Slumdog Millionaire (2008): Film Review
Danny Boyle's new film set in the slums of Mumbai
Jan 20, 2009
That Slumdog Millionaire has almost universally been referred to as a "feel-good film" is a testament to the vision and craftsmanship of its writer and director. With scenes of stark brutality, child abuse, mutilation and abandonment it is certainly an abrasive and left field contender for such a mantle.
Q&A
Adapted from a novel by Indian diplomat Vikas Swarup Slumdog Millionaire tells the story of Jamal Malik (Dev Patel), a lowly call centre tea-boy who reaches the final question on India's answer to Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. Arrested on suspicion of cheating Malik must convince the corrupt officials how he knew the answer to each of the show's questions. This is achieved through a series of flashbacks which reveals his tough life on the streets, his brushes with gangsters and crimelords, and his ongoing pursuit of Latika (Freida Pinto), a girl he befriended as a child.
This style of storytelling results in an episodic film that moves quickly, and sometimes abruptly, from one scene to the next. Taking in fifteen or so years over barely two hours, each chapter of Malik, and his brother, Salim's (Madhur Mittal), life is told in short, gripping and easily digestible segments.
Reaction
Initially opening on a very limited North American release the film has gone on to win wide acclaim not to mention numerous awards and nominations. It is not hard to see why. Filmed on location in Mumbai Boyle's backdrops of sweltering slums and gritty, claustrophobic streets are both breathtaking and highly convincing. As are the performances by a cast of mostly unknown actors and local children.
The set-pieces themselves, each built around the answer to the next question, are rich in emotion and tension - sometimes even humour. They are populated by characters that generate a reaction from the audience, whether it be sympathy, frustration or contempt.
Though you may not know it from some reviews Slumdog Millionaire has its drawbacks too. Most noticeably the formula of the plot feels more mechanical than organic, with scenes moving along at a carefully orchestrated and contrived pace. Compared to the sumptuous authenticity of the landscapes this can often seem awkward and self conscious. It also leads to a predictable film that offers up very few surprises. The final, 20 million rupee question is quite blatantly set up for the audience in the opening ten minutes.
Awards
Despite this Slumdog Millionaire remains a heart-warming and offbeat paean to life, love, and triumph over adversity. Unsurprisingly it has already walked off with four Golden Globes this year and has been nominated for eleven BAFTAs. There is already an air of inevitability that Danny Boyle may well be this year's big winner at the Oscars.
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