there is more gender equality.

The Power of Sad Movies

Earlier inspired by a Thom Ernst topic on Fresh Air with Mary Ito to do a post on the joyous topic of kissing, the topic of sad movies brought up recently by the same team seems worth pursuing.  I have watched some of the movies referred to and was able to check out some I hadn't.  Memory can play tricks on you and what each person gets out of a movie is often very different.

I can appreciate why Thom Ernst named "Imitation of Life" as his saddest movie.  An element adding to the sadness is that it was just after a personal scandal of Lana Turner's daughter knifing her mother's boyfriend to death.  In this movie Lana portrays an ambitious actress pushing aside personal relationships (her daughter and her true love), but in the end there does seem to be a reconciliation and a realization of what she had done.  An earlier version of the movie in 1934 probably hit a racial nerve.  In the 1959 version we are never told any explanation why a daughter is much whiter than her mother, but know that it was common for an owner to rape or otherwise have sexual relationships with female slaves so that lightening of the skin occurred, but somewhat randomly.  That is the real tension.  Racial attitudes caused such a rift between mother and daughter that literally drove them apart.  What a tragedy that society attitudes, horrible in themselves could cause this further anguish.

As a youngster I watched "Old Yeller" and coming from a dog loving family was upset, but it was an early favorite and taught me to enjoy sad movies. It seemed ironic and unfair that the dog who protected the family paid the price.  The nobleness of the dog also struck a chord.  "Bambi," the classic was also a heart breaker.  A family friend, Bob Morley used to hate that movie as he loved hunting.

Thom mentioned Burgess Meredith's role in "Rocky" that had a very sad scene, but I remember that movie as one of the very few I actually stood up in the theatre (with many others) and clapped because it made me feel good.  I do remember Burgess in a much older film "Of Mice and Men" that rates as one of the sadder movies when Burgess shot his very kind and vulnerable friend played by Lon Chaney who he had tried to protect throughout the narrative.   A second viewing of "Rocky" the sad scene resonated with me.

"The Pride of the Yankees" contains the triumphs and romance of Lou Gehrig, but that just sets up the end.  ALS is now known as Lou Gehrig's disease and is more memorable because of his consecutive game record.  Gary Cooper, Teresa Wright and Walter Brennan help you like the hero. The writers and director were right to end the movie at his farewell speech about what a lucky man he was.

The saddest movie I recall is "Kal Ho Na Ho' near the beginning of my interest in Bollywood.  When I picked up my reserve copy at the local library the young girl checking out warned me it is very sad.  In truth it is classic manipulation.  In the first part of the movie it appears typically juvenile humour and from time to time the protagonist helps patch up some human relations problems but mostly the hero (this was a critical to my preference for Shah Rukh Khan) is cracking corny jokes many in poor taste.  At one point you realize that he loves the heroinne, Preity Zinta and before too long she is ready to reciprocate.  Surprisingly he lies to her and tells her he is already married. Then he works hard to set up her immature school friend which eventually succeeds.  Bollywood music is sometimes a distraction, but here under the guidance of Shankar Ehsaan Loy is used brilliantly.  The title song is first sung around mid point and basically seems philosophical--you don't know what will happen tomorrow.  In the second half you understand he has a dangerous heart condition.  It comes to a climax when he is hospitalized and the heroinne realizes she has been lied to and her new husband feels his happiness had also been manipulated.  Rest of the family and some friends gather around and the viewer realizes everyone present from a young girl to a bitter grandmother owes him gratitude.  Shah Rukh Khan admits to over acting and this is probably a good example, but fits right in.  I felt guilty for thinking the hero was so juvenile.  The music is the same title song, but now officially labelled "sad version" and it is impossible not to sob.  It has had that effect on me every time and when I hear the beautiful song it is also very affecting.

While still on Bollywood (I promise this won't just be Indian promotion) another movie that induces sadness is "Paa."  In it the producers have cast the famous 64 year old Amitabh Bachchan as a 12 year old and his actual son, Abischek  to play his father.  Near the beginning it seems like a romance and a comedy.  The twelve year old has a disease, Progeria and you are warned that it is fatal, but there is so much action with young children that you are more concerned about how the boy and the father will realize their relationship.  It goes in stages.  The background story is that a romance that seemed so promising was disrupted by a pregnancy and a desire not to abort.  The new mother who is studying to be a doctor gets support from her mother and the two of them raise the boy who is badly deformed, but very intelligent and give him an atmosphere of love.  The father,  the son of a wealthy man who is kept out, in the meantime, becomes an idealistic politician trying to do good things, but is being attacked by crooked media and other politicians.  He encounters the young boy who wins a contest and they start to bond.  My first movie seeing Vidya Balan who plays the boy's mother and later becomes a favorite..  The last words of the dying boy hit hard.

