|
| Movie Review: Namesake Alternate Title: What's in a Name
Story: If you like films with
unhurried storytelling, wonderful acting, sweeping, memorable cinematography
and terrific direction than give yourself a treat and go to see
Namesake. Director Mira Nair once again
delivers an honest, true account of an immigrant experience and the
generational conflicts that develop from assimilation. It is based on
the novel by Jhumpa Lahiri with a screenplay by Sooni
Taraporevala. The story laps three decades in the Ganguli family.
From their arranged marriage, to a move to the US (Queens, NY), through
the birth of their children, suburbia, first generation angst, culture
clash, to tragedy to epiphany. The story itself is not new but the storytelling
is luscious. Take the time, sit back and enjoy the slow ride.
Oh yes, and afterwards, go have a samosa. Acting: Kal Penn, best known for
his goofy portrayal in Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle,
shows he can act and is a perfect fit in this role. Tabu and
Irfan Khan, as the parents, are huge Bollywood stars
and are flawless in their roles. The rest of the cast is terrific as
well.
Predilection: I like 'all things Indian' and am lucky
to have a friend (Sunjit), who is also first generation Indian. We go
to Indian films and Indian art exhibits together. He is my 'Indianologist'
and resident Sikh.
Critters: Surprisingly none
Food: Samosas, chocolate birthday cake and oodles
of delicious looking Indian food.
Blatant Product Placement: Rice Krispies
Soundtrack: A wonderful blend and east and west
Opening Titles: A visual treat of color, sound and
type.
Visual Art: Cinematographer Frederick Elmes
creates images that are hard to forget.
Theater Audience: More people than I expected for
a Monday afternoon.
Weather: It is hot in India and chilly in Queens.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: 0
Drift Factor: I thought it could have been a few minutes
shorter, but that is nary a complaint.
Predictability Level: I did not read the book but
had a pretty good idea where the film was headed.
Tissue Usage: Both Sunjit and I needed a tissue.
Oscar Worthy: I loved the cinematography but doubt
it will get a nod.
Big Screen or Rental: Big screen would be better,
For some of Mira Nair's other films, try renting: Vanity
Fair, Monsoon Wedding, Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love, The Perez Family,
Mississippi Masala and Salaam Bombay!
Length: A spit over two hours.
LOBO HOWLS: 8
|