The Perfect Mise-en-Scène

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Month: September 2023

“Rediscovering the Magic of ‘Guide’ (1965)”

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On September 29, 2023

In Revisiting the Classics

Dev Sahab’s Unwavering Determination & The Divine Adaptation

Transforming a Literary Gem for the Masses Derived from the universally revered 1958 novel by R.K. Narayan, “Guide” embarked on a journey of artistic rebirth. While the English version by Pearl S. Buck and Tad Danielewski met with disappointment, Dev Sahab decided to revamp the project and invested heart and soul into the Hindi adaptation. His endeavor bore fruit, for he and his brother, Vijay Anand presented the narrative through the lens of the common man. With painstaking precision, they breathed life into the characters, rendering them relatable and endearing to both the critics and the masses.

Waheeda Rehman and Dev Anand in
“Guide” (1965)

DEV ANAND’s indomitable will to bring ‘Guide’ to life and make it resonate with the masses is a testament to his unwavering commitment to delivering quality within the popular mainstream. His desire to offer excellence in storytelling shines through his relentless pursuit of success with this iconic film.

Hindi Version, Adaptation, and Direction

Vijay Anand’s Cinematic Brilliance Adapted and helmed by the genius Vijay Anand, “Guide” emerged as a testament to his profound understanding of R.K. Narayan’s novel.

“Guide” (1965) Theatrical Release Poster

Vijay Anand expertly captured the nuances and expressions of Raju, skillfully infusing them into the life of an ordinary man, all while preserving Dev Anand’s impeccable style. His keen comprehension of the characters breathed an exceptional level of authenticity into the film, rendering it truly commendable.

The Philosophical Powerhouse

Dev Anand in “Guide” (1965)

Guide – A Journey of Redemption and Reinvention Above all, “Guide” fearlessly escorts its audience down the path of soul-searching and the transformation of human desires. It delves into the core of human nature, exposing the unending thirst for warmth and love, often overshadowed by the relentless pursuit of material wealth in the world. As “Guide“ unravels, it leaves us with a resounding take-home message: The most profound wealth one can attain is not in riches but in the pursuit of truth, compassion, and the relentless quest for the human spirit’s warmth and love.

The Divine Music

‘Guide’ – A Symphony of Emotions and Transformation
The profound philosophical undertones of “Guide” find their fiery expression in the enchanting melodies composed by the legendary S.D. Burman. Coupled with the weighty verses crafted by Shailendra and brought to life by diverse voices, the music in this film is nothing short of a symphonic masterpiece. Each song is like a sonnet on celluloid, meticulously choreographed, and perfectly timed to convey the depths of human emotion.

Dev Anand and Waheeda Rehman in Gaata Rahe Mera Dil from “Guide” (1965)

Whether it’s the soulful “Yahan Kaun Hai Tera Musafir” setting the stage for the story’s flashback, the heartwarming “Tere Mere Sapne” solidifying the love between Raju and Rosie, or “Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna Hai,” hinting at Rosie’s concealed desire to break free and showcase her talents to the world, every musical note resonates with meaning. “Gaata Rahe Mera Dil” captures the essence of Rosie’s professional success, while the melancholic brilliance of “Din Dhal Jaaye” describes the shifting dynamics between Raju and Rosie. And then there’s the magnum opus, “Kya Se Kya Ho Gaya,” an event rather than just a song, with its symbolic presentation linked to “Mo Se Chal” and the profound realization etched on Raju’s face. The music in ‘Guide’ is a relentless force that propels the narrative forward and elevates it to cinematic greatness.

The Final Act: A Philosophical Odyssey

In the closing chapters of “Guide,” the film plunges deep into the essence of life. When Raju is inadvertently mistaken for a saint and urged to observe a twelve-day fast to bring rain to the drought-stricken village, he embarks on a transformative journey. Initially hesitant, he ultimately embraces this spiritual path and redefines his desires and priorities. His sole aim becomes the welfare of the village and its people.

DEV ANAND in the most iconic scene from “Guide” (1965)

The culmination of the film, with Raju’s introspective dialogue, particularly when Rosie joins him and he utters the profound words, “Rosie aa gayi aur maa bhi-paani na barsa toh kya hoga…” represents one of the most extraordinary moments in mainstream Indian Cinema. This emotionally charged scene showcases Raju’s inner struggle and serves as the crowning jewel of a movie that artfully explores the depths of human philosophy.

