Movie - 22, Breakfast at Tiffany's

Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)

by

Blake Edwards

Movie Seen: 05 august 2015

Note Written: 12 August 2015

'Breakfast at Tiffany's' was a random selection that day- what a lovely choice it turned out to be! Holly Golightly aka Lula Mae devoured my heart with her antics, adventure-spirit, slight madness, and boldness. I thought, this is how freely people should be able to mingle with other people- devoid of any insecurities, without being scared of a great many normal worries and societal norms. Audrey Hepburn was amazing in her most iconic role, but when you know that Truman Capote the author of the novella wanted Marilyn Monroe to play Holly, I feel that she could have brought another level of charm to the character. The movie is brimmed with happiness and energy. The cat deserves a special mention for its role in the movie. I am so glad that I picked this movie on that day. 

Oh, what a movie; what a lovely, lovely movie!

Book - 22, The Gospel According to Jesus Christ

The Gospel According to Jesus Christ (1991)

by

José Saramago

Book Read: 17-24 July, 2015

Note Written: 28 July 2015

'The Gospel According to Jesus Christ' tells the story of Jesus Christ as a human, not just as the Son of God/fairy-like image that we are used to, through religious texts. I would like to believe that the turn of events of his life could be more like this than the glorious accounts in the Bible Gospels. The book raised a lot of questions in my mind about God and answered almost all of them. God- if there is a power like that- I would like to believe that such a power exists- is not just a single entity. His will is not complete without the 'other side'. 'Good' is never reflected until and unless there is something called 'bad'. God and the Devil are like 'Yin' and 'Yang'- not complete without each other. 

The book gave me a lot of insights on many things, and shocked me at times- especially with the detailed account of the life of Joseph. In the Bible, Joseph is reduced to a character mentioned in just a few lines- he was noble, he helped his wife, he searched his son, that's about it. Mother Mary has been mentioned, thought of, and studied by many people and scholars, not Joseph, I feel. Saramago fills this void and does it great. Mother Mary and Mary Magdalene are characters primarily in conflict with each other but equally in love with Jesus- perhaps Mary Magdalene's is more of a selfless love. 

The narration using long sentences, paragraphs, and most minimal usage of punctuations made my reading a little weird, but interesting, especially since I am a stickler for punctuations. But I enjoyed each and every bit of the book- the flow was amazing and totally new to me. José Saramago is my new favourite author- looking forward to reading all of his works. 

Movie - 21, Mankatha

Mankatha (2011)

by 

Venkat Prabhu

Movie Seen: 04 August 2015

Note Written: 10 August 2015

This was my second time watching 'Mankatha'. The first time I watched, I was half asleep through the second half (not because I was bored, but was really sleepy). The movie is an out-and-out Ajith show- stylish, classy, funny, cruel, mean, villanish, the movie is tailor made for him, literally. The course of the movie with many bizzare sequences made Priscilla comment that "this is a very weird movie". There were some over-the-top scenes, especially with 'Action King' Arjun, but these were passable, provided the mood and style of the movie. The climax looks very impactful, but wasn't so much for me- maybe because of the actor who played the other police officer- bad, bad acting. In the movie, one particular scene which I really liked was where Ajith pushes Trisha's (the heroine) dad from a running car on to the road while she's watching, thereby easily ending their 'love' and relationship- it was cold, but a great scene, showing both the heartlessness and cruelty of the protagonist. Mankatha, even with its minor flaws, has a cult status. The movie wasn't as good as Venkat Prabhu's 'Chennai 28' or Saroja, but as 'Thala' Ajith's 50th outing, it's just perfect!

Book - 21, The Search Warrant

The Search Warrant : Dora Bruder (1997)

by

Patrick Modiano

Book Read: 16 July 2015

Note Written: 27 July 2015

'The Search Warrant' is a semi-autobiographical account of the author going in search of the details of 'Dora Bruder', a girl from Paris who lived during the time of the Second World War and Jewish Persecution. The author embarks on this journey by coming across a 'missing' notice he found in an old newspaper. The narration is through combining his own account of the search, notes, official records, letters etc. The author also remembers his own journeys through the ways and locations which Dora Bruder lived and existed. Sometimes, I think of things like that- how many people would have been and trod on the paths which I now walk on- they would all have their own stories, their own secrets, their own histories and such that. Through the various anecdotes, accounts, and official records we get to know the many horrors of the era- thousands, persecuted, gone missing, executed without any particular reason or cause- the horrors of the war are terrible indeed. There should be similar stories in all places of contention, throughout the world, where war has happened or is happening- millions of stories, with very few being told.