While I was researching this project through a flukey set of circumstances I watched a Finnish movie, "Mother of Mine."  It had another source of sadness.  Two mothers loving the same boy, but each having to give him up with the ups and downs of war.  A boy's love for his mother is perhaps the most natural thing in the world, but some unnatural things like war can disrupt the natural course of events.  Circumstances during the Russian assault on Finland during World War II  and neutral Sweden's offer to help whipsaw personal lives.  Most North Americans are unaware of these historical events.  Well done movie in a lot of technical details helps add to the impact.

Sometimes the greatest impact comes from the unexpected, but we usually watch movies for expected feelings. I apologize for the spoilers, but you did realize these were all sad movies! Tragic sad movies do fill a role at different times of our lives and if you are looking for a good cry bring along some kleenex and check out some of the movies mentioned.  If you would rather read about the joys of movie kisses check out http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2013/02/kissing-bollywood-vs-hollywood.html

KAI CHE PO

For those of you who have not discovered the full range of Bollywood this movie will have no meaning for you.  Too bad.  It reminds me of many pleasant memories.

It has no stars to draw a crowd or the usual masala mix.  It is based on a best selling book.  It is just about three guys who stick together through a lot of problems plus a sister who does complicate things a bit.

Chetan Baghat who wrote "The Three Mistakes of My Life" that the movie is based on is an author I really discovered when he was being discredited for supplying the basic idea in the novel, "Five Point Someone" for one of the best ever Bollywood movies, "3 Idiots"  This movie is not to be confused with the Three Stooges, but it certainly does have a sense of humor.  One of the driving forces behind  "3 Idiots" was the book Chetan wrote regarding his training at an engineering university.  A concern in the movie was the number of suicides from students.  It made a serious point with humor and a little mystery.

I read his one book available at the local library, One Night @ the Call Center and was also able to see the movie adaptation, "Hello".  The book had a sense of humour that hit a nerve.  Since then Chetan has progressed and is now a part of the Bollywood scene.  He helped transform "The Three Mistakes of my Life" to a script working with Abhishek Kapoor and two others.  Another adaption will soon happen.  You can read an earlier blog on Chetan http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2011/10/chetan-bhgat-new-discovery-for-me.html

"Rock On", an earlier movie directed by Abhishek Kapoor was basically a movie about four friends joined together by enthusiasm for music.  The music should not be confused with stereotypical Bollywood music.  Actually composed by my favorite musical team, Shankar, Ehsaan  Loy, a very diverse team.  Rock On marked a role by director/producer Farhan Akhtar who also did his own singing.  By one report apparently Farhan and Abhishek parted company after "Rock On", but have since reconciled after "Kai Po Che".

Farhan had earlier directed another male bonding movie, "Dil Chata Hai",  and later acted and wrote for "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara," directed by his sister Zoya.  Another movie, that although with romance had a strong emphasis on males sticking together.  An earlier blog on Farhan  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2011/11/farhan-akhtar-young-man-on-rise-in.html

Cricket creates a different atmosphere Americans and Canadians cannot strongly identify with.  In Kai Che Po a core idea is to set up a cricket school, although none of the main characters play at a high level.  You don't have to understand the details, but just appreciate that there is skill involved, games can be very dramatic and fans can go overboard.  If you follow hockey or baseball there are a lot of similarities.  An earlier blog on cricket in Bollywood  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2011/11/bollywood-movies-and-cricket.html

A key producer was Sidharth Roy Kapur who recently married Vidya Balan.  That shows he must have something on the ball.  For a recent article on Vidya  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2012/08/vidya-balan-very-versatile-bollywood.html

The four stars Sushant Singh Rajput, Amit Sadh, Raj Kumar Yadev (better known as Rajkummar Rao) and Amrita Puri were not picked for their ability to attract fans, but all accounted themselves well.  The emphasis is on the story.  It may seem dull to Westerners, but it is not really.  The personalities of the four main actors clash and blend.  They are involved in historical events particularly an earthquake, religious riots and a major international cricket match.  The music by Amit Trivedi fits in well with the story.  It won't take long before you are engrossed.

It is not often that a movie without major stars does as well as "Kai Po Che", but the director puts a lot of emphasis on the story.  Commemorating 100 years of Indian film Abhishek made some introspective comments.  He felt that Bollywood is too much of a family making it difficult for outside talent to break in.  Movie people look down on television, but Abhishek thinks that is where new talent can be found.  Movies depend too much on music and Bollywood relies far too much on song and dance.  He feels also that intermissions are harmful in that they force too many scripts to conceptualize over two parts for the sake of popcorn and samosa sales.  He dislikes the role of censor and thinks they should be replaced by a ratings system.  I think Abhishek marks a step in the right direction.

