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Hell, yeah!
The Best Picture is awarded to the movie that has mastered all of the individual elements of film-making — musical score, direction, casting, script, acting and more — making them work together to produce a real piece of motion picture art. What film better encapsulates the idea of a job well done than Slumdog Millionaire? Not only did Danny Boyle pull off a great movie, he pulled it off in India — which, in case you haven’t managed to visit, is a logistical nightmare for non-natives. Every challenge of movie-making is magnified in this nation’s set of idiosyncratic regulations, but Boyle managed to use these difficulties to bring India’s unique culture to life. The film’s editing technique has been criticized, but it is the editing, as well as the breathtaking cinematography, that allow Slumdog’s heart-rending story to shine.
Even in subject matter, Slumdog seems like an unlikely — but all the more deserving — Oscar pick. Its optimism stands in contrast to the cynicism of the other films in the running. It’s been a while since a feel-good movie took the Oscar home. Plus, Slumdog’s victory would be a Cinderella story squared; not only is it about an unlikely hero, it’s also the little engine that could in this Oscar race. The sleeper hit/pet-project that leapt ahead of the pack, Slumdog’s budget ranks well below its competitors. By choosing Slumdog, the Academy would encourage not only great filmmaking, it would also inspire directors to do more with less and turn small budgets into grand masterpieces.
Final Answer? Slumdog Millionaire.
—Monisha Chakravarthy
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