Movie - 20, Oru Vadakkan Selfie (A Northern Selfie)

Oru Vadakkan Selfie (2015)

by

G Prajith

Movie Seen: 01 August 2015

Note Written: 08 August 2015

This was the third time I was watching 'Oru Vadakkan Selfie'- seen it twice from the theatre, once from Hyderabad (PVR, Forum Mall) and once from Kerala (Rose, Mukkam). The movie is a great entertainer, at least towards the end part.It has a lot of genuine humour moments in it- humour which I can relate to in my life, a lot. There where many situations where I saw my own life in Nivin Pauly's character, when he's in front of his family as a jobless youth, lazy in studies, with not much of a sense of responsibility. Even though it was my third time watching it, I laughed throughout the movie- and that's the success of it. Though I appreciate the casting of Manjima as heroine, her acting could have been better- let's watch out for her upcoming movies and decide further whether she's good. I especially liked the fact that the film didn't end in a conventional way, with the leads falling in love in the end and happily ever after and all that. The film doesn't even set the heroine as the hero's lover or show what they all do after all the adventure they had. On the whole, 'Oru Vadakkan Selfie' is pure fun!

PS: Nivin Pauly is getting better and better with his youthful antics in each film. The movie was a good precursor to 'Premam'. Eagerly waiting for 'Action Hero Biju'.

Book - 20, Fathers in Law

Fathers in Law (1965)

by

Henry Cecil

Book Read: 14,15 July 2015

Note Written: 25 July 2015

I got this book and read because of an e-mail which I reread after 7 years- the mail was by Sukumaran Sir, my teacher at START. He had recommended to me some authors to read at the time, seeing my writing style in an article which got published in 'EFLU Uncut' magazine, during my first year of college- the article was a funny one about my friend Ajayan's leg, which got fractured during a campus football match. The authors he recommended were PG Wodehouse, Henry Cecil and Robert Branson. Even though Henry Cecil is supposed to be humour writer, 'Fathers in Law' wasn't that humourous. The story was packed with varied emotions, yes, but what prevailed over humour was sadness and anxiety about what is justice, given the circumstances. The author, being a judge himself, is speaking from things that he has observed in his career, and he has done it quite well. The claim on the child (Hugh) was equal for both the parents, and the book has a great, all-pleasing end. While you read the novel, the case troubles your mind too, as to what fair treatment is, when you have gone through so much of unfairness already. Will I buy another book of Henry Cecil, maybe, maybe not. But, I wouldn't say no to his works if I come across something though. 

Movie - 19, Minions

Minions (2015)

by

Pierre Coffin & Kyle Balda

Movie Seen: 29 July 2015

Place: INOX Multiplex, Kacheguda

Note Written: 05 August 2015

A movie just with the 'minions'- it has been a long time wish for me to see something like that. They are the best things about the movie franchise 'Despicable Me'. 'Minions' the movie wasn't that great though. I felt it's like they had to make a movie about the adorable minions, they knew they had the market and the movie would sell for sure, and they came up with some storyline and certain funny moments, without much effort. They could have done better, story-wise. While there were some really funny moments in the movie, there were boring ones too. And the trailers had already given out most of what's in the first half of the movie. I had to force myself to laugh in some bits there. May be I am not being fair. I shouldn't have watched the trailers for umpteen times. For a first time watcher, it could really be fun. The movie would be a great choice for kids I feel- they would love it. The King Bob part was really hilarious and imaginative. Overall, the movie was okay, the 3D effects were good, and I had some good fun. 