BOLLYWOOD STAR SYSTEM 2013

Is it safe to assume you are familiar with the Hollywood star system?  It boils down to the fact that the masses love celebrity.  To be charitable part of that is a recognition and preference for quality.  Others would say it speaks of superficial glamour overwhelming quality.  Smugly I like to think quality rules my preferences, but in truth we all tend to act as herd members craving acceptance, but also preferring glamour to ugliness and quality to squalor.  Critics seem to feel that the masses poorly appreciate real quality or understand the factors that underly what we should be seeking.

My expertise is certainly limited, but for those not familiar with Bollywood I can point out some of the factors and names of stars to consider.  Those who avidly follow Bollywood may champion different stars and might contribute different opinions.

Bollywood is no different than Hollywood in the sense that to keep going they have to operate as a business.  That means giving the buying public what they want.  Financing a movie can be scary, because although a success can be very rewarding, the odds are not entirely promising.  To boost the odds it makes sense to seek out celebrities that help draw in paying customers.

How they got to be celebrities was not always by the same route.  Some are physically attractive or have obvious talent and some had a lot of support and some overcame obstacles with determination.  Celebrity is also a relative thing.  Anyone who has appeared in a popular movie has some glamour, but only a few can really act as magnets to assure (or almost assure) a movie's success.

Hollywood and Bollywood have an international audience in mind.  In the case of Hollywood a lot has been in line with economic and political wave of American success.  Bollywood is international in major part because of the Indian diaspora, but also with some attention to international interests.  With a wider audience there can be many niches, but still the risks are most often dealt with using celebrity.  Stars are one of the tools used to break into new markets.

In Bollywood it seems currently there are three male stars that ensure a big enough base they can make a movie a success.  Also if they lend their name somehow and/or have a minor role in a movie their glamour will boost it.  Those males are Salman Khan, Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan.  One thing they have in common is they are all in their forties with proven track records.  For women it is a little different, they tend to be younger and only last a limited number of years as a dominant factor.  Kareena Kapoor and Katrina Kaif come closest to assuring a profitable picture, ideally with one of the three male stars.

A few reasons people like these stars include that they are glamourous and they attract a strong supporting team.  They get the better directors, writers, music composers, make up artists and the bigger budgets amongst many details.  As a movie goer you like to think your preferred stars would choose a good script and would attract a good supporting cast and crew.  A few times it doesn't work out that way, but nonetheless as true stars they do attract a much bigger base than their lesser competitors.

Yes, they do have competitors, either those on the way up or those on the way down.  One on the way up is Hrithik Roshan who is younger, physically attractive perhaps the best dancer and with a good track record.  He was actually picked to break into the American market with "Kites", but for a variety of  reasons it failed.   He has been in a number of big budget films and probably is going in the right direction. Shahid Kapoor has had a kick at the can, but has not a very impressive track record lately.

Saif Ali Khan, Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kummar, John Abrams and Abischek Bachchan each have a significant following, but seem limited in their projection.

There has to be replacements as these old guys are aging and will fade sooner or later.    Some promising prospects include Ranbir Kapoor (son of Rishi Kapoor), Imran Khan (nephew to Aamir Khan) and Rajeev Khandelwal.  These three have all tried to extend the type of roles they will accept.  That will help spread their appeal.  Other prospects might be Emraan Hashmi and Ranveer Singh.

For women the fading can start even earlier. Vidya Balan (my favorite), Priyanka Chopra, Anushka Sharma, Deepika Padukone are becoming increasingly popular.  Ones that seem to be fading include Aishwarya Rai (may be just a maternity detour), Rani Mukerji, Preity Zinta and Kajol but they could become strong support players building on their current following.  Juhi Chawla was a draw many years ago, but gets offered lesser roles now.  She has also gotten involved with producing.

Kalki Koechlin is interesting.  She is the daughter of French hippies who settled in India.  She has taken on non glamourous challenging roles (with a few exceptions).  She married Anurag Kashyap, a top producer.  She is definitely a mark of a quality movie, although not necessarily a big box office winner.

Character actors can develop a small following.  Anupam Kher, Boman Irani, Rishi Kapoor, Irrfan Khan, Paresh Rawal, Naseeruddin Shah, are key support players indicating probably a reasonable movie to watch.  Sometimes they are given meatier roles, but usually in a lower budget film.

Farhan Akhtar is mostly a B actor, but because of his other talents, writing, directing and producing is a good indicator of a movie's success artistically and financially.

For me a most interesting actor is Amitabh Bachchan.  A big star from the 70's as romancer and action star he has evolved into a strong father figure and still has the ability to be the main star of movies that are actually written and produced for him.  He has had a number of flops, but can still command an audience.  One of his most interesting roles was in "Paa" where he played the son of his actual son.  Obviously marketing concerns entered the decision, but he and his son, Abischek Bachchan both executed it very well.

