Movie Friday

I have to admit; I have been frustrated lately by caliber of films that I was seeing. Nothing was moving me to tears or making me feel the awe and wonder of film making as an art. I am pleased to say that this has changed. Last Saturday, I saw The Namesake. Directed by award winning filmmaker Mira Nair, this film is nothing short of amazing.

The Namesake is an adapted screenplay from the acclaimed novel by Jhumpa Lahiri. It tells the story of an Indian family who immigrates to America and establishes a life here. As they progress through life, they deal with a common struggle of immigrant families to the United States; the question of who one is and what culture you identify with. The film is a fascinating look at the culture of arranged marriages, which happens in many other cultures besides ours. I cannot imagine being set up with someone of my parents choosing, but the custom seems to work well in other parts of the world. The other point that I took home from this film (and I have been giving a great deal of thought to lately) is the idea of North American culture or the lack thereof. As most of our families have only been inhabitants of this continent for the last two hundred years and some change, it can be hard to argue that apple pie, baseball, and the Fourth of July represent as much culturally as traditions and cultures that trace back three thousand years or more. Yet if you claim to be of a certain heritage (ie. Italian or Mexican) and you go back to those countries after spending a certain number of years here or being born here, then you are always "the gringo". So I also identified with the struggle to find and define who you are as a person without strong connections to one's background or ancestry.

Visually, this film is stunning. Nair, and Indian society it seems, have a love affair with bold, strong colors. The way in which she combines this gorgeous palate with the music and the emotion of the characters is remarkable. Watching this film is reminiscent of witnessing a featured musician or vocalist with an orchestra. It has the power to change your life. I have been in a melancholy mood as of late, but this film truly inspires me on so many levels. It is not yet on DVD, but I highly recommend you track it down in your local art house movie theatre and take it in. You will not be disappointed.

Cuidate.