Book - 62, Farewell Waltz

Farewell Waltz (1972)

by

Milan Kundera

Book Read: 16-17 March 2016

Note Written: 30 June 2016

It's been a long while now since I read this book by Kundera. I do not remember the finer details but I have a vague idea of the events and characters of the novel. Farewell Waltz follows the life of many characters - people as different as it can get - a trumpeter, a nurse, a doctor, a boyfriend, a foreigner, an ordinary woman undergoing treatment etc. The book has a lot of dark humour in it, based on the existential and emotional crises of people (us) which attain different forms with time. 

People's reaction to different things varies from time to time, person to person. Sometimes, coincidences can get as weird as it can. Life is full of surprises - be it good, bad, or worse. It is hope or optimism that takes people forward I guess - well there are people who cling to things and memories but they do not think it is the end of their lives because there is some element of hope left in them - whether they know it or not doesn't matter. 

Back to the novel - compared to other Kundera works I've read, this one didn't impress me as much, but was an interesting read nevertheless. 

Movie - 61, The Station Agent

The Station Agent (2003)

by 

Thomas McCarthy

Movie Seen: 06 December 2015

Note Written: 08 December 2015

Ronnie Manuel Joseph (my cousin/aspiring film-maker/already short-film-maker) recommended this film to me. Another incentive to watch was that there was Peter Dinklage in it. When I did a brief search online I found that this film was his breakthrough role. The story follows a lonely man who moves to a train depot which he inherited and his experience with the people whom he meets there. 

'The Station Agent' is a light-hearted, simple film. Some of the characters were really great - my favourites are Cleo the kid and the non-stop talking Joe. The alienation faced by people who are 'different' in our society and the general public's attitude toward them, shown through the film, is easily recognizable from all around us. People should see people as people. The walks through the railway tracks, the train watching, the pocket watch, all were elements that strike you emotionally as well as being realistic. It is the normality of the whole film that makes it special. A wonderful watch.

Book - 61, A Dance with Dragons

A Dance with Dragons (2011)

by

George R R Martin

Book Read: 04-15 March 2016

Note Written: 22 June 2016

'A Dance with Dragons' is massive, going over a thousand pages. It took me nine days of commute reading to finish the book (I think I am getting faster at reading with each book). The novel is a delight for the fans of the series but the problem is that there are too many characters in it, too many perspectives to follow, too many settings to know and still more of new popping up. 

George R R Martin could have split the book neatly as he did with 'A Storm of Swords'. I think even the author is experimenting with the styles of crafting a massive series such as this. 

As usual, there are many plot twists, horrific deaths, moments of awe and everything you expect from the series and the author. You also find additional stuff than the TV series, which has actually moved ahead of the book with the season just aired. Still, once you have read the books and watched the series, you feel like a 'know-it-all' and can throw in facts here and there during GoT discussions to the annoyance and wonder of the 'only TV series' people. It's a great feeling, hehe. It goes something like this, "See, in the book it is like this..."

Movie - 60: American Ultra

American Ultra (2015)

by 

Nima Nourizadah

Movie Seen: 22 November 2015

Note Written: 01 December 2015

The factors which made us watch 'American Ultra' were its weird yet impressive trailer and the presence of Jesse Eisenberg. An ordinary couple (Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart) tries to find a way out of a hunt for them by agents from the CIA while Jesse's character finds out that he has extraordinary martial art skills and reflexes, that's the basic plot. 

The movie has some thrilling sequences and is a fun one-time watch. It made me vary about how much the governments are trying to control ordinary citizens and how worthless our lives are to such huge institutions. We are just one dot on their huge statistics. After this movie and 'Panic Room', I have started liking Kristen Stewart. She is a fine actress, that one. Not great, but fine. 

As I said earlier, American Ultra is a passable one-time watch. That's all. 

Book - 60, A Feast for Crows

A Feast for Crows (2005)

by

George R R Martin 

Book Read: 23 Feb - 02 March 2016

Note Written: 16 April 2016

'A Feast for Crows' is massive, yet doesn't cover the perspectives of half of the important characters - Jon Snow, Daenerys, and Tyrion namely. There are new characters coming in as well. The novel is sure exciting for the fans of the series but doesn't have the stunning finesse of A Storm of Swords. 

