Thinking Activity:
Review of two films: Midnight's Children and The Reluctant Fundamentalist from Postcolonial point of view.
As both the films are having different perspective. We can apply Postcolonial theory on both these films. First lets have look on the reviews.
Review of Midnight's Children by Deepa Mehta
Deepa Mehta has presented very clear image of the Novel Midnight's Children which was written by Salman Rushdie in her film. She has exposed the cruelty of society.
Two children born at Midnight
There is very significant incident after the colonisation of Britishers, at first night before Independent At 12 Two children born. Both get totally different treatment as because there was exchange of both these kids.
Rich becomes poor and poor becomes rich
There was one man Joseph D'Costa who comes with the idea that let the rich becomes poor and poor becomes rich, lets have changed the fortune of kids who born at midnight". He entered into the hospital with his revolutionary idea and tell to the nurse Mary Perara about his thought. Mary first refuses to do so. But later on she herself exchanged the baby.
Two conflicting characters
Saleem sinnai who is actually the son of poor street singer Vanita and landlord Methwold, exchanged with Shiva who is the son of Amina and Ahmed, the rich parentage. But unfortunately grown up with poverty under the care of Wee Willie Winkie, the husband of Vanita. In this way two main characters grown up with totally different environment. Saleem at one hand very obedient and peace lover man, Shiva on the other hand loves violence. They remain enemy till the end of the film.
Merging of religion
As Shiva who is actually the son of Muslim parents, got Hindu name and grown up with Hindu culture. Saleem who is actually Hindu but grown up with Muslim Ideology. This shows merging of religion. It also shows that we are not born as Hindu or Muslim, we just born as Human but society makes us or categorized us in different religion.
Symbol of Chutneyfication
The word chutney used many times in the film. The nurse who later on becomes the nun of Saleem Sinnai (in her guilt), used to tell this word to Saleem that she will make tasty chutney for him. Even at the end of the film This Chutney of Mary helps Saleem to reach to the destination of mary and they reunite. Chutney also symbolised the mixer of identity.
Symbol of Spittoon
Spittoon is a container in which one used to spit after chewing Pan. This also symbolized the dignity of a man. When a person is frustrated then he used to spit or used to omit the bad things out in a container or we can say that to other person, in form of a talk about something which was hidden and person wants to spoke or reveal the secret. After the war Saleem lost his memory but keep on holding Spittoon in his hand. When someone tries to take that Spitton he fight or denied to give it to anyone. In a way this symbolised that even after losing everything Sallem don't wants to lose his dignity.
Free minded parents
However this is satire on the society where parents never allowed their daughters to marry to the guy whom they loved. But in the film without raising any type of objection Parents of three daughters Amina, Emerald and Alia allows them to marry with whoever they wish. Amina married twice, first with Nadir, and then with Ahmed after the elope of Nadir.
Idea of Mother's dream about the relationship of her daughters
Deepa Mehta presented unique idea about the dream of mother. In this film Naseem dreamt about the relationship of her daughters. She saw successful businessman in Alia's dream, In Amina's dream she saw a boy with cucumber nose. In this way she used to dream about her daughters who are in relationship. That was in a way very awkward idea.
Symbol of Cucumber nose
Nose always stands for dignity, pride of a person. In this film the phrase "Cucumber Nose" again and again came with reference to the parental genes. Saleem got the cucumber type nose and at first when all don't know about the real parentage of Saleem, used to think that this nose is similar to Ahmed. But later on this nose becomes a kind of disgust for Ahmed when he comes to know that Sallem in actually is the son of Methold and Vanita.
Notion of Mother India
By presenting Anita Sinai, the Notion of Mother India breaks down. Director has used camera very smartly by using two contrasting things. At first sides there is poster of Mother India film and on other side Amina is going to met her ex-husband Nadir.
Happy ending with the celebration of Independence day
The film ends happily as according to common archetype of most of the films. The hero wins and villain dies. In this film Saleem was consider as Hero and Shiva as villain. Saleem is presented as very kind hearted man who married to Parvati when she was pregnant, having baby of Shiva in her womb and after the death of Parvati take care of her son as a real father. At the end Mary and Picture singh celebrated birthday of Saleem at midnight, and there is also celebration of Independence day along with Saleem's Birthday.