Producers with low budgets are always hoping to develop a new star and eventually some of them will succeed.  The publicity efforts are mainly to boost a movie, but inevitably help actors develop their own fan base.  Personal connection is very important.

I have left out many personalities and that is hard to avoid if keeping this post to a reasonable length.  The ones I have mentioned are all capable of not only a good performance, but also drawing in some fans.

The photos represent my favorite stars--the ones that I look to provide a stimulating and entertaining movie.

At top is Shah Rukh Khan in my favorite Bollywood movie, "Swades"
Aamir Khan in "Lagaan"
Vidya Balan in" Kahaani"
Farhan Akhtar with Deepika Padukone in "Karthik Calling Karthik"

FAVORITE MOVIES OF 2012

Everyone has their own idea of what the best movies are and I can't pretend to be any wiser than any of you.  Movies mentioned indicate my preferences.  Your thoughts are more than welcome in fact it is my hope to check out some of your ideas.  The movies mentioned are movies that I watched in 2012, many of them were made in previous years and come out of over 130 movies.  Many more are deserving of mention, but this is not intended as a list.

Director commentaries and special features often helped me appreciate something I would not have appreciated on my own.  Others think the movie must stand on its own.  Like everything else movies have a context and if you don't understand the context you will not fully appreciate the movie.

There is still a foreign language bias in my preferences and that means there are more choices than time.  Years ago it was common advice not to invest your money in any one country as it might not be safe.  Watching foreign movies doesn't mean that Hollywood is no good, but rather that there are wonderful ideas out there and you would be foolish not to enjoy them.  Like foreign foods they will add spice to your life.

Let's start off with the English speaking movies.

George Clooney figured in two I enjoyed, "The Descendents" (directed by Alexander Payne who also wrote the screenplay after winning Oscar for Sideways) was a family drama where a father draws his two daughters back into the fold while also deciding on a family heritage.

"Ides of March" was directed by George as well as playing one of the lead characters.  George seems to have a cynical view of politics which I share to some degree.  The movie has a few twists and has excellent acting by George, Ryan Gosling, Paul Giamatti and Paul Seymour Hoffman.

"J Edgar," (directed by Clint Eastwood) was recommended to me by one of my wife's closest friends, Barb Martin.  It was a fascinating character study of a man who liked to take credit for things he didn't actually do.  Still he was a skillful manipulator with a strong impact on American history.

"The Debt" (directed by John Madden) had two sets of actors to play younger and older versions of the same people.  It is a cover up thriller type of movie very well done.  Helen Mirren plays a key role.

"Water for Elephants," (directed by Francis Lawrence) was a drama played out on a Depression era circus background.  One thing I remember is that Robert Pattinson is more than a teenage idol.  An enjoyable movie.

"People Like Us" ( directedby Alex Kurtzman also writer, with music by a favorite Bollywood composer, A R Rahman).   Apparently the director had gone through a similar experience as the lead male actor and probably that helps give a feeling of authenticity. Chris Pine, Elizabeth Banks and Michelle Pfeiffer all give effective performances.

Filmed in 2009 "Agora", an English speaking film directed by a Spaniard, Alejandro Amenabar got my attention.  The movie stars Rachel Weisz in a woman centric role.  The director was very fascinating as he explained in a special feature that he had wanted to do something that involved astronomy and ended up setting his story in ancient Alexandria focusing on a woman scientist.  Based on fact, but not necessarily 100% factual the director demonstrated how some ancients may have deduced that the earth goes around the sun and even that it uses an elliptical orbit.  Alejandro also co-wrote the script and has written the music for several movies.  An earlier movie of his that impressed me was "Abre Los Ojos" re-written by him as "Vanilla Sky".  Someone to watch out for.

One classic I watched (for the first time) was "Unforgiven."   Directed by Clint Eastwood.  It was numbing.  It was crude and brutal, but in a very realistic sobering manner.  Attitudes were stripped to their cores.  Crudity was brought out as part of every day life.  It was well worth viewing, but you need to have a strong stomach and be open minded.

"The Maltese Falcon" was a classic I had seen before, but was able to take a closer look at.  Black and white movies seem too old fashioned, but they perhaps should be judged by how well they used their more limited resources.  I have always felt the key factor in a movie is the story.  Actors enhance it and directors are the key resource managers.  Technology can sometimes take over and distract from the story. I understand this was the first movie that John Huston directed.  This movie helped Humphrey Bogart elevate himself to a higher level of stardom.  An enjoyable movie.  Just before Christmas I watched "The African Queen" again directed by John Huston, starring Humphrey Bogard and Katherine Hepburn with excellent cinematography.  All around very enjoyable..

