I LOVE nearly ALL of the Waitrose packaging design. Every label, irrespective of the product, is like owning the finest art. Here is one such example.
Gian Lorenzo Bernini - The Life
Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598-1680) sculptor,
architect, painter and playwright was the most influential artist of
seventeenth-century Rome and indeed, one of the leading creative forces in
European art for most of that century. He is universally recognised as one of
the creators of the vastly popular Roman Baroque style, which was quickly
disseminated throughout all of Europe. His influence lasted well beyond his
death, and the popularity of his numerous works: fountains, statues, churches,
and public squares is today as great as it was during his own lifetime, if not
more so.
I am a great fan of Bernini, and this book that I am presently reading is fascinating.
The Woman In Black - 2012
I reckon it is now time to confess that the real reason our
family moved out from our house in Richmond Town was because we knew that we
were not the only ones inhabiting the place. As long as I remember, I
had always been acquainted with them right from the beginning and it was always
a comfort to have them around. Nevertheless, when I say that, it was
not that everything was hunky dory – they did provide their fair bit of
frightening us on more occasions than one. When my parents’ became aware of
them and decided to move out, I was crestfallen and much to the dismay of
everyone I received their pronouncement with great sadness. Perhaps this might startle
some, but I feel that when the parallel universe, as we customarily call them, begin
to grow fond of us, we form an inimical and yet an inseparable bond together.
For a long time after we left home we knew that we were never
alone, and so in order not to offend them, I refrained myself from watching,
reading or even discussing anything regarding the topic until I found myself
nearly beckoned (twenty years hence) by something deeply instinctive to watch
The Woman In Black.
It is not astonishing to become aware that it has been the
highest grossing film of the year 2012 so far. On a wider platform, the art of
playing on fear is what rings in the cash registers, but for those who have
gone through anything, however remote it may be, will tell you that they never
scare the wits out of you unless their intent is such. I say so with such confidence
because they troubled us less; were on friendly terms, yet I cannot but help
imagine the dread of those who happen to be in their path of wrath. Right from
the start it was lovely to witness Daniel Radcliffe delivering a stoic, and yet
stellar performance, as the young Arthur Kipp, an inexperienced London
solicitor who is dispatched right at the start to a swampy coastal area of the
Midlands to settle the affairs of a recently deceased widow. We learn that he
loses his wife at childbirth and bears the misfortune via his watery light haunting
eyes throughout the journey although one can assume that it is merely a figment
of his imagination that she periodically hovers around him. Puzzlingly, the
peasants treat Arthur with unexplained hostility, accusing him in instances for
having brought about the bad luck upon them by venturing into the house that is
a curse to their villages. Arthur finds in Mr Daily (who drives around a Silver
Ghost Rolls Royce) somewhat of a protector than a mere friend and an
intelligent and somewhat lost Mrs Daily is shown scrawling images, she claims,
the deceased communicate through her. I know cynics might consider such a
notion rather ridiculous, but the fact remains that indeed there are many
things in this world that we think reason and science might explain, but like
everything else they too fall short due to their limited capability and
capacity to prove. What survives ultimately is the belief and the faith that
life other than ours exists alongside us and the sooner we begin to accept it,
the better it is for our wellbeing.
Without giving away more, I would like to throw light upon how
Arthur spends the night at the gothic mansion with cobwebs on the chandeliers as
the things go bump in the night in the company of a chair that rocks, the
stairs that creak, the toys that begin movement and how once in a way, he sees a
face in the windows. If you are looking for meaningless blood and gore, as one
would expect from a movie made in America, refrain yourself from knocking on
this door. This is a story, depending on the level of ones tolerance that could
either creep you, or calm you.
The script by Jane Goldman is handsome in taking you along
the successfully long and wordless interludes. Direction by James Watkins is effective
as it veers you along the meandering hallways that seem alive with rasping and
murmuring. The director of photography Tim Maurice-Jones does not paint the
screen red but daubs it with a fine chromatic contrast with the assistance of a
white, black, dun brown and grey palette. The editing by Jon Harris makes sure
that something wicked arrives in every frame, but rather subtly and slowly, and
at times not without an element of disturbing effectiveness. The music by Marco
Beltrami is best suited to the setting – eerily soothing.