From Postcolonial perspective
If we look from Post colonial perspective then we find many gaps in the films which are to be filled or which are to be taken into consideration. There are many hidden things presented in the film.
1. Hybridity
The mixture of two identity, as there is no pure identity or culture exist, even human beings are made up of mixer of genes.
Saleem Sinai
Saleem Sinai who is in actual the son of Vanita, poor street singer and the Britisher Methwold. Mixer of Hindu and Christian religion, but grown up in Muslim family. This toatlly shows Hybrid identity.
Shiva
Shiva was actually the son of Muslim parents Amina and Ahmed but grown up in Hindu family background. This again shows the hybrid identity because he got the Hindu name.
2. The brutal image of Indira Gandhi
Even after the Independence India faced so many troubles. Indira Gandhi was presented very badly in the film. Her acst are not welcomed by any poor Indian. In democratic country she shows her dictatorship. She has passed two acts which damaged the life of people.
i) Emergency 1975
In 1975 she has passed Emergency which leads to sudden increase in price rate and poor are dying in shortage and not able to purchase their basic needs. On the other hand rich people are not facing so much troubles.
ii) Vasectomy
In film Shiva was told to operate Vasectomy and therefore he forcefully taking the people for this brutal thing. This act proven as one of the inhuman or cruel order of Prime Minister to overcome poverty.
At one side these all things are happening and on the other side Indira Gandhi was shown as indifferent personality who is busy in taking good meal and don't care about the plight of humans.
3. Magic Realism
Magic realism is a genre of narrative fiction, expresses a primarily realistic view of the real world while also adding or revealing magical elements(Wikipedia)
In this film also there is use of magic realism through two main characters:-
i) Saleem Sinai
Saleem sinai has got magical power to call all the cildren who were born along with him at midnight of Independence day. In a way these incident shown as something in real happening, but included super magical elements which all children never get. He is not only calling each person but also recalls name of them and actually met them afterwards.
ii) Parvati
Parvati, the street dancer also added some magical elements in the film. She used to spoke the magical mantra "Aabra ka dabra" and can do anything with it, can hide people in a basket. In a way these all things are merely superstitions nothing more.
4. Symbol of national flag
Even after independence people din't learn to give respect to the national flag. And under the umbrella of flag people are brutally killing each others.In the film at one side national flag was shown and on other Shiva was doing violence. This is the disrespect of nation.
Review of film "The Reluctant Fundamentalist" from postcolonial view point:-
The Reluctant Fundamentalist was directed by Mira Nair and was based on Mohsin Hamid's novel. Riz Ahmed playing the lead role and has given justice to his character by presenting himself in real way. There was not lots of melodrama which only makes plot complicated. Each and everything seems real to life without any type of artificiality which we find in similar Bollywood masala sequel "New York"
There was one checking scene at Airport in Reluctant Fundamentalist which happen as usually, not showing to much melodramatic elements in it. But On the other hand when we look at John Abraham performing this scene with high emotions. This was the technique of director who can add realistic as well as over emotional scene to attract audience. As now a days audience becomes so much indifferent that simple actions doesn't affect them and they need high emotions to feel the situation or the condition to which the character is passing through.
Frame Story
The Reluctant Fundamentalist used frame narrative technique, story within story. The main story was told by Changez Khan to journalist Bobby of his life and one story was also revolving around them. While narrating his story there were many incidents happening outside. In this way we can call it frame story.
Suspecting Muslim identity as Terrorist
In foreign countries mostly Muslims are treated or suspected as a terrorist and because of that doubt they have to undergo with so many struggles. Similar thing happens with Changez Khan who was suspected as a terrorist and therefore he has to pass through with very strict checking. His all clothes are taken off and has also shown his private part. This is very much insulting for him and in his mind at some corner hatred towards foreigners begins.
Changez Khan spoke very relevant line:-
In this film also Bobby suspects Changez and believes in what he saw without thinking. He suspects him as giving order to kill his companion through text message. But when he knows the truth, he feels so much guilty about it.And in revenge he also accidentally kills the student of Changez Khan. Then he remembers the first lines told by Changez khan that "Nazre Dhokha Kha sakti hai" and feels that how true Changez khan is speaking.
