Slumdog Millionaire Flashcards
Plot
The order the events are structured and presented to the spectators
Story
The events in chronological order
Narrative
The method and means by which you construct the events of a story into a plot
How is an episodic narrative used in Slumdog Millionaire?
Questions mark the chapters in Jamal’s life, with cumulative tension until the final question which is the denouement
How is a circular narrative used in Slumdog Millionaire?
The narrative starts near the end then goes back in time to return to this point later on
What is the narrative viewpoint in Slumdog Millionaire
First person narrative
Examples of binary oppositions in Slumdog Millionaire
-Jamal and Salim
-Poverty and wealth
-Happiness and status
-Indian and West
-Realism and fantasy
What structure is Slumdog Millionaire
3-act structure
Director of Slumdog Millionaire
Danny Boyle
Writer of Slumdog Millionaire
Simon Beaufoy
Cinematographer of Slumdog Millionaire
Antony Dod Mantle
Jamal Propp character
Hero
Latika Propp character
Princess
Salim Propp character
Villain/helper
Prem Propp character
False Helper- actually villain
Maman Propp character
Villain
Javed Propp character
Villain
Police Inspector Propp character
Donor
Narrative function of Jamal
On a quest to find Latika
Narrative function of Latika
To be rescued from the villains
Narrative function of Salim
Thwarts Jamal’s chances of happiness but helps Latika escape in the end
Narrative function of Prem
Appears to be helping Jamal, but is actually trying to stop him winning
Narrative function of Maman
Appears to be helping Jamal but is actually using him for his own ends
Narrative function of the Police Inspector
Believes Jamal and sets him free to complete the quest
Narrative function of Javed
Takes the princess and keeps her from Jamal
What editing is used in the opening sequence
Flash cutting
Why is flash cutting used in the opening sequence?
To create confusion
What cinematography is used in the opening sequence
-Dutch angles
-Mid-shots and crane shots
-Coloured tints (lighting)
Why are dutch angles used in the opening sequence?
Creating confusion to reflect the feelings of Jamal. We are positioned with him from the start.
Why are mid and crane shots used in the opening sequence?
Conventional to Who Wants to be a Millionaire?
How is lighting used in the opening sequence?
Shows strands of narrative (interrogation- yellow; TV studio- high key and single source)
What cinematography is used in the O Saya sequence
-SI-2K digital cameras
-11 frames per second
Why were SI-2K cameras used in the O Saya sequence
To avoid the crowds impacting on the filming. This allowed filming in the confines of the slums making the spectators feel as if they are actually there
How was the 11 frames per second rate used in the O Saya sequence
Slow-motion
What sound was used in the opening sequence
-Diegetic sound
-Who Wants to be a Millionaire leitmotif
-Sound bridges
What sound was used in Latika’s race to the studio
-Diegetic sound
-Who Wants to be a Millionaire leitmotif
-Sound bridges
How was the Who Wants to be a Millionaire leitmotif used
To indicate the setting and link between the film and the gameshow
How were sound bridges used in Slumdog Millionaire
To connect the different elements of narrative
What sound is used in the O Saya sequence
An urban soundtrack by A.R. Rahman featuring MIA
How was the urban soundtrack in the O Saya sequence used
To reflect the gritty realism of the film’s Mumbai/Western fusion
What mis-en-scene was used in the opening sequence
Contrast between the WWTBAM studio and the police station/slums
How was there a contrast between the WWTBAM studio and the slums?
The studio has glossy surfaces, artificial lighting and smart costumes which contrasts the grimy and gritty setting in the slums.
How did the questions on screen impact the film
It creates the episodic structure
How was cross-cutting used when Latika is running to the studio
It prolongs the scene creating tension and suspense
Social Context of Slumdog Millionaire
-Portrays the energy and community of the slums of India to Western communities
-Challenges traditional representations of poverty-stricken slum-dwellers
-The Dharavi slum is one of the most densely populated areas on Earth
-The film references Bollywood and the traditional dance scenes
What slum is Slumdog Millionaire set in
Dharavi
Historical Context of Slumdog Millionaire
Set in Mumbai, 2006
Political Context of Slumdog Millionaire
Explores the dichotomy of India where poor street children are exploited while others benefit from globalisation and economic growth
Technological Context of Slumdog Millionaire
Rapid globalisation and booming economy contributes to the division of society
Institutional Context Slumdog Millionaire
The film uses Bollywood as a key cultural institution referencing iconic figures like Amitabh Bachchan
