CLASSICS OF THE FUTURE

By Revathi Sunil (Team Creative)

At several points of our lives, we are exposed to works of art that are labelled as classics.  The paintings of Van Gogh, the all-time favourite Beatles, Pride and Prejudice, and of course, movies like DDLJ, are some typical examples that come under this category. So what essentially makes a work of art, a classic?

“The classics are books that exercise a particular influence, both when they imprint themselves on our imagination as unforgettable, and when they hide in the layers of memory disguised as the individual's or the collective unconscious.”

-Italo Calvino (Why Read Classics, 1986)

We have, therefore, compiled a set of Hollywood and Bollywood movie that we believe could become classics in the future.

1) Interstellar (2014):

Christopher Nolan's sci-fi drama about an intergalactic space mission to seek a new home for mankind, due to the survival threat to the human species on Earth, explores the themes of love and quantum physics with an equal importance. The movie featuring Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathway, also happen to be the most pirated movie of 2015 in the US, with 46 million illegal downloads. Nolan used a blockbuster spectacle to convey a message about the world, even as he sends the characters zooming away from it, through wormholes at the speed of light. Another aspect which is powerfully portrayed in this movie that is universal in nature, is the father-daughter relationship.

2) The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014):

This tale entails the adventures of the Gustav H., a legendary concierge at the famous hotel, and his lobby boy Zero Mustafa. This story set in the fictional town of Zubrowka somewhere in Europe during the 1930's, and it stands out for its elaborate sets and picturesque location, making it a visual treat for the viewers. Each shot is framed in a square or rectangular manner and is crafted just like a painting. One of the most interesting techniques utilised was to shoot majority of the film using still frames.

3) Lipstick Under My Burkha (2017):

This movie weaves together the prosaic lives of four ordinary women in Bhopal, or rather the secret lives they lead as a reaction against the everyday oppression they face. The unapologetic portrayal of women's sexuality and sexual needs is regulatory. I think this will make a remarkable effect on the world, as it may lead to talk about the issues of gender inequality, and taboo topics such as women's sexual needs, into healthy open spaces.

4) Udta Punjab (2016):

This story, too, like the earlier one is of the expository nature, as it brings to light the horrendous reality of drug abuse and corruption in the state of Punjab. This also narrates a story of four extraordinary lives, that is brought together to paint a larger picture of the dystopic truth of rampant drug abuse in Punjab. With some excellent acting talents, the movie can be deemed as an eye-opener to the Indian masses.

5) Gangs of Wasseypur (2012):

This story, set in the historical mining town of Wasseypur in Bihar, is a five hour long movie which tells a tale of revenge and violence. The naturalistic portrayal of gang violence has been globally appreciated, and has even been compared to the all-time legendary Godfather series. This movie creates a niche of small stories, without removing the focus from the main narrative. Anurag Kashyap, more importantly, establishes a cult of parallel cinema in the Bollywood industry, inspiring several directors such as Vikas Bahl( director of  Queen) and Neeraj Ghaywan (director of Masaan) to create films that are not mainstream in nature.

6) Queen(2013):

Vikas Bahl’s Queen is a bittersweet tale, filled with self-discovery, fun and nostalgia. This low budget film became one of the most popular films of 2013. Kangana Ranaut's acting was utterly mind blowing and refreshing. This movie takes a sharp twist from the romantic classics of the 90's that are treasured and cherished even today, such as DDLJ. The movie cherishes friendship and rejects the notions of romance in regular Bollywood movies.

7) Les Miserables (2012) and La La Land (2016):

 It is high time I inserted a musical (or two) in this list! As you may guess, I am clearly confused as to which of these might be conferred the status of a classic in the future.

Les Miserables is one of the many adaptations of the 1862 humanistic novel by Victor Hugo. Instead of using lip-syncing techniques, Tom Hooper (the director) decided that, much like in the 1930's musicals, he would make the actors sing the dialogues/songs by themselves, while shooting. The ideas of justice and love are questioned with unremitting intensity throughout the movie. The dark and elaborate setting, as well as the cinematography, leaves the audience spellbound.

La La Land, as opposed to Les Miserables, is a light-hearted musical that embarks on the themes of Jazz, love and dreams. It manages to convey a modern day (or timeless, as some would argue) struggle while using styles that are more often seen in older movies. Damien Chazelle transports the audience into a dream land of snappy songs, beautiful sets and colourful clothes. Beyond all, the cinematography and the way colours have been used are absolutely enthralling.

8) The Imitation Game (2014):

This biography of the famous computer-scientist Alan Turing, who cracked the Enigma code during the Second World War, is a rather compelling story. Although the movie boasts about the achievements of Alan Turing, it also characterises the protagonist through a humanistic vision. Like any other person, his insecurities and problems are also portrayed in the film. It also brings to the light, the issues regarding homosexuality, that we still grapple with in the 21st century. Lastly the unforgettable performances of Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley certainly gave life and soul to the movie.