One of the last movies of the year for me was from a childhood memory, "Captain Blood".  I had first watched it with my father who was an Errol Flynn fan (and I suspect like myself also an Olivia de Havilland fan).   Later I watched it in stages with my young son Michael while waiting for school.  It was one of the first movies with music by Erich Korngold.  It might look a bit dated, but I loved it when I first saw it and it still gave me a thrill during the holidays.

A strange category with just one entry, "The Artist".  It is English, but it is subtitled.  It justifies the fuss.  One line in there was "mugging", implying without words actors tended to over act.  Some truth to that, but watching the movie it was interesting how they captured the mood without spoken words.  The acting was different, but the emotions came through loud and clear with the two French leads excellent.  A wonderful collaborative effort between French and American staff.   The cinematography was also noteworthy, and perhaps not noticed because in black and white.  Michel Hazanavicius directed it.

If you can't be bothered with subtitles the rest of this blog is like a tease.  You will be tempted, but you might get headaches or eyestrain or you will be forced to concentrate more than usual.  If you give in to the temptation you just might feel you have discovered a brand new joy in life.  The next three listed are my favorite three of the year.

Perhaps my favorite movie overall of the year was "A Separation."  In North America one gets used to thinking of Iran as a backward nation filled with fanatics.  This movie shows they are civilized and have the same sorts of personal tensions we are familiar with.  The story has mysterious elements, but I would emphasize the personal dynamics are done much better than standard movie fare.  The director set out to give the movie a documentary feel and succeeded.  The movie had to work around censors.  The writer and director (and his daughter played I would say the very significant third lead) was Asghar Farhadi who had to deal with Iranian censors and is not really appreciated by Iranian authorities.

Another top favorite is "The Intouchables" from France.  I assumed it wouldn't be shown at commercial theatres in my area, but it was picked up by the Art Gallery of Hamilton film fest.  Francois Cluzet plays a paraplegic in contrast to a previous role in an action movie, "Tell No One."  Omar Sy plays a cultural contrast.  The two give different pictures of modern Paris, the one very elegant and the other more desperate.  The story, based on real lives is funny in unanticipated details and uplifting.  The two characters at opposite ends of both wealth and health helped each other squeeze more out of life.   Directed and written by the team of Oliver Nakache and Eric Toleando.

From Bollywood, one that totally fooled me was "Kahaani".  It wasn't so much that the killer was a surprise, but the whole setup was in line with "Sixth Sense" or the "Usual Suspects" and for most of you this description will not spoil it.  Watching Vidya Balan, even playing an 8 month pregnant wife is one of life's pleasures.  The movie steadily tightens the suspense, but you are not really prepared for the resolution.  The most moving music is at the very end during the credits with religious overtones sung by Amitabh Bachchan, someone who I respect, but had not realized he sang.  Directed by Sujoy Ghosh.

"Barfi" was confusing to me at first.  The trailer indicates there would be a lot of comedy and there certainly was.  Also there would be some sort of love triangle and there was.  In many reviews at IMDB there seemed a reluctance to give out plot details and I now appreciate why they felt that way.  The movie is really about  relationships and was much deeper and richer than I anticipated.  Music played a strong role as it does in most Bollywood movies, but not in its familiar form.  The presentation is different with high reliance on flashbacks.  Directed by Anurag Basu.

"Don 2," heavy on plot, action and special effects was enjoyable. Filmed in Malaysia and Germany with wonderful cinematography.  The plot was convoluted keeping you on your toes.  Shah Rukh Khan showed he is more than just a romantic hero.  Directed by Farhan Akhtar.

"Stanley Ka Dabba" caught me off guard.  I had the idea it was a children's movie and it proceeded in many ways like I expected.  But towards the end I realized it wasn't a chidren's movie, but deeply concerned with education and a social problem in India.  Checking the special features I learned that it was filmed after a series of special classes initially without a script and very low budget.  The brain behind it was Amole Gupte who was also involved with "Taare par Zameen" another excellent movie that focused on an education issue.

Also watched a Bollywood classic, "Sholay".  I am so used to seeing Amitabh Bachchan as a strong father figure I didn't appreciate he got started as a young macho star.  It was very action packed from beginning to end with a few surprises along the way.  Directed by Romesh Sippy.

Canadian movie, 'Monsieur Lazhar.'  Also up for Oscar with "A Separation".  A very good movie, based on a one person play.  It fooled me into thinking they might have a tidy happy ending, but did have a realistic one.  For 2011 I felt "Incendies" was the best film I got to watch.  After watching "Monsieur Lazhar" I followed up an earlier movie of director/writer Philip  Falardeau, "Congorama" and was very impressed with its subtlety.  This year the best Canadian film and one of the best overall was "Monsieur Lazhar" which just demonstrates the strength of Quebec in international movies.

