Movie - 39, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (2011)

by

Lasse Hallström

Movie Seen: 29 September 2015

Note Written: 23 October 2015

'Salmon Fishing in the Yemen' was one of those films which just used to 'be there' in my film collection, unseen, each time me glancing over the title and thinking, 'sometime else'. Chose this film that day solely because I wanted to watch something random and this was a film I knew nothing about, nothing at all. 

'Salmon Fishing in the Yemen' is a light hearted comedy/romance film where two people come together to realize the crazy wish of a rich Middle-East Sheikh, to make Salmon fishing (a popular hobby and sport of British countryfolk) possible in the Yemen. The narration in the beginning through e-mails and chats itself gave a fresh feeling and mood. Emily blunt has become of my favourite actresses now - started noticing her from 'Devil Wears Prada' (as the industry did too) and I really like her now. 'Salmon Fishing in the Yemen' is not just fun, but is also serious at times. It teaches you a lesson or two about the inherent nature of all of us living beings. The movie also give you some good laughs from time to time. A decent film to watch and have a good time it was, for me. 

Book - 39, All the Light We Cannot See

All the Light We Cannot See (2014)

by

Anthony Doerr

Book Read: 24-28 November 2015

Note Written: 07 December 2015

'All the Light We Cannot See' is certainly one of the best books I have read recently. The story is set from the beginning till the end of World War II with a non-linear narrative style (there is also an epilogue to the story). The main focus is on children who are growing up, passing towards adulthood, in those tumultuous times. We see how war, propaganda, grief etc., affects them and also the internal conflicts which are created in them due to these factors. The novel shows a slow progress of the war, without actually going into the war-front - it shows how war affects people if both winning and losing fronts, at various points of the long-drawn war. 

Simplicity and innocence of helpless people, even though they become instruments of war by no choice or wish of theirs, other than the will and longing to survive, portrays a painful picture in your heart. Most of the chapters end by evoking in us a sweet smile or a sudden sadness - there's something of impact, positive or negative, everywhere. The short chapters make the novel an easy, delightful read. 

While we move from chapter to chapter, in love with the characters and the story, we slowly begin to realize that the phrase which makes up the title, 'All the Light We Cannot See', means many things - Marie Laure's blindness; the radio waves and other unseen air waves around us; the quest for the gem 'Sea of Flames'; and the strange connections between people who haven't met and whose worlds are entirely different (may be there are things or readings I have missed as well). The scientific explanations and detailing of 'radio' and radio waves, which forms an integral part of the story, were easy to understand and written with poise. 

Like the puzzles which Marie Laure's dad makes for her to solve, the whole novel, for us, becomes a puzzle - with its non-linear style, short chapters, twists and turns, until you reach the conclusion and solves the whole thing, with certain delight and a tinge of grief. In fact, history itself is comprised of these puzzles; history itself is a puzzle. 

Our activities of today are over and above the people of the past - we form a layer of our own history above them, and that's how the world is, and has been. Each place we see, we've been to, has it's own unique history, each pebble has a story behind it. 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr, like Patrick Modiano's 'Search Warrant: Dora Bruder', reminds us of these little facts and many more. Thank You Doerr, for such a wonderful book. 

Movie - 38, The Truth

The Truth (1998)

by 

Shaji Kailas

Movie Seen: 27 September 2015

Note Written: 19 October 2015

I had seen this movie when it was in the theaters, during my school days (Harrison or Magnus, Thiruvambady) and again multiple times in TV. Got nostalgic about this movie one day and just watched it on youtube. I consider 'The Truth' as one of the best investigative thrillers to come out in Malayalam. I was so smitten by the 'style' factor of the movie during my childhood, I used to buy a pen like the one Mammootty used in the movie (the click-click one) and developed a habit of clicking it unnecessarily, to the annoyance of many people. 

