madanmarwah

There are many positives about this mini series. To start with, it is brilliantly conceived and executed and it deals with a subject which is topical and has universal appeal. Not surprising that it has been appreciated across the globe both by average audiences and critics alike. ( My mind took me back to the movie " Mass" of 2021 which was on a similar subject) A 13 year old boy is charged with the murder of his girl classmate , the police are investigating and the parents are going through a hellish experience. A number of issues are thrown up and discussed in depth. The world of social media and its toxic effect on the teenage mind is a scaring scenario. The incel culture has taken over , the heart shaped emoji of different colours have different meanings, masculinity has a new definition, misogynistic ideas come up, there are devils inside the computer, teenagers are in a form of digital arrest as they sit glued to computer screens and all this adds up to a crime being committed in a moment of passion. Parental duties, addressing mental health issues, disappearing family ties and emotional togetherness are all in question. These issues are highlighted through highly emotional and heart wrenching scenes directed and acted out superbly. The actors playing parents and the teenager have brought out out the turmoil and intensity exceedingly well. Full marks to the director, actors and cinematographer for creating top class cinema.

Along with high class content the mini series is embellished with superbly unique cinematography in that it is shot in one take not only providing a seamless and fluid presentation but allowing audience participation. Anything negative? Could have been shorter by 30 minutes or so by trimming certain portions.

This movie has received multiple Oscar awards this year for Sean Baker that is best picture, best director, best original screenplay and best editing. Additionally Mikey Madison has got the best actress award too. Some kind of record has been made. When the same individual co-produces, writes, directs and edits the movie one can expect his total involvement in the project and the result to be top class. It has happened here. The plotline gives enough scope for some well developed characters and a gripping narrative. A 23 year old stripper in New York, a 21 year old Russian boy, his extremely rich parents in Russia and three local caretakers of the boy employed by the father. On an impulse the stripper and the rich Russian boy get hitched, the parents in Russia find out and hell breaks loose.

Director Sean Baker lets his camera loose in the maze of claustrophobic rooms of the dimly lit seedy stripper joint and transmits this atmosphere to the audience unabashedly and in their face. The audience gets sucked in. Later when the arguments start and panic sets in, the narrative gets interesting till the indifferent climax. Full marks to director for presenting sincerely what he wrote, planned and executed even though many may get put off and find it unconventional. There is some nice story telling through effective cinematography and crisp editing. Acting of Mikey Madison is indeed award worthy as she essays different nuances of the complex character and delivers an awesome performance. (Like in "Pretty woman" she gets an offer to stay back as a girlfriend.)

I have two negative observations. One, the director has gone overboard with raunchy and amorous scenes specially in the beginning portion for "establishing" the plot. (Maybe some restraint could have been exercised keeping in mind the sensibilities of audiences.) The narrative therefore gets a delayed start. Two, the climax is unconvincing and has a complicated touch to it. It is open to interpretation not exactly the best way to bring closure.

All those who have seen Gladiator II can be grouped in three different categories. Those who think it is definitely better, those who think it is almost as good and those who think it is not as good. I belong to the third category. The movie lacks the emotional depth and the absorbing storyline of the original. It gives you a strong feeling of Deja vu and nostalgia since the narrative, the characters and the locations are just about the same. The plotline of betrayal, honour, revenge, power, corruption are all there. However I sorely missed the superb acting of Russel Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix of the original. Initially the movie has a slow pace despite the stunningly shot and presented war scenes. The scenes at the Colosseum are fantastic no doubt. Later it picks up but the emotional impact is much less in comparison. I have seen Paul Mescal's acting in two movies, first as an affectionate father in "Aftersun" and the second as a gay young man in "All of us Strangers". In this title role here his acting will invariably get compared to Russell Crowe and it pales in comparison which is not exactly his fault. His acting lacks intensity and is too laid back for a gladiator. Has he been miscast I wonder ?

Ridley Scott's direction is excellent as usual though his work invariably will be compared with the original which was definitely better maybe because of a stronger screenplay and better actors at work. This movie has some fine one liners worth quoting. ( Violence is a universal language, Rage is your gift).

Denzel Washington impressively plays a former slave turned trader and arms dealer with a cunning and menacing personality. He has done well indeed. There is an India connect in the form of a physician Dr Ravi who treats the injured Paul and plays an important part in the plot.

Superb is the word for the cinematography, editing, sound , costumes and the director has used them to maximum effect to create an extravaganza.