January 26, 2009

Do see Slumdog Millionaire while it's still in theaters

By: David Donadio

You may as well take advantage of its now-extended run, as it probably loses about 50% of its impact when viewed on your television. Danny Boyle‘s oeuvre is something of a mixed bag, to be sure, but unlike far too many directors working today, he actually understands how cinema is supposed to work on the viewer — both visually and aurally.

Granted, it’s not about to supplant Pather Panchali as a realistic depiction of poverty in India, but when a movie is that enjoyable, one is inclined to be charitable. After all, how many other films being made these days genuinely benefit from being experienced in full, on a big screen? You could probably watch Benjamin Button on your iPod and not notice the difference.