Braavos, Dorne, King's Landing, and the Riverlands take priority here. The flow is not the same and at times some new characters and events confuse you till you get a hang of it and settle. Sometimes you just have to know what has happened to our favourite characters and you want to reach the next chapter or book with them featured. There's a lot of suspense around, and George R R Martin is ruthless with every character. You don't know if he has killed people, or worse. 

The character who inspired me the most, with his cold calculations and long-term plans for revenge was Doran Martell, who is normally considered a weakling. Euron Greyjoy impressed me with his show of sheer power and commanding attitude. I wonder why some of the characters are outright avoided from the TV series. Overall, a decent read for fans of the series, paving the way for the next book. 

Movie - 59, Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)

by

Stanley Kubrick

Movie Seen (Twice!): 13 & 15 November 2015

Note Written: 14 November 2015

(Forewarning: This is a long note)
I was planning to watch 'Spartacus' by Kubrick but unfortunately found the file missing in the folder - so I chose 'Dr Strangelove'. The name itself gets you deeply interested - 'Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb'. I was expecting more of a serious war story and what I got was one of the best political satires ever! I was laughing uncontrollably throughout and had one of the best movie experiences of my life!

The 'Cold-War' crisis and the conflicts between world superpowers could not be shown better than this. Kubrick is a craftsman unlike any other director. He doesn't confine himself to particular genres but dabbles in everything and emerges a master. 

While watching the movie, I was thinking I have seen the guy playing Group Captain Mandrake somewhere and it was only after the movie that I realized it was in the same film! Peter Sellers, the actor, played three different roles in the movie and I had no fucking clue the whole time! Such finesse is rarely seen - each character was different and distinctly played. Bravo!

I was in awe of the movie while watching, clapped jubilantly during certain scenes, and my admiration increased once I started reading about the film. Kubrick has created a satire in the most believable manner, never once going for out-and-out comedy, particularly in the war sequences - I'm certain that if there is an impending nuclear apocalypse triggered by world nations, the circumstances would be similar, powered by clueless individuals, crazy of power or influenced by propaganda. 

The Captain who initiates the attacks, the one with his blatant hatred towards communists and twisted theories about bodily fluids and water becomes an allegory of the various belief systems which blinds people of our times - especially religion. People find their own reasoning and act stupid thinking they are right and acting for the 'greater good'. The are not aware or concerned of the later effects or implications of their acts. By the time they take some counter action or decides to withdraw, things would have gone out of hand for anyone to control.

The war room deserves a special mention - I have always imagined every warring nation to have such a room where only the powerful people have access, where they decide the fate of other people, sometimes even of people who have no clue who they are. A handful of people deciding the fate of the world to meet their selfish motives and agenda. Kubrick, through his humourous scenes in the war room, showed me that these 'leaders' and 'people of power' are also human - not just always serious and responsible for their acts, but also emotionally fragile, stubborn, and occasionally funny. We normally have an 'idealistic' image of these people and Kubrick shatters it through his 'war conference'. 

Stanley Kubrick is a genius - of all the directors the world has seen, he is perhaps the most versatile, most passionate user of the medium. Kubrick perfects his involvement with the cinematic medium through journeying across the borders of genres and archetypes which sometimes chain artists in specific spaces. I will watch all of his movies which I haven't seen, soon enough. Thank you for your patience in reading this note. Definitely watch 'Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb' if you haven't!

Book - 59, The Testament of Mary

The Testament of Mary (2012)

by

Colm Tóibín

Book Read: 20-22 February 2016
Note Written: 02 March 2016

Colm Tóibín's 'The Testament of Mary' was there in my Amazon wishlist for a long while and finally I purchased it and read. The novel shows certain experiences of Mary, mother of Jesus, from her own perspective. She is presented as a human like any one of us, not beatified and holy as the Mother of God. Fear, sadness, anxiety, anger, despair all caused by he actions and death of her son Jesus is explored through her contemplation.