9/11 attacks
Reaction Of Changez Khan when Twin Towers are falling down
When Changez Khan first heard the news about the blast at Twin towers he becomes shocked. But later on there was a smile in his face. This is only because of the treatment of foreigners with him. He was treated very badly and was suspected at each and every place.
He compares this situation with the blast and attacks at Baghdad when so many innocent are died. Very artistically he present his thought and reaction in front of Bobby about the blast at Twins Tower.
He says that he obviously not feels good as you are also not feeling good when innocent are dying at Baghdad attacks. Satirical he presents his happiness or satisfaction about that incident.
Changez Khan's revolutionary lectures
Changez with his bitter experience gives revolutionary lectures in his class. For that he was attacked by the people who are not in favour of his thoughts and his family was also puts in danger.
Bobby Lincoln, the American presented as spy
Bobby Lincoln was not a journalist in real sense. He was a spy and meets Changez only to get the information about his revolutionary acts. This is also the post colonial point of view of looking at or portraying Americans as disloyal, that can never be trusted with the bitter experience of past.
Symbol of beard
Normally over bearded man was never looked by people in a better sense. In this film also there was one line spoken by on of the minor character in front of Changez while looking at his beard that " This long beard also makes him fearful". In a way he is raising doubts against the real identity of Changez khan.
Giving Pakistani tag to Changez Khan
Erica the beloved of Changez khan throws one show in which she has mentioned that "I had a Pakistani once". In this way unknowingly she has characterised Changez as Pakistani which makes him so much angry and suddenly broke the relationship with her.
At the end Changez has lost his job and visa and has to leave that country. In his subconscious mind the feeling of hatred is growing and decided to give revolutionary lectures against the Americans. Once he loves America very much, but after his bitter experience with peoples he starts hating it.
In this way we can look at both the films from Postcolonial point of view, that even after colonisation writers has written these type of revolutionary text and the directors articulated it well in films to show the mindset of people. To throw some lights on the margin identity.
Review of two films: Midnight's Children and The Reluctant Fundamentalist from Postcolonial point of view.
As both the films are having different perspective. We can apply Postcolonial theory on both these films. First lets have look on the reviews.
Review of Midnight's Children by Deepa Mehta
Deepa Mehta has presented very clear image of the Novel Midnight's Children which was written by Salman Rushdie in her film. She has exposed the cruelty of society.
Two children born at Midnight
There is very significant incident after the colonisation of Britishers, at first night before Independent At 12 Two children born. Both get totally different treatment as because there was exchange of both these kids.
Rich becomes poor and poor becomes rich
There was one man Joseph D'Costa who comes with the idea that let the rich becomes poor and poor becomes rich, lets have changed the fortune of kids who born at midnight". He entered into the hospital with his revolutionary idea and tell to the nurse Mary Perara about his thought. Mary first refuses to do so. But later on she herself exchanged the baby.
Two conflicting characters
Saleem sinnai who is actually the son of poor street singer Vanita and landlord Methwold, exchanged with Shiva who is the son of Amina and Ahmed, the rich parentage. But unfortunately grown up with poverty under the care of Wee Willie Winkie, the husband of Vanita. In this way two main characters grown up with totally different environment. Saleem at one hand very obedient and peace lover man, Shiva on the other hand loves violence. They remain enemy till the end of the film.
Merging of religion
As Shiva who is actually the son of Muslim parents, got Hindu name and grown up with Hindu culture. Saleem who is actually Hindu but grown up with Muslim Ideology. This shows merging of religion. It also shows that we are not born as Hindu or Muslim, we just born as Human but society makes us or categorized us in different religion.
Symbol of Chutneyfication
The word chutney used many times in the film. The nurse who later on becomes the nun of Saleem Sinnai (in her guilt), used to tell this word to Saleem that she will make tasty chutney for him. Even at the end of the film This Chutney of Mary helps Saleem to reach to the destination of mary and they reunite. Chutney also symbolised the mixer of identity.
Symbol of Spittoon
Spittoon is a container in which one used to spit after chewing Pan. This also symbolized the dignity of a man. When a person is frustrated then he used to spit or used to omit the bad things out in a container or we can say that to other person, in form of a talk about something which was hidden and person wants to spoke or reveal the secret. After the war Saleem lost his memory but keep on holding Spittoon in his hand. When someone tries to take that Spitton he fight or denied to give it to anyone. In a way this symbolised that even after losing everything Sallem don't wants to lose his dignity.
