Mumbai is emerging as one of the most populated, technologically advanced cities in the world, and, like all cities, it has its slums. There is no hope of escaping the slum except through a life of crime, at least until the television phenomenon Who Wants To Be’ A Millionaire?’ comes along.’
The famous television program, described in The Muse’s interview with director Danny Boyle (28 Days Later, Trainspotting) as, ‘a vehicle of capitalism,’ is central to his new movie, Slumdog Millionaire, which opens in theaters Nov. 12. When lowly tech support assistant Jamal Malik, played by rising star Dev Patel, not only gets on the Indian version of the show but actually starts winning, he is accused of cheating. To prove his innocence to his interrogators, Jamal takes them back to many of the defining moments in his life. Through flashbacks, we see Jamal’s life unfold as well as seeing how he learned the answers to these seemingly impossible questions.
Though the premise of the film could easily venture into the realm of clich’eacute; and predictable, Boyle combines his vibrant realism with a brilliant script by Simon Beaufoy (The Full Monty) to tell a story that transcends the cheesy Hollywood tradition of rags-to-riches tales.’
‘[Slumdog Millionaire] puts it back on the underdog and says there are no easy lifts up,’ said Boyle. ‘These are all an illusion. It’s up to you and your dream, really.’
The story he tells is infused with both drama and hilarity, depicting Jamal, his brother Salim and his love interest Latika struggling to grow up in a tough world, while clinging to their innocence and senses of humor. Throughout, Jamal, Salim and Latika are played as children by non-professional actors who portray the raw humor and underlying drama of their characters’ lives. The three endure bitter trials and hilarious adventures together, and while they end up leading vastly different lives, their pasts keep them inextricably connected with one another.
The setting of Mumbai makes for a dazzling, bustling evironment that dominates the film.
‘It’s so complicated and complex and busy and everything’s inseparable: poverty, wealth, dirt, cleanliness ‘-‘- everything. It just comes at you the whole time,’ Boyle said of India.
Heart-wrenching and heart-warming are rarely both used to describe the same story, but this urban, 21st century fairy tale is truly a complex and eye-opening look at the life of a young man who will do whatever it takes to achieve his goals.
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