There are some truthful accounts of how people/society would have reacted to someone who performs 'miracles', not the glorified version where everyone's all well behaved to Jesus and everything's hunky-dory. People would obviously follow him, but they also consider him a freak-of-sorts while taking advantage of a person like that. Mary tries to understand and at the same time oppose the way her son is being perceived and accepted(?) by society, after his death. She also fights the writers of 'Gospels' as they cloud her for information regarding her son, in the name of safekeeping.

Eve though the theme explored and certain aspects of Mary's thoughts and actions were interesting to read and know of, the book at large, was a bit boring. I wasn't really taken in by the book or the prose. I compare the book with a similar-themed novel 'The Gospel According to Jesus Christ' by José Saramago. Now, that was on brilliant narration! 'The Testament of Mary' wasn't much so.

Movie - 58, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo

Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2015)

by

Sooraj Barjatya

Movie Seen: 12 November 2015

Place: Suresh Theatre, Sitaphalmandi

Note Written: 14 November 2015

After having a Full Chicken Biriyani from Alpha Hotel, Secunderabad, I went for this movie (yum yum). What attracted me to 'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo' was its entire look and feel of the 90's, like the previous Salman-Sooraj combos 'Hum Saath Saath Hein', 'Hum Aap Ke Hein Kaun' etc. I'm not a big fan of those movies but then there's that whole nostalgia element of classic Hindi cinema. 

'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo' was a lame movie with a whole lot of melodrama. It promises over-the-top drama and delivers it. But the crew could have connected and done things a little better at least. Yes, I get it, you are making a movie with in normal, cliche style - at least do it right, people! Disconnected scenes, lame dialogues, caricature villainy, bad editing, bad supporting characters all destroy the feeling of watching a classic-bollywood-modeled cinema. The songs weren't bad, I thought. Had the right feel to them. 

Salman Khan, in his true might and power, becomes the only salvaging factor of the movie. His comedic scenes and combination with Deepak Dobriyal were really good. Other major cast, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Anupam Kher, and Sonam Kapoor, well, existed. 

Salman is shown reliving his own legendary on-screen persona of past films. As Prem, he becomes a lover boy and after many struggles, gets his girl; as Yuvraj Vijay Singh, he gets to be powerful, ruthless and mighty, and later become benevolent and give up his girl, as he did in 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hein'. That's the power of Sallu Bhai. That's the power of escapist Bollywood masala.  

Through the film Sallu shows the audience that he's the real 'Dilwale' of the industry, not Shah Rukh Khan - Shah Rukh is the 'Dimagwale', I guess. Dilwale is always Sallu Bhai. 

PS: The six minute Modi propaganda video during the interval was crappy and ruined the experience a bit for me. Read about it here.

PPS: I watched the movie twice again. Couldn't help! It was playing on the long-trip bus I was travelling. To and from Kerala. Both trips! The movie is haunting me I guess. 

Book - 58, The Sword in the Stone

The Sword in the Stone (1938)

by

T H White

Book Read: 16-19 February 2016

Note Written: 01 March 2016

I had no previous acquaintance with T H White's legendary 'The Once and Future King' series. Now I  realize that the King Arthur series was ever famous, but I was somehow oblivious to it. In fact, the only knowledge I had of T H White was from Helen MacDonald's memoir 'H is for Hawk', which I read last year. In the memoir, it is a sorry, struggling picture of White that we see. I thought he was some not-so-famous writer whose works I might never get hold of or read. Merlin's beard, I was wrong. Completely wrong!

'The Sword in the Stone' is a fantasy novel which gave me a level of enjoyment like no other book has done before. To say 'I loved it' would be an understatement. Perhaps, the only book I enjoyed as much could be 'Don Quixote'. In fact, the character King Pellinore reminds me of the legendary knight created by Cervantes. 

Combining the past and present alike in a simple children's fable laden with fantasy, legends, and facts, the novel weaves a world of magic around the reader. 'The Sword in the Stone' feels childish, yet is immensely powerful in its philosophy.

The underlying theme of practical education which we see in the book, through Merlin's tutoring of Art, tell us that nature and surroundings should be an integral part of education - text book knowledge is never sufficient. The parts which shows the 'Dream of Trees' and 'Dream of Stones' present to us pure science in the form of a wonderful fable. This is how we should learn, this is how we should be taught to learn. 