Free minded parents
However this is satire on the society where parents never allowed their daughters to marry to the guy whom they loved. But in the film without raising any type of objection Parents of three daughters Amina, Emerald and Alia allows them to marry with whoever they wish. Amina married twice, first with Nadir, and then with Ahmed after the elope of Nadir.
Idea of Mother's dream about the relationship of her daughters
Deepa Mehta presented unique idea about the dream of mother. In this film Naseem dreamt about the relationship of her daughters. She saw successful businessman in Alia's dream, In Amina's dream she saw a boy with cucumber nose. In this way she used to dream about her daughters who are in relationship. That was in a way very awkward idea.
Symbol of Cucumber nose
Nose always stands for dignity, pride of a person. In this film the phrase "Cucumber Nose" again and again came with reference to the parental genes. Saleem got the cucumber type nose and at first when all don't know about the real parentage of Saleem, used to think that this nose is similar to Ahmed. But later on this nose becomes a kind of disgust for Ahmed when he comes to know that Sallem in actually is the son of Methold and Vanita.
Notion of Mother India
By presenting Anita Sinai, the Notion of Mother India breaks down. Director has used camera very smartly by using two contrasting things. At first sides there is poster of Mother India film and on other side Amina is going to met her ex-husband Nadir.
Happy ending with the celebration of Independence day
The film ends happily as according to common archetype of most of the films. The hero wins and villain dies. In this film Saleem was consider as Hero and Shiva as villain. Saleem is presented as very kind hearted man who married to Parvati when she was pregnant, having baby of Shiva in her womb and after the death of Parvati take care of her son as a real father. At the end Mary and Picture singh celebrated birthday of Saleem at midnight, and there is also celebration of Independence day along with Saleem's Birthday.
From Postcolonial perspective
If we look from Post colonial perspective then we find many gaps in the films which are to be filled or which are to be taken into consideration. There are many hidden things presented in the film.
1. Hybridity
The mixture of two identity, as there is no pure identity or culture exist, even human beings are made up of mixer of genes.
Saleem Sinai
Saleem Sinai who is in actual the son of Vanita, poor street singer and the Britisher Methwold. Mixer of Hindu and Christian religion, but grown up in Muslim family. This toatlly shows Hybrid identity.
Shiva
Shiva was actually the son of Muslim parents Amina and Ahmed but grown up in Hindu family background. This again shows the hybrid identity because he got the Hindu name.
2. The brutal image of Indira Gandhi
Even after the Independence India faced so many troubles. Indira Gandhi was presented very badly in the film. Her acst are not welcomed by any poor Indian. In democratic country she shows her dictatorship. She has passed two acts which damaged the life of people.
i) Emergency 1975
In 1975 she has passed Emergency which leads to sudden increase in price rate and poor are dying in shortage and not able to purchase their basic needs. On the other hand rich people are not facing so much troubles.
ii) Vasectomy
In film Shiva was told to operate Vasectomy and therefore he forcefully taking the people for this brutal thing. This act proven as one of the inhuman or cruel order of Prime Minister to overcome poverty.
At one side these all things are happening and on the other side Indira Gandhi was shown as indifferent personality who is busy in taking good meal and don't care about the plight of humans.
3. Magic Realism
Magic realism is a genre of narrative fiction, expresses a primarily realistic view of the real world while also adding or revealing magical elements(Wikipedia)
In this film also there is use of magic realism through two main characters:-
i) Saleem Sinai
Saleem sinai has got magical power to call all the cildren who were born along with him at midnight of Independence day. In a way these incident shown as something in real happening, but included super magical elements which all children never get. He is not only calling each person but also recalls name of them and actually met them afterwards.
ii) Parvati
Parvati, the street dancer also added some magical elements in the film. She used to spoke the magical mantra "Aabra ka dabra" and can do anything with it, can hide people in a basket. In a way these all things are merely superstitions nothing more.