Book - 19, H is for Hawk

H is for Hawk (2014)

by

Helen Macdonald

Book Read: 3-13 July 2015

Note Written: 24 July 2015

'H is for Hawk' is a memoir by Helen Macdonald of her training a Goshawk, while dealing with the grief of the death of her father. I started reading it thinking of it as a novel and later found out that it was non-fiction. I struggled with the book a lot in the initial days. I have a basic disagreement with the author in keeping a hawk as a pet. In fact, I am not fond of keeping anything as pet at all. I know there are many things involved and reasons for keeping some animal or bird as a pet but taming something, conditioning some living beings' mind to our beck and call, suiting our needs mostly, while saying 'before it was wild, now tamed and trained' is not my cup of tea. 'Trained', a term, in this case, making something what it is not. Human beings are intellectually superior and have societal behaviour patterns but why should our ways of living be forced upon other creatures? I'll leave it there. This is a matter of many contentions and I don't wish to create an argument which would lead nowhere. You live in peace, I live in peace. Let me talk about the book. 

H is for Hawk also goes through, from time to time, the experience of author TH White in training a hawk, with much struggle and later failing to tame it. The hawk preferred freedom and never came back to him. Training and taming the hawk was a challenge for Helen too, but she was successful. The memoir was my hawk for a short while, I had my many disagreements, I struggled a lot. Later I decided to let it be and set the book free from my contentions and struggles, probably like TH White. The book was hard to get into, bit once I found the pulse of it, it became an excellent read- even though my own opinions came forth and challenged many things at times. I still maintain that an animal, bird, or any other being, conditioned to be a pet, is never, never, 'free'. 

Movie - 18, Ant-Man

Ant-Man (2015)

by

Peyton Reed

Movie Seen: 28 July 2015

Place: INOX Kacheguda

Note Written: 01 August 2015

'Ant-Man' is like most other Marvel Superhero movies- fun, thrilling, and more fun. In fact, humour-wise, Ant-Man does better than the other movies of the franchise. That is probably beacuse of Edgar Wright's (Director/Writer of Scott Pilgrim vs the World,Shawn of the Dead, Hot Fuzz etc) involvement with the scripting of the movie. He opted out of the project in between, I understand. The movie had an expected storyline from superhero movies -ascend, fall, and rise again stuff- but the climax where Ant-Man defies the quantum world and comes back to reality as we see was a not-so-believable moment. If he remained in that world though, it could have been an 'interstellar' type scenario. We got seats in the 3rd row from the front, that too corner seats- not a great view of the screen from there, but not so bad either. There were a bunch of assholes sitting next to us, talking loud and causing disturbance during the movie. Those were the spoilers in the 'Ant-Man' experience for me. Waiting for the next Marvel movie to come out to spend my money on. 

Book - 18, Purple Hibiscus

Purple Hibiscus (2003)

by

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Book Read: 28 June - 2 July 2015

Note Written: 23 July 2015

Too much of anything can be trouble, that's what an old Malayalam saying says (well, kind of). Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche shows how too much of religion, blind faith, and religious intolerance can shatter things around you. The book talks not about fanaticism in ways of bombs, terrorism, murders and all but about the kind of fundamentalism, extremism, and  oppression at our homes. The novel has disturbed me a lot. The story is told from the view point of Kambili, a 15 year old girl, who watches many things/changes happen in and around her family- her fear and pride of her rich, devout catholic father; the strife between her brother Jaja and father, after he experience what freedom is in the poor, humble home of their aunt; the defending nature of her mother towards her father even after being violated and abused etc. There is a huge amount of conflict within Kambili whether her father is a 'villain' as such. He is a respectable man, yes, but he is intolerant in terms of religion, and engages in fierce domestic violence in the name of asserting good behaviour and faith.  It is people like him that scares me most, more than gun wielding terrorists. There were some things which I could relate to in the novel, being brought up in a conservative Catholic Christian society, where no one dares to go beyond the edicts of the church, where there is no less scope for rational thinking, and where such conflicts as in the book arise. Religion and I are in a conflict situation now. I have declared ceasefire for the time being- let's co-exist peacefully, religion. You don't disturb me, I don't disturb you. 