I wonder where the hell this book was during my childhood and teen years. At least, I am thankful I have read it now - will sure read it again, and again! 

Movie - 57, Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome

Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome (1985)

by

George Miller & George Ogilvie

Movie Seen: 11 November 2015

Note Written: 14 November 2015

I had to break and watch Mad Max 3 on two different days due to time constraints. After a stunning second part (Mad Max: Road Warrior), 'Beyond Thunderdome' isn't that impressive. The work done by Miller and Ogilvie in creating more varied landscapes and sets is appreciated but the movie lacks the vigour and finesse of its predecessors. Even as a standalone film (if it wasn't part of a series), 'Beyond Thunderdome' is just about okay. I think it was the whole atmosphere of 'Bartertown' which takes your spirits down. It felt half-cooked.

The idea of a tribal 'cargo cult' beyond the desert and their need for a 'God figure', a rescuer, through Max is interesting. The last scene  evokes a sense of good hope and was something I liked about the film. 

Overall, an okay film. Yet, Thank God for Miller's epic come back after 30 years through 'Mad Max: Fury Road'!

Book - 57, Small Gods

Small Gods (1992)

by

Terry Pratchett

Book Read: 10-15 February 2016

Note Written: 18 February 2016

This book was gifted to me by my friend Ann aka Annamma. Set in Pratchett's Discworld Series, 'Small Gods' is a satirical take on religion, the various power structures within it, its effect on humans, and the powerful, societal institution that it is. The novel is deeply humurous from start to finish, 'trolling' the various aspects of humanity and religions of modern era from a not so different (in terms of belief systems), yet medieval setting. 

Most religions start by and has peace and co-existence as their base but later moves on to ruling with power, corruption, invoked fear, and intimidation. Only awareness, exposure, and knowledge can help relieve mankind from these shackles and embrace religion in its true sense (if the person makes a choice of the kind). Brutha, in the novel, does exactly that. Within the confines of a particular religion, born and raised in it, it is difficult to take an objective look at the institution. 

Brutha, in 'Small Gods', grows from an unquestioning, devout follower to a person (or prophet) who even dares to challenge or question his own God. The character Vorbis represents many 'religious authority' figures that we see around us - the ones who rule with creating scare, the ones who use fear as a weapon to keep 'believers' closer. The flurry of witty exchanges and good philosophy makes this book unique and a great read. Looking forward to more Terry Pratchett.

Movie - 56, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)

by

Milos Forman

Movie Seen: 08 November 2015

Note Written: 10 November 2015

I watched the movie right after I read the novel of the same name (by Ken Kesey) which it was based on. As a film, 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' was great, but it wasn't as emotional or gripping as the novel, for me. The soul of the novel lies in the character Chief Bromden. The story is from his perspective, the film isn't. I know comparison is not the right thing to do but it is unavoidable. If I had seen the movie first I would definitely have compared the novel with it. Cinema and literature, as media, have their differences and sometimes it is difficult to bring in the various elements to sync. 

The gradual progression of events which brought inmates closer to McMurphy and his slow win over Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher was terrific by the way) is missing in the film - it's all so fast, I felt; may be it's the constraint of film as a medium. 

All the actors were great in their roles - apart from Louise Fletcher, my favourites were Danny Devito (Martini), Jack Nickolson (McMurphy), and Brad Dourif (Billy Bibbit). 

I couldn't be an objective watcher of the movie. Hence, some of the liberties which the film took spoiled certain elements of the story, for me. I think I should ask someone who has just watched the movie, about how they felt about it.  

Book - 56, A Storm of Swords: Blood and Gold

A Storm of Swords: Blood and Gold (2000)

by

George R R Martin

Book Read: 04-10 February 2016

Note Written: 15 February 2016

I would have read 'A Storm of Swords: Blood and Gold', the entire 550+ pages of it, in one go if time and work schedule weren't against me. The novel, part two of the part three of 'A Song of Ice & Fire' Series, is deeply engaging, thrilling to the core, and an absolute pleasure to read even though the plot gives you nasty shocks and surprises from time to time. Can't help it, it's George R R Martin. 