Many actors rely on dashing heroics to drive their point,
while my belief is that it is only the confident that leave it to their eyes which
Daniel delivers with utmost deftness. I have read critics making meaningless comparisons
to his present character with that of Harry Potter. I don’t know really what to
make of it other than saying it most blatantly that perhaps it is the inadequacy
of their limitations that are prodding them to draw such childish conclusions
rather than giving the kid, who is now all grown up, his deserved due.
Water Lily In My Garden
Saw this blooming water lily in my garden this morning. Captured it on my iPhone and sharing my joy with everyone as the words of William Wordsworth from the lines that he wrote in the early spring of 1798 flashed in my mind - 'This my faith that every flower. Enjoys the air it breathes!
SCIENTIA By Lladró
This is what happens when you discover Instagram - you begin to 'see art' in art.
Never be afraid to sit awhile and think.
These are
photographs I captured of one of my favourites, the SCIENTIA by Lladró. When I set my eyes on it the
first time it reminded me of the Thinker by Auguste Rodin. Clearly, I, or anyone for that matter cannot imagine
myself owning the real one by Rodin, (of whom I am an ardent admirer). And since I am
not into collecting replicas, I decided that the SCIENTIA, which represents the mind and the reason that guides man in search of knowledge, and helps him achieve wisdom, juxtaposed with the essential formulas of physics
and mathematics was what it was going to be. This marvellous piece has been sculpted by master sculptor Ernest Massuet.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
I
have come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element. It is
my personal approach that creates the climate. It is my daily mood that makes
the weather. I possess tremendous power to make life miserable or joyous. I can
be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration; I can humiliate or humour,
hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a
crisis is escalated or de-escalated, and a person is humanized or de-humanized.
If we treat people as they are, we make them worse. If we treat people, as they
ought to be, we help them become what they are capable of becoming.
~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Mélanie Laurent - my latest crush!
I watched Beginners directed by Mike Mills
and found myself head over heels over Mélanie Laurent. What an incredible element
of reserved intelligence she reflects in the movie. A charming way
of dominating the screen by doing nothing and yet lighting it up by her magic. She
is not a ravishing beauty, but she is very pretty, and very attractive. Somewhere,
she reminded me of the enticing exquisiteness of Marion Cotillard, the restrained
élan of Emmanuella Béart, the sensuousness of my all time favourite Juliette
Binoche, or the aloofness and mystery of Catherine Deneuve.
I am unable to resist myself from labelling her my present crush!
Be Back Soon!
For Ritz
Gone - flitted away,
Taken the stars from the night and the sun
From the day!
Gone, and a cloud in my heart.
Love you immeasurably, immensely and infinitely my bro. Have a great time in Napier and after a year please be back. I don't think all of us will be able to survive without you any longer than that.
Akshay Oberoi
When you observe today’s youth with the, “What’s up?” and “Dude!” culture you wonder whether they would by any chance have remnants of the manners that we were raised with, where to utter a thank you or a sorry was a way of life and not considered anything out of the ordinary, or, to rise from the chair when a woman entered a room and left the room was a custom, which most of the youth of today find rather old-fashioned and amusing. Just when you think there is no scope for transformation in a civilization so occupied with its own self, you, by mere accident, come across someone who is very much part of the, “What’s up, dude?” ethos and yet maintains a distinct thoroughbred approach to life.
Most recently, I was admiring what Martin Luther King Jr. had done to mankind and while seeking inspiration and direction from the life of someone older I had failed to realise that I did not have to look that far because inspiration and direction was only at an arms distance from me in form of the kids around me who I had taken for granted but discovered are great beyond words would ever express. That's when I found myself observing Akshay a lot more carefully and discovered that his humility was matchless. An epitome of polish, his attention to make sure that he conveyed what he had to, and yet not ever cross the thin line of respect regardless of not only being younger, but more like friends, was something that I truly admired in him. In time, I made out how the heart of people would swell with joy upon the mention of his name and how my mind would be filled with reverence when I saw the love people had for him because I knew he was someone who would give them, who loved him, much more than they could imagine – something that was elemental to his nature. At the same time too I could not but think that the tenderness and kindness I saw in him, as some would perceive them today, are not signs of his weakness and despair but clear manifestations of his strength and resolution, and this is something that is so easily a second skin to describe Akshay to those who do not really know him.