Movie - 17, The Motorcycle Diaries

Diarios de Motocicleta (2004)

by

Walter Salles

Movie Seen: 26 July 2015

Note Written: 31 July 2015

'The Motorcycle Diaries' was a long-pending movie for me. The urge to watch the movie was on an increase from after I finished reading the book a couple months ago. The movie is a delightful adventure experience about the road trip taken up by Ernesto Che Guevara and Alberto Granado. The experiences noted in the diary of Che has been well adapted to make this movie. Sans some changes for the effect of drama, the movie follows the book well in path. For the viewer the movie induces the feelings to embark upon such a journey ourselves- if we could get hold of something like 'La Poderosa' and some money. The journey started as fun for Che, but ended as something much bigger. This is when he began to think a lot about the injustices prevailing in the world, mainly due to economic desparities. 'Che' is now a symbol of many things- youthfulness, revolution, confidence, and much more. It is kind of sad to see him and figures like him transformed to symbols and tools of fashion and capitalism. Many icons have become mere fashion accessories now- it would be nice if people knew the value of them and wore them, but that's not what's happening now. Religion works this way too. The whole world has become one big commercial. 

Book - 17, Joy in the Morning

Joy in the Morning (1946)

by

PG Wodehouse

Book Read: June 2015

Note Written: 22 July 2015

Jeeves, Wooster, the uncle, the police guy, the scary aunt (who doesn't appear at all), the couple whose marriage plans are all twisted up, the sort of troubles Bertam Wooster gets into, the happy ending- Joy in the Morning is my first experience of PG Wodehouse and it was hilarious! Already planning to get hold of more of the writer's works. Even though in the TV series of Jeeves and Wooster, Jeeves is played by Stephen Fry and Wooster by Hugh Laurie, when I picture the characters in my mind while reading, Hugh Laurie becomes Jeeves and Stephen Fry becomes Wooster. I don't know why this happens- it's all twisted up in my mind and I am struggling with these images. Even though the British sense of humour and dialogues are a bit hard to crack into, once you are in the mood, it becomes a hell of a ride! There were times I started smiling and laughing (without sound) so hard reading the book in the MMTS train and people were staring at me. Some of the plot twists and turns were nothing shot of genius! Eagerly waiting to get hold of more Wodehouse novels. 

Movie - 16, Ee Kanni Koodi (This Link Too)

Ee Kannikoodi (1990)

by

KG George

Movie Seen: 24 July 2015

Note Written: 30 July 2015

I decided to watch 'Ee Kannikoodi' because of the post put in Facebook by Ronnie (my cousin), praising it. The movie is an investigative thriller starring Saikumar as the investigating police officer. A lady is found dead in her big mansion. Many people are questioned and slowly, bit by bit, the story of the lady is being revealed in front of us. The script is very systematic and believable. There is no much drama involved or unnecessary songs, as was the case of a typical Malayalam movie of the time. I was surprised to see Sethulakshmi, the actress (Left Right Left fame), in this movie which came 25 years ago. I knew she was a theatre artist but I didn't know that she acted in a film prior to LRL. KG George was and is one of the best film-makers in Malayalam, his 'Panchavadippalam' being my most favourite Malayalam movie. His film sense, logic, and craft is visible throughout the movie. A good decision it was to watch this film. Thank You Ronnie.

Book - 16, The Last Wave

The Last Wave (2014)

by

Pankaj Sekhsaria

Book Read: June 2015

Note Written: 20 July 2015

'The Last Wave' is a novel set in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, one of those places we 'Indians' don't often remember is part of India, others being Lakshadeep and the North East. The novel introduced me to the ways of island living, their issues with influx of people from mainland, tribes of the islands, ecology, the notions of development and progress and many more. Even though the book has a slow start and love story element is just a carrier for the other issues which are said, this is a book which made me think a lot about many issues and reality we see around us. Priscilla says this could have been written as non-fiction only, but I don't have any opinion as such- I wouldn't probably have read this if it was non-fiction unless I was doing some research or something. I think, as a novel it could attract more readers and that's what the author also tried I presume. The book slightly reminded me of 'Things Fall Apart'. While religion was a major issue in 'Things Fall Apart', 'The Last Wave' deals with cultural, economic, and ecological aspects of outside interference, influence, and population influx. The Jarawa community of Andamans is similar to the tribes of Africa described by Chinua Achebe- having lost their identity to political and geographical invasion, confused in the new world and rapid changes around them. I am of the opinion that tribes should be left alone, unless there are issues particularly necessary to their survival (natural catastrophe, epidemic etc). See, I haven't yet mentioned the lead characters yet. I have forgotten their names. That's how soon the background story is forgotten. There was a love/heartbreak angle and all. But those are not the things that stay in your mind. The end of the book, focused solely on the hero and heroine, was similar to the short story I wrote when I was at school- 'ആ ചുവന്ന വളപ്പൊട്ടുകൾ' (Those Broken Bangles). That was surprising for me. Thank you Pankaj Sekhsaria for making me think.

