Danny Boyle is back and he isn't quiet with his return with this new feature.
Dev Patel plays Jamal Malik, a former Mumbai slum child whom has now found work in a call centre and has landed himself on India's Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. We are instantly told the outcome of the film, Jamal has won but how? He has astonished India with winning and the splendid question arises; was it luck, did he cheat, is Jamal merely a genius or was it purely down to fate.
The film cleverly uses the game as a hub for the audience to witness and understand Jamal's life. Going back in time to experiences in his life which led him to know all the answers. Instead of being overly sympathetic we are led to see Jamal as morality solider.
Danny Boyle takes us on an electric journey through the slums of Mumbai - Ambitious and electric camera work makes the seemingly dull scenes, for example, the kids running through the alley slums, as something of masterpiece in the making.
The soundtrack is incredible and fits perfectly with the general vibe of the film. In particular MIA teams up with AR Rahman with 'O Saya' a hair rising track that forces the audience to truly understand this film as well as savor every second of it.
Plot wise - This is very simple. There is the touching love story between Jamal and his childhood friend turned love of his life. Jamal's tale involves crime, tragedy and love.
The representation of Indians in this film were one dimensional, this was the films downfall. However, slumdog has edgy camera work and fantastic cinematography - A definite favorite for the Oscars for many worthy reasons but one in particular will be because people will feel like they have visited the 'real' India. This however is debatable.
I think we have an auteur on our hands, Boyle's trademark in the film is visible without being irritatingly self indulgent.
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