To go a little back in time, I would like to throw light on something when Akshay’s motion picture appeared on the silver screens. Despite the fact that it filled me up with delight so see that he had grown up into this admirable young man filled with candour and depth, I sent him a text one evening knowing that he was at a popular awards function that read thus:
“Bro, I can’t wait for the day I see you receive your first award. To say the least, as such I am proud of who you have made of yourself, but I will certainly be even prouder on that particular day since the world would then look up to you as it ought to with great pride. Let us see that day soon, my Kidd. Soon!!!”
And the response I obtained was this:
“My, bro, this is one of the nicest messages I have ever received. Will work my ass off to fulfil what I came here for. I hope I make you proud, in the years to come. Thanks for the encouragement.”
That’s when I figured that what a marvellous blend of both worlds these kids of today have amassed, and it would be very unjust if I didn’t conclude with the feeling that indeed it is so very true that our outward nature is nothing but a reflection of who we are inside and what a better way to see that in none other than Akshay.
I know you will make a great deal of difference to not only the people around you but to the world at large and as ever, I am PROUD OF YOU, Akshay!
I know you will make a great deal of difference to not only the people around you but to the world at large and as ever, I am PROUD OF YOU, Akshay!
Isi Life Mein - 2010
Jack Palance: “Do you know what the secret of life is? One thing. Just one thing. You stick to that and everything else don’t mean shit.”
Billy Crystal: “Yeah, but what’s that one thing?”
Jack Palance: “That’s what you’ve got to figure out.”
~ From the movie City Slickers
The above so fittingly illustrates the premise of the motion picture Isi Life Mein. To elaborate on it a bit more, I would have to furnish you a quick preview into the present circumstances surrounding the picture. For starters, it is so true that in fiction one discovers the truth that more often than not reality obscures. And to follow that up, I am but appalled at the disinterest of the press to have dealt harshly with a sensitive film that deals with several complex issues, and that too at a calm and collected, but most definitely effective pace. This is where I feel what a weird lot the media is indeed – they embrace rubbish packaged smartly by those who know how to hoodwink people and willingly aid in filling up their coffers while when something worthy comes along they knock it down throwing the public off course.
I don’t care about what others think of it and I also don’t care about what they think of me, but on the whole I quite enjoyed the movie. Certainly, it’s not earth shattering but it’s not a disappointment either. To begin with I wouldn’t oppose the fact that the first half of the film, despite the usage of certain imperative elements that appealed to me such as mention of Shakespeare (The Taming of the Shrew) upon which the play in the movie is based. The mention of The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand was also welcoming considering that youngsters of that age are rather infatuated by the characters in that book. Yet despite all that there was still something vague, weak and loud about the first half. The bunch of boys and girls as Akshay’s friends were tolerable but their issues were sketchy. It is as if they were put there without any reason, especially the matter concerning the slightly overweight chap. Just because somebody thinks of us in a certain way must not make us alter ourselves unless we want to transform from within. Besides, I was not sure what the French-speaking character was put in for since she made no contribution to the film and was utterly annoying. That said the scenes lacked memorable humour as they moved on. The writer should have put in a little more effort since the highlight was the youth. If not anything it would have given her a wide platform to tap into the humorous side and the given the audience some moments to relish. I seriously felt that Akshay as Vivaan had been made to appear a bit too over-enthusiastic – so very unlike his character, unless it had been done deliberately to show how the lad so full of life could express more without the support of words post intermission. Sandeepa Dhar as Rajnandani aka RJ is boring in the first half though she gets a chance to exhibit her onscreen proficiency more evidently in the second and this is where I felt that the second half of the film was actually far deeper than the former.