PS: I would like to visit The Andamans sometime- not as a tourist though-  probably as a wanderer. 

Movie - 15, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 (2014) 

by

Francis Lawrence

Movie Seen: 23 July 2015

Note Written: 29 July 2015

From my initial hesitation to watch the movie series 'Hunger Games', due to all the colourfulness in the poster and trailers and the possible visual similarity to the 'Twilight' series, I have become a fan of the franchise. Mockingjay - Part 1 begins where it was left off in Catching Fire- Katniss being introduced to the revolution ploy against the Capitol and President Snow. Katniss is asked to be the mascot of the revolution as the 'Mockingjay' which she accepts after a while. It was a surprise for me to see Julianne Moore and Natalie Dormer (Margery Tyrell- Game of Thrones) in the movie. The signature whistle of the Mockingjay and the song gave me goosebumps while watching. Like the previous movies, Mockingjay was thrilling too, I am eagerly waiting for the final part to come out in November- this time I should watch it in a theatre. I should also get hold of the 'Hunger Games' books and start reading.

Book - 15, Crime and Punishment

Crime and Punishment (1866)

by

Fyodor Dostoevsky

Book Read: May-June 2015

Note Written: 18 July 2015

'Crime and Punishment' tells the story of Raskolnikov, a student. Raskolnikov- his mind, his ways, his thoughts, his crime, his anguish, his family, his world, his philosophy- are all capable of changing your perceptions on many things. Finally, I get a proper taste of what the world of Dostoevsky is. The abridged versions of many works of authors like him I read as a kid does no justice to the feel that classics like 'Crime and Punishment' gives, nor would I have been able to comprehend the complexities of thoughts at that age. Some things are only to be read, seen, and perceived at the right time in life. Even though at first I got confused with the names of the characters (like I did for Bulgakov's Master and Margarita), now I can't forget most of those names. I want to think like Raskolnikov, be like Razumikhin, love someone like Sonya does, hope and be brave like Dunya does, destroy manipulators like Petyr Petrovich- the novel made me associate with many of their thoughts and deeds. Crime and Punishment was an emotional journey for me. I will revisit the novel after some months I guess- looking forward to reading more of Dostoevsky. 

Movie - 14, Drive

Drive (2011)

by

Nicolas Winding Refn

Movie Seen: 22 July 2015

Note Written: 28 July 2015

'Drive' wasn't a movie which I was planning to watch but recently I saw the movie featured in many 'best movie' lists 'cult' lists. That made me curious and watched the movie. The story follows Ryan Gosling, who plats a getaway driver, stunt double, and a car mechanic. He works associated with the character played by Bryan Cranston who is the owner of the garage he works in. The performances, the conflict, the violence, were all handled well and that's what makes the movie a favourite, I think. Also, the cinematography was top-class. The director could have easily made it a commercial flick, it had all its ingredients, but he chose to stick to his style, with slow frames, scenes, and movements, which is commendable. Bryan Cranston gave a terrific performance as the limping garage owner caught between a mess. I hated the huge face of the villain guy and later realized that he was the one who played Hellboy in Hellboy- he impressed me though, with his cruelty and acting prowess. Ryan Gosling was perfect as the lead- a character who most of the time, stay emotionless. Drive isn't the best, but remains great.

Book - 14, Vanity Bagh

Vanity Bagh (2014)

by

Anees Salim

Book Read: May 2015

Note Written: 17 July 2015

Vanity Bagh tells the story of a young man who is convicted of aiding a terrorist act, who spends his days in jail, and remembers his life outside. Vanity Bagh is the name of the Mohalla he lived in. The unique thing about this short novel is the use of 'quotes' in various situations. There were quotes from famous people to tiny characters from the novel itself. They all aid the storyline and make the story move forward within those short words. Vanity Bagh could be a symbol of any place in India, where there are clear demarcations in localities due to communal politics and religious divisions. The novel has a good flow to it and the narrative has been kept interesting by going back and forth the life of the protagonist. A good passing read.

