Slumdog Millionaire

Exceptional filmmaking from Director Danny Boyle that does a lot of things very well. 

Before we get there let’s note that the book was written by Vikas Swarup, the script came from Simon Beaufoy and the movie credits a co-director Loveleen Tandan

First it shows the horrible conditions of India’s slums. Then it makes a game show one of the most tense things you have ever seen. 

And it handles a flash back story deftly while also keeping a pair of star crossed lovers apart so that we will be thrilled when they finally kiss. 

This is a movie that gives itself a highlight reel at the end showing all the things the main character overcame to get his sweet fairy tale ending. That shouldn’t work, and it completely does. 

Honestly, the only director who ever did ending montages successfully (meaning I didn’t throw things at the screen) was Sylvester Stallone in the Rocky flicks. 

As Slumdog Millionaire hit its second hour I thought it dragged a bit and then Jamal (Dev Patel) answered a question in a unique way and I was back in it. After it happened the movie just sailed all the way home to its happy ending. Then they give us a dance number too. 

Boyle broke through with Trainspotting (it came out when I was in high school) and really made good with 28 Days Later. 

He’s now in the sequel era of a four decade career making another Trainspotting in 2017 and planning a third sequel that will begin it’s own trilogy for 28 Days Later.

I certainly don’t begrudge him any of that. Very few filmmakers can turn down sequels especially if there seems to be a willing audience for the work. 

Still, I would take another one of these too. I hope there is a great book out there that Danny is just now picking up off the stands.