The various twists and turns, the combination of astrologic elements to serious investigation, the presence of Thilakan as a strong astrologer, the Lady Killer, the twist where we learn that 'lady killer' is a man, the revelation in the climax, all makes this movie one of my all-time favourites. Mammootty was great as the slick and clever investigation officer who heads the Special Investigation Team (SIT). All cheers to S N Swamy the writer and Shaji Kailas the director, for this wonderful flick. Ah, its fun watching the films which you watched in childhood, so much fun. 

Book - 38, A Clash of Kings

A Clash of Kings (1998)

by 

George R R Martin

Book Read: 15-23 November 2015

Note Written: 05 December 2015

The second book of the 'Song of Ice and Fire' series follows the same pattern of narration as the first- perspectives. This time the additional character perspectives added are Davos and Theon. The language and style are easy to follow and read, which is why I could finish this massive book in 9 days time, reading while commuting, mostly. In this series, there are no 'good' or 'bad' characters - all that's there are shades of grey. Each chapter has unique setting by virtue of the perspectives and gets the reader engrossed in it. It is when we finish the chapter and come to another person's perspective that we remember, 'oh, something like this was there, huh?'. It is an epic series which is a pleasure reading through and through. There are certain differences from the TV series which you note from time to time. The Battle of Kings Landing was ferocious, racy, and the best part of the book to read. Looking forward to the next books. 

Movie - 37, Charlie

Charlie (2015)

by

Martin Prakkatt

Movie Seen: 26 Dec 2015; 28 Dec 2015; 11 Jan 2016

Places: Abhilash, Mukkam; Kairali, Thrissur; PVR Forum, Hyderabad

Note Written: 18 January 2016

'Charlie' was a highly anticipated movie and I was a little skeptical about watching it because of the hype that was created (mostly by fans associations), but I trusted the director and went forward to watch it. I have watched it thrice already now and I can definitely say that Charlie is an experience which deserves a 'watching-twice' at least; it's another addition to quality new Malayalam cinema. Martin Prakkat has really made a gem out of the Unni R script. 

'Charlie' has a very entertaining mix of realism, escapist movie drama, and fantasy. At times you question the motive of the the plot and the director with a particular scene, but you get a satisfactory explanation later and you ponder over it and find more interesting stuff, that is if you liked the movie, I guess. I can't speak for everyone. 

The movie doesn't really belong anywhere–it transgresses boundaries refreshingly – just like the protagonist, Charlie (Dulquar Salman). Charlie is a figure of today, an ideal goal, for of the youth of today - he is free from responsibilities, there is nothing particular holding him back anywhere, he is kind, he is cute, he is heroic, he is enigmatic, he's not on any specific mission other than enjoy and embrace his life to the fullest. 

Tessa's (Parvathy) search for Charlie through various accounts from people is how we come to know him. Tessa is no much different from Charlie as well and her interest in Charlie sprouts and grows from he same reason. Tessa is in a quest to find herself and find 'life' and she develops that spirit in the process of finding Charlie. Parvathy has done a splendid job portraying Tessa. I felt jealous of her and Charlie, the free birds, felt like leading a life like them, and that is where 'Charlie' clicks with people like me. 

There have been many readings outside and instances within the film, where one can compare Charlie to a 'Jesus Christ' like figure. This is an intentional touch given by the scriptwriter, classic Unni R approach to stories, combining myth and reality, giving certain mystery to the characters and events. The 'theif' character (Soubin Shabir), the fisherman (Chemban Vinod), the prostitute 'Mary' (Kalpana), and even the lamb in the beginning of the film, when you think of it, are evident associations to characters in Jesus' story. The particular scenes and characters have their subtlety too as well which works well with the enigma surrounding the Charlie, the crux of the story. 

Other things that should be mentioned, that makes the film what it is, are Jomon T John's visuals, Jayasree Lakshmi Narayan's art direction (such stunning work she did in 'Double Barrel'!), Gopi Sundar's refreshing music (Sundaripenne & Akale being my favourites, also the sufi and saxophone bit from Pularikalo), and Sameera Sanish's costumes. They have successfully made the vision true of the director and scriptwriter. Fort Kochi and its people have never looked more appealing; Thrissur Pooram was stunning as well, even though in reality you can hardly spot girls attending the Pooram, unless they are visiting tourists or something!

