I watched Prasthanam today.
And What hit me in the cerebellum was the tone. Now I am speaking of tone on two levels.
TONE with regard to visuals
This is easier to understand. When the movie begins, the black and white, unified the image and the result was an amazingly dramatic beginning. Also, the cinematographer went the extra mile to make sure that there was a heavy contrast running through the image.
This kept me focussed and I was in. When the colour seeped in, there was a loss of this unity. There were multi colored costumes, there were green walls (which really felt out of place in this dark film)...
So a good que to pick from would be Gangs of Wasseypur, where the desaturated colours are consistent throughout, and so there is a visual unity to the film. This might seem superficial but it helps focus on the story and enter the world more completely. After all, the most time is perhaps spent on penning the screenplay and why would you not want one to submit to it entirely.
TONE with regards to storytelling itself
This is slightly more ambiguous, but far more essential to the success of a story.
Prasthanam was fantastic. I loved how flawed and grey some of the characters. I love the arcing and I fell hard for it.
But there are portions which easily could be edited out. I felt these parts might as well be replaced with Fair and Lovely ads instead. Atleast the audience will know its safe to go take a piss and the producers need not bullshit about their desire to make more money.
Now again, I wish to draw a parallel to Gangs of Wasseypur, where even the love and romance, belonged to the world of the story. It was integral. The music and songs as well.
Over all, I love the movie. I am glad Chicago threw up an ultra cold day. Gave me a chance to windback and catch up on some writing and watching goals.
If you havent watched Prasthanam yet, do it now. May the light shine bright and cut through the thickest of darkness... Cheers...
And What hit me in the cerebellum was the tone. Now I am speaking of tone on two levels.
TONE with regard to visuals
This is easier to understand. When the movie begins, the black and white, unified the image and the result was an amazingly dramatic beginning. Also, the cinematographer went the extra mile to make sure that there was a heavy contrast running through the image.
This kept me focussed and I was in. When the colour seeped in, there was a loss of this unity. There were multi colored costumes, there were green walls (which really felt out of place in this dark film)...
So a good que to pick from would be Gangs of Wasseypur, where the desaturated colours are consistent throughout, and so there is a visual unity to the film. This might seem superficial but it helps focus on the story and enter the world more completely. After all, the most time is perhaps spent on penning the screenplay and why would you not want one to submit to it entirely.
TONE with regards to storytelling itself
This is slightly more ambiguous, but far more essential to the success of a story.
Prasthanam was fantastic. I loved how flawed and grey some of the characters. I love the arcing and I fell hard for it.
But there are portions which easily could be edited out. I felt these parts might as well be replaced with Fair and Lovely ads instead. Atleast the audience will know its safe to go take a piss and the producers need not bullshit about their desire to make more money.
Now again, I wish to draw a parallel to Gangs of Wasseypur, where even the love and romance, belonged to the world of the story. It was integral. The music and songs as well.
Over all, I love the movie. I am glad Chicago threw up an ultra cold day. Gave me a chance to windback and catch up on some writing and watching goals.
If you havent watched Prasthanam yet, do it now. May the light shine bright and cut through the thickest of darkness... Cheers...
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