4. Symbol of national flag
Even after independence people din't learn to give respect to the national flag. And under the umbrella of flag people are brutally killing each others.In the film at one side national flag was shown and on other Shiva was doing violence. This is the disrespect of nation.
Review of film "The Reluctant Fundamentalist" from postcolonial view point:-
The Reluctant Fundamentalist was directed by Mira Nair and was based on Mohsin Hamid's novel. Riz Ahmed playing the lead role and has given justice to his character by presenting himself in real way. There was not lots of melodrama which only makes plot complicated. Each and everything seems real to life without any type of artificiality which we find in similar Bollywood masala sequel "New York"
There was one checking scene at Airport in Reluctant Fundamentalist which happen as usually, not showing to much melodramatic elements in it. But On the other hand when we look at John Abraham performing this scene with high emotions. This was the technique of director who can add realistic as well as over emotional scene to attract audience. As now a days audience becomes so much indifferent that simple actions doesn't affect them and they need high emotions to feel the situation or the condition to which the character is passing through.
Frame Story
The Reluctant Fundamentalist used frame narrative technique, story within story. The main story was told by Changez Khan to journalist Bobby of his life and one story was also revolving around them. While narrating his story there were many incidents happening outside. In this way we can call it frame story.
Suspecting Muslim identity as Terrorist
In foreign countries mostly Muslims are treated or suspected as a terrorist and because of that doubt they have to undergo with so many struggles. Similar thing happens with Changez Khan who was suspected as a terrorist and therefore he has to pass through with very strict checking. His all clothes are taken off and has also shown his private part. This is very much insulting for him and in his mind at some corner hatred towards foreigners begins.
Changez Khan spoke very relevant line:-
"Nazre Dhokha Kha sakti hai"This is what postcolonial study is reflecting. To look at things and to believe is not an easy task. One must have to see the gaps in literature, in history. There must be retailing of past so that some minor things which are not taken into consideration should get reflected. We have to look at minor narratives rather than meta narrative in understanding the things in better way.
In this film also Bobby suspects Changez and believes in what he saw without thinking. He suspects him as giving order to kill his companion through text message. But when he knows the truth, he feels so much guilty about it.And in revenge he also accidentally kills the student of Changez Khan. Then he remembers the first lines told by Changez khan that "Nazre Dhokha Kha sakti hai" and feels that how true Changez khan is speaking.
9/11 attacks
Reaction Of Changez Khan when Twin Towers are falling down
When Changez Khan first heard the news about the blast at Twin towers he becomes shocked. But later on there was a smile in his face. This is only because of the treatment of foreigners with him. He was treated very badly and was suspected at each and every place.
He compares this situation with the blast and attacks at Baghdad when so many innocent are died. Very artistically he present his thought and reaction in front of Bobby about the blast at Twins Tower.
He says that he obviously not feels good as you are also not feeling good when innocent are dying at Baghdad attacks. Satirical he presents his happiness or satisfaction about that incident.
Changez Khan's revolutionary lectures
Changez with his bitter experience gives revolutionary lectures in his class. For that he was attacked by the people who are not in favour of his thoughts and his family was also puts in danger.
Bobby Lincoln, the American presented as spy
Bobby Lincoln was not a journalist in real sense. He was a spy and meets Changez only to get the information about his revolutionary acts. This is also the post colonial point of view of looking at or portraying Americans as disloyal, that can never be trusted with the bitter experience of past.
Symbol of beard
Normally over bearded man was never looked by people in a better sense. In this film also there was one line spoken by on of the minor character in front of Changez while looking at his beard that " This long beard also makes him fearful". In a way he is raising doubts against the real identity of Changez khan.
Giving Pakistani tag to Changez Khan
Erica the beloved of Changez khan throws one show in which she has mentioned that "I had a Pakistani once". In this way unknowingly she has characterised Changez as Pakistani which makes him so much angry and suddenly broke the relationship with her.
At the end Changez has lost his job and visa and has to leave that country. In his subconscious mind the feeling of hatred is growing and decided to give revolutionary lectures against the Americans. Once he loves America very much, but after his bitter experience with peoples he starts hating it.
In this way we can look at both the films from Postcolonial point of view, that even after colonisation writers has written these type of revolutionary text and the directors articulated it well in films to show the mindset of people. To throw some lights on the margin identity.
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