Gold Derby’s Tom O’Neil on AFI’s naming Slumdog Millionaire one of 2008’s Moments of Significance:
The movie isn’t on AFI’s list of top 10 movies because it’s not an American production. AFI’s lists focus on superb examples of American’s “moving images” — it usually makes a strong point to underscore domestic turf — but now, to be brutally honest, it looks like the institute’s cramming “Slumdog Millionaire” on this new, grab-bag list so it won’t be embarrassed next February like it was two years ago when the Oscar best picture champ wasn’t on the AFI top 10 film roster (”The Departed”).
This is what the press release said about Slumdog:
“‘Slumdog Millionaire’ — A Celebration of the Global Film” “Slumdog Millionaire” stands as a monument to the possibilities of cross-cultural storytelling. Danny Boyle’s masterwork is rooted in the worlds of Dickens and Dumas but captures their spirit with a visual and narrative splendor that serves as a cinematic passport to a vibrant, modern India. A love story at its core, the film is also a powerful reminder that our global obsession with money leaves many of the world’s children in need.
Also of significance, “Slumdog Millionaire” is a signpost in America’s search for greater authenticity in its stories. Subtitles — once an inconvenience to American audiences — are now expected and, in fact, demanded to confirm the universality of our daily, global experience.
Other films that reflect this cultural shift include “Gran Torino,” “The Visitor,” “Australia” and television’s “Heroes.”
No Response for "Slumdog is a Moment of Significance"
Enjoyed the article, but a Heroes reference? really?
That is exactly what i was thinking when i scrolled down to the one comment lol.
By the way love ur user name BLinus4815 none of it is lost on me.
Long live the greatest show on TV!
Clearly it’s a front runner ….. and possibly win!!
Bit of a silly mention but well deserved I suppose.
Nothing embarrassing about leaving it off the Top 10. It very probably wont make mine after I’ve seen everything.
If it’s not an AFI film, don’t make it so if it isn’t.
Just make GOOD MOVIES so you don’t embarrass yourself.
As for:
“Also of significance, “Slumdog Millionaire” is a signpost in America’s search for greater authenticity in its stories. Subtitles — once an inconvenience to American audiences — are now expected and, in fact, demanded to confirm the universality of our daily, global experience.”
This is stupid. Subtitles does not make a movie more authentic.
Subtitles is a necessity. Heck, I would demand it if the movie is in a foreign language.
And this is not new!
This is just giving too much credit to Slumdog Millionaire.
Here’s some movies with unexpected subtitles: Tropic of Thunder, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Body of Lies…
nothing here, move along
best movie of the year, and a definite best pic OR best director oscar winner (but not BOTH)
That is because you have no taste, red_wine
(joking kiddo, relax)
I really couldn’t care less about AFI Top Films of the Year. As evidenced by The Departed, neither do voters.
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