The most shocking moments from the series, the Red Wedding, Purple Wedding, Tyrion's Trial, the Mountain vs the Viper, Tyrion's Escape, Jon Snow becoming Lord Commander, Stannis' arrival at the Wall, Arya's departure to Braavos, all happens in this one. The Red Wedding gave me the chills for a lifetime. 

There are some differences from the TV Series here and there - the absence of Robb's wife from the Red Wedding, being one. Hell, she isn't even the same woman. So far in the novel series, 'A Storm of Swords' (Part 1 and 2) was the best in terms of events and excitement. There is also a big reveal, something that's not in the TV Series - not saying though. Haha!

A great read this was! So fast, so thrilling!

Movie - 55, Vedivazhipadu

Vedivazhipadu (2013)

by

Shambhu Purushothaman

Movie Seen: 06 November 2015

Note Written: 10 November 2015

'Vedivazhipadu' has been one of my favourite Malayalam movies of the past couple of years. The movie released as the first 'sex-comedy' of the industry and it was really interesting to see the reactions from people and communities of Kerala, who are very conservative in nature when it comes to matters like sex, love etc. 

This was the 4th or so time I was watching 'Vedivazhipadu'. The first time was a great experience in theatre with the whole screening becoming a laugh riot through the audience. This time too, I had a great laugh watching it. 

The various narratives within the story linked together by people and their relationships, make the movie very much enjoyable. I will always remember the character Sanjay, the symbol of 'a true sexually-frustrated Mallu guy', played to perfection by Saiju Kurup. He was fun, with his hypocritical nature and sad self-realization later. Alancier Lay Lopez as the Swami guy was a delight to watch (I didn't know him as an actor the first time I watched, and I had still liked him very much). The rest of the cast too, gave fine performances. 

The flavour and fervour of Trivandrum during the festival of 'Aattukal Pongala' is shown well and is juxtaposed with the narrative with finesse. The title sequence itself is so well-made and powerful. 

This time around I noticed that when the nun scolds the prostitute (played by Anumol) because her daughter is using too much of 'blue' colour in her paintings (blue, is associated with sex often in India; 'blue' film, get it?), but the nun herself is wearing a blue habit and the convent walls are all painted blue. This symbolizes the prejudice and hypocrisy in belief systems and conservative spirit our society has and could also be an allegory to senseless censorship, I feel. 

Thank you Shambhu Purushothaman for this gem of a film!

Book - 55, Birds, Beasts and Bandits

Birds, Beasts and Bandits (2011)

by

Krupakar & Senani

Book Read: 01-03 Feb 2016

Note Written: 15 February 2016

Omen (my friend & fellow foodie) said he was buying this book. That's how I got to know about and decided to buy this book. 'Birds, Beasts and Bandits' follows the experiences of two wildlife conservationists and filmmakers who were kidnapped by the notorious bandit Veerappan for a period of 14 days, from Bandipur forest region. 

More than the terror or horror of kidnapping, what you feel is a little smile and amusement that grows on you while reading. The society and the government calls Veerappan a bandit, an outlaw, a cruel, heartless person; while it is true that he's done some really bad crimes, but there is sure another side to the coin, there are things that the authorities and the media have not told us, or have lied to us about. While reading the way which Krupakar & Senani with Veerappan, I felt they were more deceit-minded than the bandit. Veerappan does bad things, but he is straight-forward in his actions, a son of the jungle he is. Reading about the jungle experiences, the birds, animals etc., made me want to travel somewhere soon, at least to the trekking routes of Munnar. I shall, soon enough. 

Overall, 'Birds, Beasts and Bandits' is a very interesting read. 

Movie - 54, The Two Faces of January

The Two Faces of January (2014)

by

Hossein Amini

Movie Seen: 02 November 2015

Note Written: 10 November 2015

'The Two Faces of January' follows a tourist couple in Greece and a tourist guide who gets acquainted with them. In the beginning, I thought it would be romantic drama but the movie changed course and became something different, a decent thriller of sorts. 

