I haven't read the book. I remember when the book was out, I had stayed away from it deliberately. I had certain preconceived views about it. But, I was wrong about it on many levels.
As far as the movie is concerned, I didn't know what to expect from it. I am not a fan of 3D at all. But I just loved the subtle, beautiful treatment of it in the movie.
A lot of directors who make movies that are based on novels are usually at liberty to interpret the story according to their liking and convenience. I am glad Ang Lee didn't go down the cliched route at a couple of places.
1. Pi's lullaby, to me, seemed like a metaphor for Pi's mother. When Pi was a boy, his mother seemed to be his guide through his turmoils about religion. It would have seemed right for Pi to remember that lullaby on a regular basis, as if to derive strength from it. I am glad Lee steered clear of that.
2. If you've seen the movie, you will remember that just before the movie ends, there is a shot, the second one, of Richard Parker going into the forest without turning back to look at Pi. My taste for Bollywood kicked in and I almost expected Richard Parker to turn back and look at Pi from behind all the trees. As if to make sure Pi can't see him while he turns back to look at him. I don't think Pi's father's lesson about animals (from the shot where he feeds a goat to Richard Parker) went down very well for me! :)
However, I am relieved I was proven wrong here. This movie is a class apart. I couldn't help but wonder the global outlook Ang Lee possesses for making the movies he has.
As far as the movie is concerned, I didn't know what to expect from it. I am not a fan of 3D at all. But I just loved the subtle, beautiful treatment of it in the movie.
A lot of directors who make movies that are based on novels are usually at liberty to interpret the story according to their liking and convenience. I am glad Ang Lee didn't go down the cliched route at a couple of places.
1. Pi's lullaby, to me, seemed like a metaphor for Pi's mother. When Pi was a boy, his mother seemed to be his guide through his turmoils about religion. It would have seemed right for Pi to remember that lullaby on a regular basis, as if to derive strength from it. I am glad Lee steered clear of that.
2. If you've seen the movie, you will remember that just before the movie ends, there is a shot, the second one, of Richard Parker going into the forest without turning back to look at Pi. My taste for Bollywood kicked in and I almost expected Richard Parker to turn back and look at Pi from behind all the trees. As if to make sure Pi can't see him while he turns back to look at him. I don't think Pi's father's lesson about animals (from the shot where he feeds a goat to Richard Parker) went down very well for me! :)
However, I am relieved I was proven wrong here. This movie is a class apart. I couldn't help but wonder the global outlook Ang Lee possesses for making the movies he has.
1 comment:
Good one!!
Lullaby was awesome....
Nishaad
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