Challenging Stereotypes: ‘Guide’ A Pioneer of Change

“Guide” was more than just philosophical, it boldly shattered stereotypes of its time. Rosie’s courageous departure from her unsupportive husband and her journey towards becoming a successful dancer defied societal expectations. The film also championed feminist ideals by showcasing Raju as Rosie’s manager, a rarity in mainstream cinema during that era.

Waheeda Rehman in a Poster for “Guide” (1965); Image via Flickr

“Guide” broke new ground, addressing themes that few dared to explore in mainstream movies. Dev Anand’s visionary storytelling went beyond the ordinary, setting a precedent for discussing themes that were unconventional for their time, all while delivering a captivating and impactful narrative.

Also, read the review of the original novel, ‘The Guide’ (1958) by R.K. Narayan, here’s the link

“Timeless Classic: ‘The Guide’ A Short Review”

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On September 29, 2023

In Literature & Cinema

WHY YOU SHOULD READ IT?

R.K. Narayan’s ‘The Guide’ is a literary treasure that continues to captivate readers worldwide. This novel takes you on a fascinating journey, following the life of Raju, a multi-layered character navigating the complexities of existence and spirituality. Narayan’s storytelling skill paints a vivid picture, drawing readers into the depths of human nature, the pursuit of desires, and the transformative potential of personal odysseys.

Immersive Setting and Prose

Set against the backdrop of a fictitious South Indian town, ‘The Guide’ immerses you in the rich tapestry of Indian culture and tradition. Narayan’s eloquent prose and profound insights into human psychology make this book a classic that stands the test of time.

“The Guide,” 1958 novel (personal copy) by R.K. Narayan

It’s a literary work that encapsulates the essence of a changing India and explores universal themes of self-discovery, redemption, and the intricate dance of human connections.

Timeless Themes and Literary Influence

With its unique narrative style and thought-provoking themes, ‘The Guide’ is a must-read for anyone seeking a compelling, enriching literary experience that resonates deeply with both readers and critics.

P.S. My mother introduced me to this novel (she owns a copy) and its highly acclaimed 1965 adaptation by the Anand Brothers!

Also, read about the 1965 Hindi Language Film Adaptation, here’s the link

#TheGuide1958 #RKNarayan #UniversallyAcclaimed

“Adapting Imagination: The Magic of Literature-Film Convergence”

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On September 29, 2023

In Literature & Cinema

Film Adaptations

The relationship between cinema and writing is like body and soul. If a piece of audio/visual is the body, then writing is the soul. Having said that, writing becomes a very crucial part of developing a film. If the writing is good, the screenplay automatically delivers and gives the necessary confidence to the director. When we talk about literature, good, rich literature, could be an excellent source for stories to develop screenplays.
If we look at some of the finest filmmakers, domestically or globally, literature has always been used. Veterans like Satyajit Ray, Bimal Roy, Tapan Sinha, Hrishikesh Mukherjee, and Basu Chatterjee to an extent have always based their films on acclaimed literature.

Different Writers and Poets

Talking about literature, my relationship with literature is through my mother only. So she is a complete literature person. It is because of her I got to know about so many writers, novelists, and poets, the classic ones, the good ones. Whenever I have a conversation with her, she tells me about a new writer or poet, and their work which she got familiar with during her post-graduation in English. Her collection of writers is just exceptional, has some rare novels and books from her mother too. Be it poets and writers like John Keats or W. B. Yeats, short story writers and novelists like O. Henry or Graham Greene, ace novelists like Bronte sisters or Thomas Hardy, critics like I. A. Richards or T. S. Eliot, her collection has works from all these writers. As a matter of fact, she is the one who taught me Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” in 10th standard and introduced me to Shakespeare’s most acclaimed works like Julius-Ceaser, and Macbeth. Recently, one day, while talking about psychological complexes, she told me about “Sons and Lovers” by D. H. Lawrence, considered one of the finest works of the millennium. Just yesterday, we were discussing poetry and she told me about Lord Byron the most interesting poet of the romantic movement. Not only she told me about Byron but also shared one of his poems from her Golden treasure (a collection of poems by all the prominent and important writers).