The Two Faces of January is not a great film but it has its good moments. The colonial, rustic charm of Greece is well portrayed  and I felt, as I do always with great landscapes, that I should visit the place. 

The movie shows the different faces of people and the lengths which ordinary people are willing to go for their convenience, to save themselves from troubles and laws of the society, while accumulating money. The movie is a decent drama worth a one time watch.

Book - 54, ലന്തൻബത്തേരിയിലെ ലുത്തിനിയകൾ (Litanies of the Dutch Battery)

ലന്തൻബത്തേരിയിലെ ലുത്തിനിയകൾ (2003)

by

N S Madhavan

Book Read: 29-31 January 2016

Note Written: 12 February 2016

This book is definitely one of the finest novels to come out of Malayalam. It follows the life of Jessica, a young girl, residing in the island of Lanthan Bathery (Dutch Battery or Bolgatty Island) in Kochi. The novel is great fun to read and has an adventurous feel to it. The stories and legends of Jessica's parents, grandparents, relatives, and the people of the area told in a light and witty manner, combined with the socio-political ambience of Kerala and India at the time, providing for great entertainment and evoking a sense of awe in us. 

A factor which strikes out while reading is its closeness to the Bible and its stories, mainly the parallels between the life of Jesus Christ and Jessica. The chapters denote various stages of Jessica's life. The elements regarding the oft ignored and almost extinct art form 'Chavittunadakam' and the reasons for its slow decline are woven seamlessly into the story, bringing in a sense of nostalgia in us for lost gems such as Chavittunadakam. 

The novel shows us how legends are made up, borrowing from snippets of stories heard and from other outside influences, blended with some local flavour. Jessica's story tells us a lot that we know about inherent nature of people around us - judgmental, fault-finding, blaming, silencing, adventurous, caring, nostalgic, jovial, artistic, fun, persecutive, mob-minded, religious, devout, fanatic, regressive, progressive, aggressive and much more. Have to read the English version and draw a comparison soon. A great read. 

Movie - 53, Taxi Driver

Taxi Driver (1976)

by

Martin Scorcese

Movie Seen: 03 November 2015

Note Written: 16 February 2016

'Taxi Driver' follows a New York cab driver Travis Bickle, a chronic insomniac, trying to make a change in the world that he lives in after he sees and is disturbed by the growing troubles and injustices of it. His actions may not be honour worthy, but his spirit is in the right place - this might leave the viewer in conflict as we, the audience, also face such circumstances like this, want to do something drastic, want to fight these frustrations, yet do not cross the line owing to fear of law or other hesitations of our societal and personal lives. Travis Bickle could easily become one of us, and that's how he became one of the most iconic characters of film history. 

The basic theme of the film (vigilante's without a flashy cape) is reproduced in many films from then. 

My favourite scene from the movie was not the mirror one (improvised by Robert de Niro) but the scene with Martin Scorcese's cameo as the frustrated husband who enters Bickle's cab. The transformation of De Niro to be a kind of saviour, a vigilante, with his mohawk makes for one of the most convincing moments of personal change for the viewer. Travis becomes a vigilante not just with a single incident, it is a gradual progress, the result of a gradual frustration and maturity that is gained by age.  

The life and experiences of urban living, it's frustrations, the various layers of living are all closely examined in the film, through Travis Bickle. Will sure watch again for a better reading of the film. 

Book - 53, Mrs. Dalloway

Mrs. Dalloway (1925)

by

Virginia Woolf

Book Read: 25-28 January 2016

Note Written: 08 February 2016

'Mrs. Dalloway' was my first experience of Virginia Woolf and it was a tough nut to crack. What caught me off my guard was that she switches from the perspective of character to character without any particular break in narration. It was very confusing for me in the initial pages and later on I got the hang of it; it was still difficult novel to grasp though.

Mrs. Dalloway and all the other characters in the novel are people whom we encounter in our lives, people like us, people with varied ambitions, people who fail to realize or achieve most of them. People, divided by class, status, gender, politics, religion etc., fight for their own survival and living, each in their own specific manner, sometimes surrendering themselves and their lives to the flow of the world, like Septimus does in the novel. 