Movie - 13, The Simpsons Movie

The Simpsons Movie (2007)

by

David Silverman

Movie Seen: 19 July 2015

Note Written: 27 July 2015

This was the 3rd or 4th time I was watching this movie. 'The Simpons Movie' is like every Simpsons episode- fun, satirical, and thought provoking. The best part for me in this one was the movie mocking its audience as well. There is a strong underlying message on pollution within the series of events which happen- I hope people haven't missed that. It is incredible that the series has been running for more than 26 seasons now. I hope one day I will be able to finish watching all of the seasons of The Simpsons- now in the 4th season. Priscilla says she associates herself with Lisa so much- well, in that case, Homer is me. We are so alike in matters of food and laziness. That's all for now- I have nothing more to say- if I start talking about the characters I won't be able to stop. The movie was nice- looking forward to a sequel if at all something is coming, otherwise, happy with the series. 

Book - 13, The Motorcycle Diaries

The Motorcycle Diaries (1993)

by 

Ernesto Che Guevara

Book Read: May 2015

Note Written: 16 July 2015

'The Motorcycle Diaries' is a memoir written by young Ernesto Che Guevara about the South American voyage he took up, with one of his friends, Alfredo. Both of them were medical practitioners (Ernesto, a doctor and Alfredo, a biochemist) and they visited each place and set up camp mostly at medical clinics and treatment centres, because they are from the same field. This is a clever strategy which can be used by anyone- going backpacking and find people in similar professions to ask for accommodation- it's definitely worth a try. What I found fascinating about the book was that you could see the thought processes and insights of Che changing through the course of his journey. As the book's introduction says, Che starts with 'I' and finishes with 'We'. There are many things that you learn from this memoir, apart from the nature, the landscape, and the people of South America. It teaches you that the struggles of laymen, the sick, and the exploited are the same everywhere in the world and the need of seeing people as same, with respect and compassion. I have since watched the movie too, which I really liked (note on that coming soon). I would also try and read the other memoirs of Che. 

Movie - 12, Like Water for Chocolate

Como Agua Para Chocolate (1992)

by

Alfonso Arau

Movie Seen: 18 July 2015

Note Written: 25 July 2015

When we were about to have dinner and were searching for movies to watch, Priscilla said, let's watch 'Like Water for Chocolate', and I agreed. I thought, this name rings a bell somewhere. Ten minutes through the movie I realized that I had seen it once in EFLU Campus, during a movie screening session.I also remembered the climax was something which I had not liked then. I hadn't liked the movie too. But then, I decided to sit through the movie and see what Priscu says of the movie. She didn't like it as well. There were many moments in the movie which were funny and good and some of the performances were nice too. But the climax really destroys everything, I felt- so does the guy who played the hero, such bad acting! I really like the girl who played Tita- a job very well done. I hope I remember the name and the film from now on, so that I don't end up watching it again. 

Book - 12, Things Fall Apart

Things Fall Apart (1958)

by

Chinua Achebe

Book Read: May 2015

Note Written: 15 July 2015

'Things Fall Apart' by Chinua Achebe opened up a whole new world in front of me. A world which I had always thought of with a sense of worry. A world where the sustainable living practices and traditions (even though some consider them crude) are slowly turned upside down by colonialism and religion. The reason I despise such invasions are because the indigenous people of the place, the locals, suddenly become the 'villains' and the invaders, patronizing saints, who 'must' save them from their normal lives. The very fabric of the locals' existence is shattered and they are looked upon as if the deserve it and has no right to question anything. Religion is forced upon them in the name of 'civilizing' and so is foreign law practices and ways of justice. The invaders preach tolerance and doesn't act so. Things Fall Apart is the tragic story of an Ibo tribal leader Okonkwo, and the story hurts you inside. The same events are happening even now in many places of the world- in most places it has happened already, and there is no turning back now. Looking forward to read more of Achebe's works. 