The Relation

My point is, whenever she tells me about a piece of work whether a short story or a novel, I look for its film adaptation, and most of the time find one. Recent examples are “Wuthering Heights” and “Far from the Madding Crowd”. Wuthering Heights is by Emile Bronte of the Bronte sisters and “Far from the Madding Crowd” is by Thomas Hardy. To end my curiosity, mummy asked me to read the novels, and even considered giving me the novels from her shelf. But instead of reading, I looked for their film adaptations, and luckily both these novels have been adapted into films. Like these, there are several classic novels and books from English literature that have been adapted into films. But rarely these days, we can find a film based on any classic literary work and this has also resulted in the quality of the cinema that we see today.

In case you overlooked our earlier post from the Movies Section, here’s the link https://perfectmisenscene.com/?p=1033

“Dadamoni’s Triumph: ‘Ashirwad’ (1968) – A National Award Winner”

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On September 15, 2023

In Movies

Released in 1968
Genre- Drama
Main Cast- Ashok Kumar, Sumita Sanyal,
and Sanjeev Kumar
Music- Vasant Desai
Story & Screenplay: D.N. Mukherjee & Anil Ghosh
Direction- Hrishikesh Mukherjee

BRIEF INTRODUCTION

The story revolves around the heartfelt relationship between a father (played by Ashok Kumar) and daughter (played by Sumita Sanyal). It traces their life’s journey, filled with ups and downs, joys, and sorrows. As the film unfolds, viewers bear witness to their struggles, victories, and the unspoken love that unites them. Set against a backdrop of sincere dialogues, soul-stirring music, and compelling performances, Ashirwad weaves a touching narrative that delves into the profound emotions of love, family, and the enduring connections that shape our lives.

Ashok Kumar as Shivnath Choudhury in
“Ashirwad” (1968)

The Movie

In “Ashirwad”, Hrishida crafts a unique tale of the father-daughter bond, delivering a touching cinematic experience. Dadamoni’s (Ashok Kumar) remarkable performance takes center stage, complemented by Sumita Sanyal’s innocent portrayal of Bittu and Sanjeev Kumar’s comforting presence as Biren. Harindranath Chattopadhyay’s powerful role as Baiju adds depth to the narrative. Unarguably, this is Dadamoni’s film, his heart wrenching portrayal of Bittu’s father, especially in the last scenes proved his metal as one of the finest actors from Indian cinema, it was very difficult to hold the emotions at the end…😔

The Highlights

The film’s magic lies in its captivating dialogues, melodious music by Vasant Desai (especially “Ek tha Bachpan and the philosophical “Jeevan se lambe hain bandhu”), and unforgettable rap-like songs “Nav Chali” and “Rail Gaadi,” both sung by Dadamoni. Gulzar sahab’s immortal dialogues resonate with the audience, while Anil Ghosh’s heartwarming story sets the emotional tone.

Ashok Kumar and Sumita Sanyal in
“Ashirwad” (1968)

The Emotional Rollercoaster

The climax is a whirlwind of emotions as Bittu reunites with her father, receiving his blessings his “Ashirwad” on her wedding day along with a collection of poems written just for her. In a nutshell, “Ashirwad” isn’t just a film, it’s a moving journey that leaves a lasting impact.

P.S. “Ashirwad” (1968) bagged the National Award for Best Hindi Feature Film in 1969, and Dadamoni was honored with the National Award (1969) for Best Actor for his role in the movie.

#Ashirwad #Hrishida #DNMukherjee #AnilGhosh #Gulzar

#VasantDesai #Dadamoni #SumitaSanyal #SanjeevKumar

#Alltimeclassic #Acclaimed #NationalAwardwinner

#Cinema #IndianCinema #Films #60s

In case you overlooked our earlier post, here’s the link https://perfectmisenscene.com/?p=1000

‘A Room with a View’ (1985) – Exploring Love and Liberation

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On September 9, 2023

In Movies

Released in 1985
10/10
Genre– Romance, Drama
Main Cast: Helena Bonham Carter, Julian Sands,
Maggie Smith, and Daniel Day-Lewis
Music– Richard Robbins
Story– “A Room with a View” by E.M. Forster
Screenplay: Ruth Prawer Jhabvala
Direction– James Ivory

BRIEF INTRODUCTION The story revolves around Lucy Honeychurch, a young and pretty much isolated Englishwoman, who embarks on a journey to Italy with her cousin and chaperone Charlotte Bartlett. In the stunning landscapes of Italy, Lucy’s life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters George Emerson, a passionate and free-thinking young man. Their chance meeting and subsequent interactions ignite a tornado of emotions and desires that challenge the restrictions of Edwardian society.