Overall, Charlie was a delightful experience and I will sure watch it again, given the chance.   

Book - 37, The Flame Alphabet

The Flame Alphabet (2012)

by 

Ben Marcus

Book Read: 09-14 November 2015

Note Written: 24 November 2015

'The Flame Alphabet' is a novel which I would like to call 'heavy' or 'well-laden'. It takes you to a world which is absurd and scary. 'Thought-provoking' would be an understatement for the novel – it was more like 'thoughts-provoked-and-put-in-a-blender-forever' for me, if there's something like that. 

The Flame Alphabet tells the tale of a time when language has become toxic and slowly kills all people except children. At first, I thought that the toxicity mentioned could be an allusion to adolescence, a period where parents and children are in constant conflict with each other. The worlds of children and adults are very different, and understanding of each others' space, scarce. On further reading I realized the author isn't going in that direction. 

The Flame Alphabet was scary and haunting at times and towards the end I felt the stuff almost chocking me; I became scared of the possibility of the events. What if, language, communication, thoughts, all become toxic? A terrifying thought to ponder upon. We are doomed to wait for the paths that our destinies show us, like for Sam in the novel - we are in a quest for things that we love, or need. We humans are nothing but infinitesimally small parts of the universe and there is the sword of uncertainty hanging above all our heads, as individuals as well as a collective human race. We are insignificant. 

Movie - 36, Kohinoor

Kohinoor (2015)

by

Vinay Govind

Movie Seen: 26 September 2015

Place: Prasads Multiplex

Note Written: 15 October 2015

I had three major reasons to watch 'Kohinoor' that day– i) 'Ennu Ninte Moideen' had not released in Hyderabad that week too, ii) Asif Ali's looks in the movie (resembling Mohanlal from '20aam Noottandu') iii) Indrajith's presence in the movie (the man's simply great!). Kohinoor was a decent entertainer for me. What I expected of the movie was the rags to riches story of a simple man to an underworld don, but the movie is just a heist drama–no complaints though, it was done well enough. There were some really good moments in the movie which made me nostalgic of the era.  The details in recreating the late 80's was really well taken care of and I appreciate the director for his fine effort, this being his debut. Asif Ali looked great and did his role well– same goes for Aju, Vinay Forrt, Chemban Vinod, Sudheer Karamana, and of course, Indrajith. The heroine was just eye candy and for namesake (not even that much), but the lady with Indrajith (dunno her name) was really good in her performance. The combination scenes of Chemban Vinod and Vinay Forrt were hilarious. Overall, a decent film which didn't disappoint me. 

PS: I should write and post these notes sooner for the new releases. I shall do so from now on. 

Book - 36, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1962)

by

Ken Kesey

Book Read: 02-07 November 2015

Note Written: 09 November 2015

'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' was a long-pending movie for me to watch–I didn't know until  recently that it was a novel adaptation. When I knew, I was looking forward to buying a copy; found it in a book sale for cheap price and bought it. After reading 'The Tin Drum', where the experiences of Oskar Matzerath is revealed to us as he narrates his life from a mental institution, I thought why not read another book which is associated with 'disturbed' people. 

'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' was not, as I expected told from the perspective of the lead character (McMurphy) or from a neutral, objective one; it's told from the vantage point of Chief Bromden, a silent spectator of the events being unfolded in the mental institution. Bromden is also an example of an 'unreliable narrator' as Oskar Matzerath is, in Tin Drum. Bromden not only gives the accounts of the hospital ward, but also his own life before being admitted to the mental facility, allowing the reader to draw parallels with his past and present. This is something which we never get from the movie version. The writing is intense and engaging, and the characters solid in their representations. McMurphy's charm, Harding's intellect, Nurse Ratched's coldness, Bromden's silence, Billy Bibbit's helplessness are all factors which evoke many emotions and feelings inside us, but mostly pain. The ending was deeply saddening for me. I felt a kind of grief, a void, in me reading the last few pages–the helplessness of us common mortals in front of people and things of power, controlling us with and without our knowledge. I cried a little, after I closed the book. 

