Slumdog Millionaire (Danny Boyle and Loveleen Tandan, 2008): UK / USA

Reviewed by Byron Potau.  Viewed at the Riviera Theatre, Santa Barbara, CA.

The problem with Danny Boyle is that his films have overwhelming style that attempts to mask the lack of substance.  Only with Trainspotting were we able to glimpse what the results can be if he has the substance to match his style.  With Simon Beaufoy’s magnificent script, Boyle, along with co-director Loveleen Tandan, has finally found the substance that matches his style in Slumdog Millionaire which is easily his best film to date.

Jamal is one question away from becoming a millionaire on India’s version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire, but they have run out of time and must resume on the next episode.  In between episodes Jamal is tortured because they think he has cheated somehow, and so he must convince the authorities of how he knew the answers.  With each question, we move further along in Jamal’s life growing up in the slums with his brother, Salim, learning to survive, and searching for his lifelong love and obsession, Latika.

The game show angle may not sound that appealing, but directors Boyle and Tandan treat their subject with great sensitivity, and writer Beaufoy’s script is a model in structure, pace, and balance, and survives what could have been hokey in the hands of someone else.  There are many memorable scenes that will have you laughing or reflecting back on the film, including the most determined effort ever to obtain an autograph.  Jamal, Salim, and Latika are each portrayed by three different actors as they grow up from children to teenagers to young adults, with the young Jamal and Salim being the most memorable, and Dev Patel doing solid work as the young adult Jamal.  The film has its laughs but is hard hitting in its portrayal of the slums and Jamal’s struggles growing up.   Though on the surface the film may not appeal to typical American audiences, Boyle’s fast paced style is ever present and should prove accessible enough for the viewer not accustomed to watching a movie without a big name star on the screen.  The film’s soundtrack works excellently with Boyle’s style and the background of India, and should also prove to be a big hit.  This is the year’s best film so far and is in line for several awards and nominations.  I boldly predict that among them will be Oscar nods for editing, screenplay, director, and film.  This is a wonderful film about life, determination, and overcoming great odds, and is one you should not miss.