Mrs. Dalloway was a very challenging novel for me, an amateur reader who recently got into the labyrinth of literature, to read. I had to struggle a lot to read through from page to page. The last book that made me struggle like this was Helen MacDonald's memoir, 'H is for Hawk'. But there are rewards to such kind of struggle - of more knowledge, of widened thinking, of increased understanding, and of an increased spirit of endurance. 

Movie - 52, Seven Psychopaths

Seven Psychopaths (2012)

by

Martin McDonagh

Movie Seen: 31 October 2015

Note Written: 16 February 2016

I had no prior knowledge of this movie till the moment I started watching it. It was just lying there in my collection and I picked it at random that day for dinnertime viewing. 'Seven Psychopaths' turned out to be a great entertainer, great fun. 

The movie is a mix of drama, comedy, violence, gore, thrill, perkiness, suspense and hooks you within minutes with its whacky plot-line and whackier characters. A surprise for me was Sam Rockwell as Billy Bickle - he was as psycho as it can get (well, there could be fiercer levels), a great performance. Martin Macdonagh, through 'Seven Psychopaths', has given us a pure, entertaining and engrossing, colourful, black comedy. It was the right kind of movie for me at the time and I'm sure I'll watch it again. 

Book - 52, The Two Towers

The Two Towers (1954)

by

J R R Tolkein

Book Read: 19-23 January 2016

Note Written: 04 February 2016

'The Two Towers' continues from where it left of in 'The Fellowship of the Ring', after the fellowship is broken due to various reasons. Tolkein's poetic descriptions of the events and landscapes take us through the stories of the numerous characters in this epic fantasy saga. 

Rohan and Isengard are the central points of the first part, which follows Merry Pippin on one side, and Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli on the other. Gandalf's return was a lining indeed. I was particularly delighted to read the part of the Ent Match (their slow conferences and weird manners) and the Battle of Isengard. I'm in love with the Ents now. 

The second part of the book follows Frodo and Sam on their journey to Mount Doom, with the help of Smeagol/Gollum. Smeagol's betrayal of them to the giant spider and the ensuing fight between the creature and Sam were the high points of the part. Eagerly waiting to read the third part which concludes the saga. 

Movie -51, Rani Padmini

Rani Padmini (2015)

by

Aashiq Abu

Movie Seen: 30 October 2015

Place: PVR Cinemas, Inorbit Mall, Hyderabad

Note Written: 10 November 2015

The only show available for 'Rani Padmini' in Hyderabad was at 10:10 PM, that too at Inorbit Mall, a bit far for us Secunderabad people. Booked it anyway and went in a group. 

The movie, I felt, was a brave, fun, and honest attempt from director Aashiq Abu. It is daring because, in Malayalam Cinema, feminist themes or female centric stories are not generally accepted. 'Rani Padmini' deserves to be called 'Very Good'(not 'great' but really good) and was totally enjoyable. 

The movie has many great moments. There was so much of laughter in the movie all through its duration without even having the presence of a 'comedian' character. The comedies were largely situational and worked well with the audience. 

During the scenes shot in the High Himalayas, I felt a sense of awe, sadness and a certain regret - what am I doing with my life? I hold a trekking bad and just take it back and forth to and from office everyday - Pthu! I should go to more places. I should have more adventures. 'Rani Padmini' gave me a reason to think hard about doing something about it (not that I have done much till now). 

Thank you, Aashiq Abu, for this joyful film. 

Book - 51, The Sense of an Ending

The Sense of an Ending (2011)

by

Julian Barnes

Book Read: 18-19 January 2016

Note Written: 28 January 2016

'The Sense of an Ending' begins with certain questions on memory, history, time, etc through the experiences and memories of an adolescent boy. The bonds that he had with boys of his age whom he considered his close friends, the addition of one more person to his close circle, the classroom experiences all felt so personal, was a bit nostalgic for me. 

The book has a seemingly honest portrayal of young love life - normal (not fairy-tale like), with so many doubts and apprehensions. There is a big jump of the protagonist's life, spanning decades, which happens within a few lines. Tony Webster, now aged, through his story (what he reveals to us or remembers from the past), is on a quest, an investigation to find out who he was during his youth, when an incident sparks something in him. What he finds out about himself and about the people who used to be close to him forms the novel.