It would be unfair if I didn’t admit that the double standards we see so rampant in the society, the oppression the women face in the hands of a patriarchal system at home and the misconception that the urban people are hardly as sensitive as the rural folk depicted is laudable. The paradox of how some of us lay blame on the western culture in spoiling us has been beautifully symbolised by the splendid behaviour of some of the characters. I feel no matter how modern in our approach we might become, we are yet very much Indian at heart and you cannot take away our traditions and manners from us irrespective of our outer garb. It’s a marvellous movie about giving shape to your ideas. About working hard to make them a reality. Of not succumbing to peer pressure but making them seeing your point of view backed by substantial proof. Several pertinent and prevailing subjects have been embarked upon and tackled sensitively without making them appear like ‘in your face messages’. For instance the character of RJ’s mother is short, pivotal and very well-defined. I liked the precise manner in which her dialogues have been penned. Her tone is firm without being imposing and how instrumental she is in bringing around her husband without the assistance of cliché or histrionics is noteworthy. Hailing from an intrinsic traditional background the decision of RJ’s father to put the wedding off is a first step to progress cinematically at least. If it changes even a single person, then I think the work of the film is done, not forgetting that it is a welcome break indeed from the melodrama we are so used to watching on screen. I say this because one can take something simple and make a melodrama out of it and then like life, which is but simple, move us with its simplicity, which is what Isi Life Mein does without a murmur. I cherished the scenes where RJ is probing whether Akshay and his former girlfriend had made love. How Akshay deals with the situation was handled competently. The other adorable scenes are how RJ makes her friend wash her mouth for swearing absurdities at a drop of a hat. The scene where Akshay attempts to show RJ the silver lining about pursuing her career as a choreographer but seeks clarity himself is also something I quite appreciated. We’ve all been there before, haven’t we? Where we are the rock for those who mean the world to us and yet depend on them to guide us.
I am sure that some people would think Akshay’s character is a loser to stand and watch the woman he loves being married away before him and does not even bat an eyelid to express his bleeding heart. While each one is entitled to individual opinions, I think him a true hero. You don’t go about seizing what you think is yours against the displeasure of the family. I found his character respectable, who after knowing that the woman he loved was agreeable for the wedding and stayed with the decisions her family had taken, stuck to himself rather than creating a ruckus which is customarily shown for shock value in movies but is hardly so in real life. He knows that selfishness and defiance only leads to destruction and that love is not about snatching what you want but that its essence lies in seeing the one you love happy. Owing to his age in the film I thought that it was a very smart but subtle reflection of human nature. Cheers to the writer and director for taking that stand rather than trivialising it.
To preserve a man alive in the midst of so many chances and hostilities, is as great a miracle as to create him and that’s exactly what I feel of Akshay Oberoi. He has the aptitude to play this charming chap with immense flair and yet you can see that regardless of his Casanova like manner, he is someone who can stir you with a mature performance as well. What is much needed to survive in the industry is ability and stability and on both those grounds I found Akshay efficient and alluring. He puts his facial vocabulary to correct use and it doesn’t take any rocket science to figure that in time he will be a star that will shine in the streetlights of eternity if he keeps his head on his shoulders. Another reason I most admire him for is that unlike the many influential youth of today with firm film backgrounds he could have chosen something really fancy for his debut film and yet he selected to do Isi Life Mein, a simple and sweet movie and we must give him his due for this decision.
Sandeepa Dhar is not great, but an actor you can watch in the role that has been essayed out for her. I felt she is a bit too conscious and tends to add this element of exaggeration to some of the scenes. Looking at it realistically one knows that she is not going to be a Kareena or Katrina but going forward I thought her conventional looks might land her some befitting roles and also result in slightly limiting in the range of roles offered to her. Then again one cannot simply underestimate the audience today and they might simply lap her up much against my opinion on her.
Music by Meet Bros is average although the song Isi Umar Mein by Mohit Chauhan is ridiculously infectious and stayed with me.
What Isi Life Mein has taught me is that living a life is merely not enough and that one must have freedom, sunshine and a little flower to keep us going. What a pity that the bad reviews have robbed the masses of time well spent in the company of people who while having fun themselves also end up teaching you a valuable thing or two about survival. So much for the pathetic press who knows not how to discern between processed garbage and real substance. And I want to tell the public that when we cannot support those whom we really ought to be supporting then why should we pay money to see bad films when we can stay home and see bad television for nothing instead?
PS: After all that, what actually went wrong with the film some would ask? Honestly, a sloppy first half that appeared as if it had been written in a hurry. And an overall poor packaging as well. A tad bit of care could have added that missing zing to the entire film I suppose. Isi Life Mein is a classic case of when most unfortunately bad things happen to good people. However, there is no limiting true talent and once the moonlight lifts, the sun shall soon shine.
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