A Dutch film of 2011, "Bride Flight" was interesting following some Dutch women (and one man) headed to New Zealand after the war.  A soap opera plot, but well done and some wonderful scenery in New Zealand.   Directed by Ben Sombogaart.

"Headhunters" from Norway was one that interested me as I had just discovered the original author, Jo Nesbo.  They did an excellent job of dealing with Hollywood standards on a paltry Norwegian budget.

A recent French classic, "A Very Long Engagement" directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunnot who had done the more famous "Amelie" also with Audrey Tautou.  In this movie which was a lot more complex than I had imagined I was surprised to see Jodie Foster in a French speaking role.  Marion Cottilard who is becoming one of my favorites also had a signficant role.

Other movies worthy of watching came from Sweden, Turkey, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Argentina, and Brazil.

  

"El Mariachi" has become a classic. Originally intended for the Mexican video market with a $7,000 budget it drew attention at the Sundance festival.  It is a reasonably entertaining action film, but more entertaining was the director, Robert Rodiguez's commentary where he explained in almost every scene how he kept the cost down.  Most of the actors were not paid, the scenery was taken as it was found, props were improvised and the film was carefully monitored as they couldn't afford re-takes.

Looking forward to:  Life of Pi, Talaash, Lincoln, Cloud Atlas, Midnight's Children, Rust and Bone that have released in 2012.  I also plan to watch a number of classics, movies that told a meaningful story without all the modern technology.

If I didn't mention one of your favorites tell me and also why you liked it.  For my favourites of 2011 check outhttp://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2012/01/movies-i-enjoyed-in-2011.html

VIDYA BALAN, A VERY VERSATILE BOLLYWOOD ACTRESS

For the most part Bollywood treats its women stars as objects for the male stars to pursue.  The male leading stars have a much longer shelf life and as they age their leading women get younger and younger.  Gradually actresses are getting married, having children and returning to the big screen.  Men are offered a wider variety of roles.

How do you measure acting skill?  It is very subjective.  If you as a viewer feel gripped by the realism of the story, the actors are helping you feel that way.  The movie itself doesn't exist in isolation and you find yourself projecting what you know of the actor (often from other movies, maybe a tv interview or what you have read) and are most amazed when they project a different image in a movie.  The best example I can think of is Sean Penn playing Harvey Milk, a role so at odds with what we know of him, but one that he made us believe in.  From Bollywood the biggest adjustment pulled off very well was by Amitabh Bachchan when in his 60's he played a 13 year old with his actual son playing his father in "Paa".  Another one was by Rani Mukerji known as a vibrant dancer and outgoing personality portraying a Helen Keller type of character in "Black."

These types of roles help an actor establish themselves as versatile and should be considered as the more challenging roles.

Vidya Balan started her movie career in "Parineeta" as the girl next door that everyone loves.  There could be a good career there, but without challenges it would be limited.  In this one she plays the relatively poor girl next door to Saif Ali Khan, son of the rich father who was literally conning her father.  A millionaire, played by Sanjay Dutta enters the scene and confusion results.   In the end Saif breaks with his father and declares his love for the girl next door.  A very enjoyable movie to start with and you cannot help liking Vidya who is both victimized and misunderstood, but it does end happy for her.

In her next movie, "Lago Raho Munna Bhai" she plays an enthusiastic radio announcer. I read that she spent time with a well known radio announcer to get the right feel.  She captures the attention of Sanjay Dutta  (the loser in her first movie) who this time is playing a gangster.  Don't worry this is a comedy with quite the twist.  As a ploy to contact the radio announcer, the gangster enters a contest showing off his knowledge of Mahatma Gandhi.  Only he really doesn't know anything, but enlists his goons to smooth the way.  He is really out of his league, but somehow the ghost of Gandhi helps him.  Of course there are twists and turns (and a lot of laughs) with a message.  Vidya's character is very light and in one sense very much the girl next door except this time she is a caretaker in an old folks home.

In "Guru" she is paired with Madhavan and plays her role from a wheelchair. This is really perhaps the best movie by Abischek Bachchan who is paired with his real life wife Airshawaya Rai.  It is an excellent movie, but Vidya has only a supporting role well done.

"Kismet Konnection" is a bit disappointing in some ways, but it has one redeeming feature.  It is is filmed in Toronto.  For me Toronto is one of the stars.  I obviously like Vidya and I also like her co-star, Shahid Kapoor, but for various reasons this is not one of the better movies for either although they played well together.  CN Tower, Roy Thomson Hall, Harbour Front, Lake Ontario, the CNE EX
are only a small selection of recognizable Toronto scenery.