Movie - 35, Aadu: Oru Bheekara Jeeviyanu

Aadu: Oru Bheekara Jeeviyanu (2015)

by 

Midhun Manuel Thomas

Movie Seen: 20 September 2015

Note Written: 15 October 2015

I had been waiting to watch 'Aadu' from the day it released. I couldn't watch it in a theatre in Hyderbad at the time due to heavy monetary concerns. Even though the plot-line is wafer thin, the movie is really enjoyable, at least for me it was. The characters are created in a comic fashion and the whole time you would feel like you are reading a children's comic book. Shaji Pappan, Arakkal Abu, The Dude, Satan Xavier, Sharbat Shamir–the characters will definitely stay in your mind even if you don't really approve of the movie. The best thing about 'Aadu' are the intro songs given for the major characters. They are just awesome! It took me almost two weeks to get over those songs. I wish I had a bluray version of the movie with me. The youtube songs of the movie looks great but the DVD version I have isn't good enough. Thank You Midhun Manuel, for giving me a great time through 'Aadu'. I might watch it once again for the songs and those characters. 

Book - 35, The Tin Drum

The Tin Drum (1959)

by 

Günter Grass

Book Read: 22 October - 01 November 2015

Note Written: 10 November 2015

You cannot classify 'The Tin Drum' into a specific category or genre, I believe. Since the story takes place during a war period it is called a war classic. But it's more about the human life than about war and its problems. Oskar (the protagonist) narrates his life to us from a mental institution - sometimes in first person and sometimes in third person. This happens within the same sentence as well. Tin Drum is a great example of an 'unreliable narrator' telling us the story (I recently found out about classification types of narration and all and I was reading up a bit). 

Oskar, who was conscious of his birth moment; Oskar, the boy who wished not to grow up from when he was three years old; Oskar, the who decided not to follow an adult life and succeeded; is every bit as human with inherent flaws as we all are. He is an opportunist, as all of us who would like to be in his/her comfort zone and watch things unfold are, occasionally changing behaviour and thoughts according to convenience, being directly or indirectly responsible for the woes of others. Oskar has no sense of belonging–he wants to belong somewhere, but fails to, almost always. 

The language and style of the novel is unpredictable and strange. The sentences are often poetic in its flow and construction, without much adherence to grammatical structures. Gunter Grass prefers it so and has made the translators follow this as well. The prose is brilliant yet slightly difficult at times with the reader guessing what has happened or finding it only at a later stage, through the course of the narrative. Oskar's tumultous conscience with his follies and strange thoughts could be anybody's, according to the place and time where he/she lives– a true self, a mix of good and evil, the helplessness of being human. I have to watch the Palme D'or winning movie version of it soon. 

The Tin Drum is an outstanding literary and story experience. 

Movie -34, Left Right Left

Left Right Left (2013)

by

Arun Kumar Aravind

Movie Seen: 17 September 2015

Note Written: 05 October 2015

'Left Right Left' is one of my favourite political thrillers of all time - I had watched the movie in theatre when it released and had got goosebumps on many scenes. I am extremely vulnarable to goosebumps whenever I listen to the title song of the movie, 'LRL Anthem' - it's so bloody good! The strong script which binds the movie is enhanced by stronger performances by all the actors. My favourite of the lot is Indrajith, for his stunning portrayal of 'Vattu Jayan'. Harish Perady, Sethulakshmi, Lena, Murali Gopi all were great in their roles and made gave their characters and the movie, a cult status. Another thing I like about films like LRL is that the director himself has done the editing. The advantage here is that the director is at full control and liberty to make the film he wants and is vision of the script is shown to us uninhibited. Alphonse Putharen too, has successfully done this in Malayalam through 'Neram' and 'Premam'. I will watch LRL again, I'm sure.