Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by tinear (A) on May 14, 2014 at 10:16:13

symphony: huge in scope, succeeding in all, towering above its competition.
A decades-long disappeared uncle wishes to avail himself of hospitality at a niece's household, much to her and her husband's discomfort. Is he an impostor? Is he a strange individual come to prey on them?
In the course of the tale of this stranger, we examine the width and breath of not just Indian culture, from it's indigenous tribal dances and music to modern day art, but also humorous side trips into discussions of American culture, including our Native Americans (the "other" Indians, as is discussed in the film).
Ray has gathered many of the ensemble that shone so brightly in "Enemy of the People" yet these all have very different characters to portray: this adds much entertainment value as you realize their great skill.
Yet, for all their talent, they are indeed outplayed by the principal: he has a ferocious wit and intelligence of such magnificence that I cannot easily recall an equal. Simply one of film's great performances, absolutely original and unforgettable.
Like those of Ozu, Ray's films often leave the sensitive viewer wishing he somehow could summon the will to become a better person, less selfish and more aware of others.
This film alone lifts Ray into the elite pantheon of greatest directors of all time.
Now, let me add several critical points: if you do not enjoy travel, the experience of different cultures--- you won't like this film. It is a "foreign" experience. The customs, expectations, and behaviors of the characters are enough unlike those in our culture as perhaps to be unsettling. Still, they are all part of the Human Comedy and, below the appearances, betray the same fears, hopes, and wishes that unite all of us.
Also, Ray doesn't portray characters easily as good or bad: even those guilty of the poorest actions are portrayed as full personages with human traits; you cannot easily judge them (note the "easily," please…).

Edits: 05/14/14   05/14/14