Through this story we find that memory is selective, depends on and differs from person to person. Our perceptions are determined by our understandings and perspectives of the time and built according to whatever that makes us feel good about ourselves. Nobody wants to believe that he/she is a bad person. Later reflections, the return of memories, and reminders from other people make us see another side of things, and sometimes we are in for a bit of shock. 

'The Sense of an Ending' is a neatly crafted personal mystery. It gave me a lot to think and reflect upon.

Than you, Minu Sara Paul, for gifting me this book. 

Movie - 50, Donnie Darko

Donnie Darko (2001)

by

Richard Kelly

Movie Seen: 29 October 2015

Note Written: 18 January 2016

'Donnie Darko' is a movie which stunned my mind with its brilliance of theme and narration, also with its simplicity of execution with regard to its scale. 'Mind-fuck' would be the right word to describe this brilliant movie. It makes you think and read more about the movie itself, the various concepts discussed. You try to understand it and make sense of it, somehow. 

'Donnie Darko' is a film that needs and deserves to be re-watched and I shall be doing it soon. I understand that Richard Kelly wrote the script and made this movie when he was just 26, my age now. Such an intelligent work - makes me jealous and feel bad about myself. Maybe my time is yet to come. Maybe it won't come at all. Maybe I'm lazy. It's a lot of 'Maybe's', I know. Back to the movie now.

Jake Gyllenhall played the troubled teenager with finesse and the supporting cast was great as well. The figure of Frank, the Rabbit haunts you at times, while you watch. It is easy to understand why this movie has a cult status among film aficionados. Interesting, intriguing, and intelligent, I really admire the movie, and feel a tinge of jealousy towards its makers. 

Book - 50, God's Pauper: St. Francis of Assissi

God's Pauper: St. Francis of Assissi (1962)

by

Nikos Kazantzakis

Book Read: 11-18 January 2016

Note Written: 25 January 2016

'St. Francis of Assissi' by Kazantzakis is a deeply spiritual book, told from the perspective of Brother Leo, a trusted companion of the Saint. The perspective is observational yet critical. Leo is part of Francis' transformation as well as ascent to a saint. Leo has witnessed everything, Leo has been a part of everything, Leo has struggled with everything. Leo is the true witness to St. Francis. 

I had read the life story of St. Francis of Assissi during my childhood. 'Assissiyile Vaanambadi' (The Skylark of Assissi) was a book which was gifted to me on the day of my Holy Communion. Growing up in a Catholic household, I am no stranger to the stories of saints. This particular book about Francis Assissi made him my favourite saint of the time, maybe even now. Looking at St. Francis in a different light, this time through Kazantzakis, was a thought-provoking experience for me.

The journeys, agonies, and experiences of St. Francis and Leo can be compared to the legendary 'adventures' of Don Quixote de La Mancha and Sancho Panza. The hardships faced and the lack of acceptance, the craziness, can all be seen similar to the experience of the characters created by Cervantes. The crazy knight with an out-worldly mission who would accept all hardships which comes along can be compared to Francis and the devout follower to Leo. They are ridiculed by the society, beaten up, stoned upon, and yet move forward relentlessly. Leo is a staunch follower, like Sancho, even though with a lot of doubts about his master and the mission, yet follows around like a fool. Francis sees his troubles and agonies as prizes of his devotion to God; Don Quixote sees them as his prizes of valour and necessary sacrifice for the love of Dulcinea del Toboso, also imaginary, but believed to be true. 

Yet another thing I would like to mention is that for ascetics and religious monks, religion and salvation are often very patriarchal notions. It is always an exclusive world of men, or of women. Why were there only brotherhoods and sisterhoods and not human-hoods? Why do we need gendered paths of salvation if God created us as one? 

The book left me with a lot of doubts upon St. Francis, on faith, on religion, on life itself; I couldn't agree with most of his (Kazantzakis' Francis) notions or arguments, yet it was an interesting life to experience. The novel was definitely worth reading and reflecting upon.