An aside from "Kismet Konnection" was the minor role of Juhi Chawla.  Juhi was a major leading lady years ago pairing with the likes of Shah Rukh Khan (who she is a business partner with) and Aamir Khan, both of whom romance much younger women today.  That is the way of Bollywood.  When I first became interested in Bollywood I watched mostly newer movies and as I got more interested started looking at older films, most of which seem dated, but Juhi was a very delightful surprise.  I am pleased she is now making a better transition, partly because she was smart enough to get involved with producing.  Vidya is on her way to a really nice transition where she plays roles more versatile than just being the object of romance.

"Paa" is the first Vidya Balan appearance I was privileged to see.  In it she plays a single mother and professional.  She lives with her mother and her diseased son.  Her 13 year old son is played by 64 year old Amitabh Bachchan (and this is perhaps the most interesting acting assignment of all time) with amazing makeup.  There are flashbacks to her romance with a hopeful politician, but when she becomes pregnant she decides if he won't support her wish to keep the child she will leave him.  She maintains her independence through some very rough times before becoming a doctor.  The hopeful politician and her lover was played by Abhischek Bachchan and he had lost contact. until a chance meeting with his son.  After this movie I kept my eyes open to learn more about her.  She had what I value-maturity.

"Isqiya"had her playing a gangster widow courted by two con men on the run.  She outfoxes the two men.  She seduces both of them.   She played a gun toter and in sexphobic Bollywood indulged in some thumb sucking of one of her leading men.

In "Nobody Killed Jessica," working with Rani Mukerji (also playing a non glamorous role) she played a very quiet, plain looking women trying to obtain justice for her sister who had been murdered in plain view of many witnesses who were all too afraid to testify.  She toned herself down and played a introverted role.

'"The Dirty Picture' was a real image crusher.  Vidya played the part of a sex symbol from poor beginnings to her downfall and eventual suicide.  Her role was very provocative and then very desperate.  Not at all the girl next door. Outspoken.  She proved she can be very sexy, but also demonstrated there is a lot more to her.









"Kahaani" is another progression.  She plays an 8 month pregnant wife looking for her missing husband.  She is the one who is able to overcome bureaucratic red tape and persuade uncooperative male authority figures to help her in her quest.  There is quite the twist in this movie and it is well worth watching for the surprise.  There really is no leading man, she carries the film.



She is currently filming "Ghanchakkar" opposite Emraan Hashmi.  The director says she will look different than the public is used to.  The movie will be using hidden cameras (as with "Kahanni") in the streets of Mumbai during the monsoon season.  I will have to wait to 2013 to see the results, but am looking forward to it.

Vidya looks like she will escape being put into a niche and grow into suitable and desirable film roles. I look forward to her future roles.

Gandhi--a life long fascination

Perhaps a few of my readers have not guessed my age, but I am going to reveal it now to help explain why I feel a special relationship with Mohandas Gandhi.  I was born on the same day that he was assassinated January 29th, 1948 in eastern standard time zone when it was already January 30th in India.  When this was discovered I was at a very impressionable age.  All that pre disposed me to explore all sorts of things Indian such as books, Indian food, Hindu philosophy, music and lately Bollywood, this last with some help from my sister Rebecca.

I discovered Gandhi as an elementary student always fascinated by odd things  at the library.  Gandhi was unique.  He wasn't a warrior yet he had helped free India.  I read all sorts of books about him as a child and a young man and along the way discovered the date connection.  Gandhi led a life that is hard to imagine.  He was educated and a successful lawyer, but decided on an austere path personally and as part of campaign to gain independence for India.

Many think of Gandhi as a saint, but he was far from perfect.  He was consciously aware of many of his faults and perhaps because of that could understand others better.  He was obsessed with diet, bodily functions and sex.

Below are some movies and books that have colored my thinking.

"Gandhi" came out in 1982 with an all star cast and introduced Ben Kingsley to play Gandhi.  A lot of dramatic action including his assassination at the movie's beginning,  a horse charge on Indian protesters, Amritsar massacre, beatings and the violence of partition.  This movie deals a lot with the political machinations. One remembered point is that Gandhi declared although he believed in non violence, he didn't believe in being passive.  Civil disobedience is his real strategy.

"Water" barely mentions Gandhi, but I wanted to review it again as it has a Canadian writer/director, Deepa Mehta.  The main focus is on the treatment of widows.  They have three choices: go to a fiery death with their husband, live an essentially chaste and dehumanizing life or if family permits marry a younger brother of her husband.  The law was changed, but customs are much harder to change.  Gandhi was against child marriages.  John Abraham, who later became a bigger star had a major role playing a disciple of Gandhi. Near the end of the movie we see Gandhi at a train station he is passing through after being released from jail.  Paraphrasing he says "For a long time I thought God was truth, but now I know Truth is God."

