Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958) (7/10)

Almost the whole movie is shot in a small number of locations clearly indicating its play-like nature. So no special effects. Yet it takes nothing away from the excellent dialogues and acting. The story (as also the movie) may be old, but the contents are surely timeless. Its about death and about possible homosexuality, as also mendacity. I am always amazed as to how seemingly different concepts can be brought together in a good story. We learn how talking can be better than just shutting up, how accepting can be better than rejecting and how revealing can be better than hiding.

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958) (7/10)

Manorama Six Feet Under (2007) (6/10)

The style is very unbollywood, and much more lifelike. Sometimes slow and sometimes seemingly directionless and even contradictory, not to mention weird (the fishes being an example). A writer turns detective because he gets a client. Since he is otherwise jobless and because he feels a sense of responsibility, he persues the case. Since what is happening is not quiet clear, a sense of suspense comes into play. The movie deals with politics, social work for an uncause, corruption, rights, exploitation and a few deaths. It also deals with ulterior motives and manipulations. But much of this is touched upon by-and-by. Since its different, and the elements of mystery and a clue therein bring it above-average. But not extra-ordinary.

Manorama Six Feet Under (2007) (6/10)

Into the Wild (2007) (7/10)

I had gone to Alaska a couple of years ago and loved it. It IS wild. So when I heard about this movie which is based on a real life adventure that a young man embraced knowingly, I had to see it. He just wants freedom. From everything. He is the topper at his university, but readily gives it up as well as the money to go live in Alaska - all alone. Obviously it is not a bed of roses. It is interesting to see the people he meets on his way there and what he undergoes while there. And of course the desire of his parents to have him back. The steps he takes to be not traced are very purposeful. A cross between Sinbad and Don Quixote? Yes, but only in the sense of coupling the adventure with the unforesightfulness. The movie was preceeded by an article and a book by Krakauer.

Into the Wild (2007) (7/10)