Mira Nair has been criticized for being an NRI (Non-Resident Indian) who attempts to represent Indian culture and fails to produce true national cinema. But in the nation of 'Bollywood' this seems to be a matter of pots and kettles. As the world moves more towards globalization, however, hybrid films seem perfectly appropriate. Monsoon Wedding portrays Indians living in contemporary, upper-class India, but the film will feel very familiar to American audiences (I'd like to say global, but I can't say this for certain without experiencing more of other cultures).
The language of the movie is the first thing that will prevent Americans from feeling disoriented in this flowing, vibrant cultural expression; often times the characters will converse in English or mix it with Indian. Honestly though, I was relieved when the subtitles came on though because the English was difficult to understand through the thick accents many times (it depends on the character who's speaking). Still, it will put English speakers at ease and transitioning between spoken English and subtitles was barely noticeable.
Monsoon Wedding deals with many relationships at once, each one existing under circumstances. Notable among this myriad are the three (and a half if you count the ex-boyfriend) loves stories existing between characters of varied social classes that are pushed forward by factors unique to each respective one. The engaged couple strives to be genuine despite the contrived nature of their relationship while the Aussie playfully courts a rebellious Indian girl sporting a scorpion tattoo on her upper arm. Lastly, the hidden love between the contractor and the house servant is most frustrating because their lack of communication leads to misunderstandings; the pure nature of their love makes this one my personal favorite. There are other familiar relationships including one between a father and son and another involving an uncle and young girl. This last one reminded me of Salinger's Catcher In the Rye although Jane's ordeal is more subtle and plays a much smaller role compared to Rhea's. Each one of these relationships can be found in films, novels, and other forms of entertainment around the world.
This film is a contemporary piece for the globalizing generation. It entertains and enthralls with the same classic tales we've heard before, but it presents them non-traditional form that challenges conservative, nationalist views. Watch this movie.
2 comments:
I think it is important to note that even though Mira Nair is a NRI (non-resident Indian), she is still accustom to the traditions and culture of India. She grew up in India before moving to the States to finish her education. She has produced a number of documentaries, displaying the hardship faced by many of India's youth. I feel for individuals to say that she is unable to produce "true national cinema" seems a bit ridiculous to me. I think you touch on this point well.
One of the things that makes Monsoon Wedding so different from most Bollywood films is that in my opinion it portrays real life drama that is not sugar coated and made cute through song and dance. Bollywood films seem to simplify complex problems through traditional song and dance. In reality such behavior is useless and frivolous. As you have stated, Monsoon Wedding "is a contemporary piece for the globalizing generation". I completely agree with this because the film is able to speak to and touch a lot of individuals no matter the ethnicity or country they are from. I think you brought up a lot of good points through out your review.
I think this was a very good review of the film. I think Monsoon Wedding however is more local. Although the movie does portray an upper class family who speak English and talk about America, it also depicts those of the lower class with the lives of the maid and the wedding planner. India is also a very developed country in which English is prevalent and the United States is ever present, so Mira Nair shows India's globalization.
As you said in your first sentence, Mira Nair has been criticized as a NRI and she also shows how the NRI, in the movie, has been looked down upon as not a true Indian. Their Western aspects, such as clothing style or music taste, are ridiculed and pointed out although India itself has Western qualities.
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