"Hey Ram" was my introduction to Kamal Hassan who wrote, directed, produced and starred.  He brought in some big Bollywood stars in Shah Rukh Khan (playing a secular Muslim) and Rani Mukerji.  It brings to light  the religious hatred between Muslim and Hindu just waiting for something to ignite. Gandhi angered many Hindus who felt he was trying too hard to placate Muslims.  Gandhi is played by Nasseruddin Shah, another actor I have come to respect.  Hema Malini was one of the few star Bollywood actresses who made movies after having children.  She also became a politician.

"Lage Raho Munna Bhai" might actually offend some people as it takes a humorous slant on Gandhi. Not to be disrespectful, but humor can often make a point that escapes serious discussion.  In this romance, Sanjay Dutt plays a gangster who takes a fancy to Vidya Balan, a radio announcer.  He lies and manipulates to impress her that he is a Gandhi expert.  Magically the ghost of Gandhi appears and is willing to help him win the girl, but has one request; that Sanjay "live truthfully."  As Sanjay courts Vidya he has a type of conversion and you see a number of situations where he helps people in awkward, even tragic situations overcome their difficulties applying Gandhian principles.  I would say persistence and innovation in civil disobedience can be very helpful.  A memorable quote from Boman Irani--"his ways don't work today" and later he succumbs to a Gandhian strategy.

"The Road to Sangam" depicts a story long after the death of Gandhi.   Part of his ashes that had been divided to be spread to different regions of India had been forgotten.  In an effort to duplicate the original intentions a Muslim mechanic has been asked to restore the engine that was in the original car to drive the ashes to Sangam.  At this time the mechanic is under stress due to Muslim-Hindu conflicts.  Muslim organizers want to have a strike to demonstrate their determination.  The mechanic feels trapped as he had already promised to fix this engine.  He realized that Gandhi was a friend of Muslims and the reason for the independence of India.  I had seen  Paresh Rawal in numerous roles, usually supporting, but very diversified.  I can better appreciate him as he was given the major role in this film and put in a very subtle performance.  The lessons of Gandhi are brought out by the mechanic who realizes that Gandhi was above religion.  The mechanic is attacked physically, but eventually wins over many of his fellow Muslims.

Watching "Gandhi, My Father"  I was surprised at the involvement of Anil Kapoor as producer and Askaye Khanna as lead actor in such a serious and controversial film.  Controversial  as many Indians felt it disrespectful to depict Gandhi as anything but saintly.   Despite being well educated himself, Gandhi actively discouraged his four children (and other relatives) from formal education.  His eldest son, Harilal wanted to be a barrister like his father, but Gandhi thought he would serve the cause better without university.  Harlilal became an alcoholic. One quote from Jan Smuts, Gandhi "is a politician trying to be a saint."

Reading "Gandhi, The True Man Behind Modern India" by Jad Adams   Gandhi was seeking spiritual perfection and often overlooked the needs of those dependent on him. At one time he believed meat gives strength, but was a vegetarian and involved with vegetarian issues.  Like many powerful men he had a strong sex drive, but felt that was in the way of spiritual perfection.  His four sons and his wife were not given any favoritism and were expected to live to high standards.  Obsessed with bowel movements and enemas and sexual abstinence.

One last book I stumbled on while working on this post, "Gandhi and the Unspeakable" by James Douglas.   One emphasis was that Gandhi was aware of many Indians who preferred violence to throw out the British.  Assassinations occurred close to him.  In 1909 he talked and argued with Savarker in London, even as Savarker was planning an assassination in India.  He seemed to have some respect for those willing to die, but thought they were misguided.  Savarkar was a revered leader to Nathuram Godse, who also had confronted Gandhi several times.  The underlying problem was a prejudice against Muslims who Gandhi was trying to reconcile with the Hindus.  The British controlled India by a divide and rule campaign and that thinking permeated the partition process.  Savarker the mastermind escaped a conviction, but apparently wrote a nine hour speech for Godse.

Satyagraha is a word coined by Gandhi shaming some one by setting a moral example.  Protesting was done assuming they would be beaten.  In some of the movies it was very scary and I can appreciate it takes more courage than attacking someone even as you realize they might attack back.  Gandhi was not a pacifist, he was very proactive.

In conclusion I realize my boyhood admiration overlooked details inaccessible to me at the time.  Gandhi had a very strong will and a desire to reach spiritual purity.  He accomplished some important things and and in some ways set a good example--there are other ways to prevail besides violence.  I still admire Gandhi and am grateful that I have also discovered more of a most fascinating country, India.