On its face, Slumdog Millionaire, this year’s little-movie-that-could and current Best Picture frontrunner, could be mistaken for a hollow piece of filmmaking. While no prominent critic has suggested this, it’s important to realize that the movie is essentially made up of imagery-dense, music-video-esque sequences; old-fashioned Dickensian themes; and simple flashback storytelling. Juxtaposed with how complex the film actually comes across, this fact stands as an awe-inducing testament to just what a massive accomplishment Slumdog Millionaire is.
While I normally reject auteur theory because film is the ultimate collaborative medium, it would be hard to deny that director Danny Boyle, always the engineer of cinema, is responsible for the bulk of Slumdog Millionaire’s success. He is the hands-on anchor of every vital element of the film, from the poignant performances of his cast of mostly non-actors to the unbelievable camerawork done on three cutting-edge units by DP Anthony Dod Mantle to editor Chris Dickens’ adrenaline-pumping knack for pacing.
This is a really great movie! I agree that the youngest actors of Salim etc were the best - they definitely deserve some kind of award. I loved how many stories were told, from various areas such as discipline/hunger/survival etc. I really didn't expect the movie to be as good as it was. I think it will make you think about your situation in life and make many people appreciate what they have. It's a very moving film and I recommend everyone sees it.
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