Movie - 11, Doubt

Doubt (2008)

by

John Patrick Shanley

Movie Seen: 17 July 2015

Note Written: 24 July 2015

Doubt is a film which I had been meaning to watch for a long tine no and I finally got to it. The movie is based on a play by the director himself. The strong plot-line of the movie is made stronger with the incredible performance by the cast. I greatly enjoyed the performances of Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams and Meryl Streep. Meryl streep is my most favourite actress of all-time. Here I was, once again, in awe at her performance as the strict Mother Superior of a convent, and that's when Viola Davis came in. In the ten minutes or so she was there, she just stuns you with her acting prowess, outperforming even the fabulous Meryl Streep. If the tiny role in 'Silence of the Lambs' could land an Oscar to Anthony Hopkins, this should too, for Viola Davis. That scene such a delight in terms of acting, while being tragic in itself. The church, the altar boys, strictness of convent-school education, sermons, all brought back several memories of childhood to me. I don't think that life will ever come back to me- 'church', for me, has become a place where I am supposed to go, but never do, now. I hope the path I have taken is the right one and let this path lead me to whatever that is out there, if it's out there. Amen.

Book - 11, The Master and Margarita

The Master and Margarita (1967)

by

Mikhail Bulgakov

Book Read: May 2015

Note Written: 11 July 2015

'The Master and Margarita' was a little difficult for me to get into in the beginning, as it took me some time to register the names and certain events (many characters had multiple names, multiple ways of being called). Slowly the book started making sense and all the bizarre events happening became absolutely engrossing for me- some comedic, some sad, some horrific etc. You don't get absolute clarity of events until you reach the 'Part 2' section of the novel. The Master and Margarita is genius work! Wit, awe, excitement, horror, sadness, laughter, wonder, death, loyalty, are all in it, all over it. In these, loyalty plays a major factor. The chain of events caused by the appearance of the Devil in Moscow of 1930s, and the way he rewards people loyal to him, uncovering certain truths and unleashing a certain form of justice through his apprentices, form the crux of The Master and Margarita. The novel, as I understand, was not allowed to be published when it was completed in 1940, due to censorship issues. The footnotes in the edition by Alma Classics were really helpful in understanding the background of the story and its events but it would always be better for me if the notes were in the pages itself, not in a separate section in the end. It was very inconvenient for me and disturbed my flow of reading, as I had to flip pages back and forth every now and then.

The Master and Margarita- A mix of all emotions. A great read!

Movie - 10, Panic Room

Panic Room (2002)

by

David Fincher

Movie Seen: 15 July 2015

Note Written: 23 July 2015

'Panic Room' was a random selection to watch that day, and I was glad that it turned out a really good choice. The movie has a great cast- Forest Whitaker, Jodie Foster, Jared Leto, and a young Kristen Stewart (I didn't know she started acting that young). The story is about 3 burglars trying to rob a mansion which they thought was empty, but had a mother and child settled. Seeing the burglars, both of them take shelter in the 'panic room'. But the burglar-trio is after something in the panic room. It is a struggle of existence for the mother-daughter and they fight and retaliate hard towards the attackers. fincher has told this story in absolute thrill and style with many stunning scenes, camera movements, shots etc. The film is classic Fincher style, but thank God it wasn't as dark as Se7en!

Book - 10, Americanah

Americanah (2013)

by

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Book Read: April 2015

Note Written: 09 July 2015

'Americanah' hooked me right from its first sentence. The novel is very lifelike, light, and close to your heart, even while discussing the various levels and forms of racism that we see around us. The novel invoked many emotions in me, emotions that made me associate with many thins in my life, emotions that were real. Ifemelu and her experiences in America, her longing for home even when she knows life in Nigeria would be very difficult, the new opportunities that are opened up to her in the US, her academic life, her blogs, her struggle of single living, are all very much things people like me can associate with (if not the same, but similar) while living, studying, and working away from home. The realization that you have changed and gained so much- your outlook towards the world, your choices etc,- this realization strikes you and . But back home, where you are supposed to belong, nothing much has changed, you haven't changed for 'them'. Even though you wish to believe and feel that nothing has changed, there is a level of alienation from home that you experience. Americanah made me fall in love with its author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her works. It has also opened up the world of African Literature in English to me.