Julian Sands and Helena Bonham Carter in
“A Room with a View” (1985)

The Perfect Adaptation In the history of cinema, there exists a film that exceeds mere celluloid, it is a work of artistry, a harmony of visual and emotional elegance. The Merchant Ivory production of E.M. Forster’s classic novel, “A Room with a View,” stands as a radiant demonstration of the transformative power of storytelling through film. Ruth Prawer Jhabvala’s exquisite understanding of the original text, combined with James Ivory’s visionary direction, crafts a narrative that is not just beautiful, it is pure poetry on the screen.

Behind the Screen Geniuses What sets this film apart is its precise attention to detail, notably in the department of art design. Every frame, every backdrop, and every set piece is a canvas painted with delicate strokes, inviting the audience into a world where beauty is not just observed, it is experienced. The film’s ability to transport viewers to the blissful landscapes of Italy and the social norms of Edwardian England showcases the visionary thought process behind its creation.

Performances Yet, it is the performances that breathe life into this cinematic trance. Helena Bonham Carter, Maggie Smith, and Julian Sands deliver tour de force portrayals that stay in the heart long after the credits roll. And who could forget Daniel Day Lewis’ lasting portrayal of the mysterious Mr. Cecil? Each actor’s contribution is invaluable, elevating the film to the realm of the extraordinary.

Julian Sands, Helena Bonham Carter, and Maggie Smith in
“A Room with a View” (1985)

At Last In essence, “A Room with a View” is more than a film, it is a heavenly masterpiece, an exquisite blend of literature, art, and performance. It stands as a tribute to the limitless possibilities of cinema, where storytelling becomes an unreal experience. This film is, quite simply, a divine piece of art on screen, a timeless reminder of the magic that can be conjured when literature’s soul meets the canvas of cinema.

Julian Sands and Helena Bonham Carter in
“A Room with a View” (1985)

The Acclaim “A Room with a View” (1985) received a record-breaking eight nominations at the Academy Awards. winning three of them including the Best Screenplay (Adapted) for Ruth Jhabvala, a victory for her much thoughtful and eloquent adaptation. Beyond the Oscars, the film also garnered four BAFTAs and one Golden Globe, cementing its status as a cinematic treasure.

E.M. Forster’s portrait by
Dora Carrington
Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

P.S. E.M. Forster, the acclaimed author of this novel, received a remarkable sixteen Nobel Prize (in Literature) nominations throughout his illustrious career.

#ARoomwithaView #EMForster #MerchantIvory #JamesIvory

#RuthPrawerJhabwala #Literature #Art #Acclaimed

#HelenaBonhamCarter #JulianSands #MaggieSmith

#DanielDayLewis #Cinema #Films #80s #Classic

In case you overlooked our earlier post, here’s the link

“Teacher’s Day Special: ‘Jagriti (1954)’ – A Masterpiece Revisited”

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On September 5, 2023

In Revisiting the Classics

Satyen Bose’s “Jagriti (1954)” stands as a cinematic masterpiece that transcends time. It’s a story of youthful idealism, dedicated teaching, and the transformative power of education. On this Teacher’s Day, this film’s vision and advanced storytelling are more relevant than ever.

a scene from “Jagriti (1954)”

At the heart of the film is the outstanding performance by
Abhi Bhattacharya, who portrays Shekhar, a teacher whose influence goes beyond the classroom. Jagriti excels in its poignant moments, memorable soundtrack, and its portrayal of a teacher-student relationship that extends into real life. Shekhar’s approach to the children in the film serves as an example, emphasizing the true essence of education nurturing curiosity, compassion, and camaraderie.

As we celebrate Teacher’s Day, let’s revisit this timeless classic and honor the enduring lessons- the importance of dedicated educators, the unity of spirited youth, and the everlasting beauty of cinema. Jagriti is not just a film, it’s a legacy that continues, will continue to inspire and resonate with audiences across generations.

Abhi Bhattacharya in “Jagriti (1954)”

P.S. “Jagriti (1954)” was my maternal grandfather’s (was a professor in real life) favorite film too. Additionally, the movie features some of the most famous songs from Indian cinema including “Aao Bachcho Tumhein Dikhayen Jhanki Hindustan Ki.”

In case you overlooked our earlier post, here’s the link https://perfectmisenscene.com/?p=966

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