'MAN WITH A MOVIE CAMERA'..90!

Poster of Dziga Vertov's 'Man with a Movie Camera' (1929).

Many years ago in my 'Film Appreciation Course' (1989, FTII)..I watched almost all important films from the world cinema! In that one was brilliant experiment of filming documentary..Soviet Russian master filmmaker Dziga Vertov's 'Man with a Movie Camera'..Now 90 years old!

Cinematographer Mikhail Kaufman & Director Dziga Vertov!

Dziga Vertov was a newsreel director & film theorist too! 
In 1929 he made this docu style silent film 'Man with a Movie- Camera' without scenario and actors. This film depicted daily life of that time Soviet cities and was actually filmed on the locations of Kiev, Odessa and Moscow..for over a period of 3 years. Vertov's younger brother Mikhail Kaufman worked for this as cinematographer.

Dziga Vertov..'Man with a Movie Camera' during shooting!

That was an experimentation in the cinematic communication. In this Vertov invented and deployed cinematic techniques like multiple exposure, fast- slow motions, freeze frames, match and jump cuts, split screens, extreme close-ups , tracking shots & self-reflexive visuals. His wife Elizaveta Svilova edited this film.

Dziga Vertov & wife Elizaveta Svilova..editing a film.

Mentioned that documentary film group headed by Dziga Vertov blazed the trail from the conventional newsreel to the 'image centered publicistic film' which became the basis of the Soviet film documentary. (That was before Russian filmmakers applied social realism in 1930s). And working within a Marxist ideology..Vertov strove to create a futuristic city that would serve as a commentary on existing ideals in the Soviet world!

Salute to Dziga Vertov & his 'Man with a Movie Camera'!!

- Manoj Kulkarni
  ['Chitrasrushti']

Beautiful Lakshmi in above romantic song from film 'Julie' (1975).

"My heart is beating.."

Remembered this romantic song of four decades old hit film 'Julie' & it's beautiful singer Preeti Sagar!

Filmmaker K. S. Sethumadhavan.

Maker of many landmark & award winning south Indian films..K. S. Sethumadhavan made this off-beat film 'Julie' (1975) which was a remake of his Malayalam film 'Chattakari' (1974). These women-centric films depicted restrictive social convention regarding inter-religion/caste marriage and unwed motherhood in India!

Poster of hit romantic classic film 'Julie' (1975).

Beautiful south Indian actress.. Lakshmi played the title role 'Julie' superbly and won awards! Artists with her in 'Julie' were..Vikram, Om Prakash, Nadira, Rita Bhaduri, Jalal Agha..and (that time teenager) Sridevi played the younger sister!

'Julie' was the first hit of music director Rajesh Roshan..who composed it's songs romantically like.."Dil kya kare..", "Yeh raatein nayi purani.." & title song sung by Kishor Kumar & Lata Mangeshkar!

Beautiful singer Preeti Sagar.

And the unique party song "My heart is beating.." sung by accomplished singer Preeti Sagar..who latter sung for mostly Shyam Benegal films & won awards!

After almost thirty years another Hindi film 'Julie' (2004) on social issue made by Deepak Shivdasani and Neha Dhupia acted in it!

But can not forget the 1975 classic 'Julie'..and the unique cinematic treatment given to it by Mr. Sethumadhavan..whom I met in our 'International Film Festival of India'..many years ago! And that was a good interaction!!

- Manoj Kulkarni

HOLLYWOOD ACTOR OF WESTERN..ELI WALLACH!

Eli Wallach in film 'The Magnificient Seven' (1960).

Five years over..popular American actor of Stage, Film & TV..Eli Wallach left this world!

Eli Wallach at old age!

One of America's most prolific actors..Eli Wallach became famous with his roles in classic Western genre like Calvera in 'The Magnificient Seven' (1960) and Tuco in 'The Good, The Bad and The Ugly' (1966).

Eli Wallach's film career spanned more than 6 decades. He remained active till 'Wall Street: Money never sleeps' (2010).

Wallach got Honorary Academy Award!

Homage to him!!

- Manoj Kulkarni

Wishing great birthday to my most favourite respected dear Ms. Mrinal Kulkarni..graceful actress-filmmaker.


Here reposting my special article on her published on my this Blog.. 'CHITRASRUSHTI' (on 24th June, 2018). Please see it in this link: https://manchitraa.blogspot.com/2018/06/


- Manoj Kulkarni

NEED THIS!

These pictures shows warm relations between artists of both the sides..


Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh with Pak pretty actress Mawra Hocane in London during recent world cup match!



And Mawra Hocane meeting our Rishi Kapoor in New York!


Mawra is my favourite!!



- Manoj Kulkarni

'R&J' FAME FRANCO ZEFFIRELLI NO MORE!

Prominent Italian filmmaker Franco Zeffirelli.

Maker of fifty years old classic romantic 'Romeo and Juilet'..prominent Italian filmmaker Franco Zeffirelli passed away recently at age of 96!

Famous Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton in 

Franco Zeffirelli's 'The Taming of the Shrew' (1967).

In the era of Italian Neo-realism Franco Zeffirelli started working with it's master filmmakers Visconti, De Sica & Roberto Rossellini. Then in 1960s he directed his own plays in London. And in 1967 he directed his first film 'The Taming of the Shrew' (1967) which was based on the play of same name by Shakespeare! This American-Italian romantic comedy had Hollywood's famous pair Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton..both stars also produced this film!

Pretty Olivia Hussey & handsome Leonard Whiting  

in Franco Zeffirelli's famous 'Romeo and Juilet' (1968)

After that in 1968 Zeffirelli choose.. Shakespeare's most popular romantic tragedy for his next film..'Romeo and Juilet'. ( I wrote a lot about this my.. favourite film.) First time two teenagers appeared as passionate lovers in it and they were..Handsome English actor and singer Leonard Whiting and Argentine theatre actress pretty gorgeous Olivia Hussey! Zeffirelli did some modification for this screen adaptation for instance long speeches were trimmed and emphasized reaction shots! In this intense romantic performances of 
lead artists touched hearts of that time teenagers. With huge commercial success this film also won awards.. 
In this includes 'Oscar's 'Best Cinematography' (De Santis) and 'Golden Globe's 'Best Actress' to.. 
Olivia Hussey!

Franco Zeffirelli's romantic 'Endless Love' (1981).

Then Zeffirelli made religious film 'Brother Sun, Sister Moon' (1972). Latter his mini-series 'Jesus of Nazareth' (1977) was shown on television. But he immediately moved on to contemporary themes. He made sports base 'The Champ' (1979) and romantic 'Endless Love' (1981) with beautiful sensation Brooke Shields! Meanwhile he made successful screen adaptation of popular operas..he directed in 1950s at Italy & other parts of Europe.

Franco Zeffirelli directing Baird Wallace on set of 'Tea with Mussolini' (1999)

In 1990 Zeffirelli again made screen adaptation of Shakespeare's play and this time was 'Hamlet' with action hero Mel Gibson! Then in 1996 he also made a romantic film on notable English author Charlotte Bronte's novel 'Jane Eyre'. 
After that his film.. Tea with Mussolini (1999) critically acclaimed!

In 1999 Zeffirelli received 'Crystal Globe' award for his outstanding contribution to world cinema at 'Karlovy Vary International Film Festival'. In 2004 he got 'Honorary Knighthood' from UK. And in 2009 he was honoured with 'Premio Colosseo' by city of Rome. Apart from that he served in the Italian Senate for two terms!

A Homage!!

- Manoj Kulkarni
  ['Chitrasrushti']

AGAIN REMAKE!!

Katrina Kaif & Salman Khan in our film 'Bharat' and Hwang Jung-min in
South Korean film 'Ode to My Father'!

It is good to know that Salman Khan's new movie 'Bharat' is becoming hit; But this is based on South Korean hit film 'Ode to My Father'! It happened after his earlier movie 'Tube Light' which was based on film 'Little Boy'!

Park Su-jin written film 'Ode to My Father' (2014) depicts the history of Korea from 1950 to the present day through the life of an ordinary man, as he experiences the 'Hungnam Evacuation' of 1950s during the Korean War! Yoon Je-Kyoon superbly directed, in this film Hwang Jung-min did the main role intensely! This became one of the highest-grossing films of Korean cinema and won various awards!

Group pictures of two films with all artists..

(on top) South Korean film 'Ode to My Father' (2014) 

and (on bottom) our recent Bollywood film 'Bharat'!

And our superstar Salman Khan & director Ali Abbas Zafar adapted that film to make a hit movie 'Bharat'! In this typical Bollywood style patriotic drama (while going in flashback doing daredevil stunts) Salman Khan's protagonist says "Jitne safed baal mere sar aur dadhi mein hai usase kai zada rangeen meri zindagi rahi hai!" This is what director Zafar & Varun Sharma wrote!

South Korean film 'Ode to My Father' was criticised for being pro-right wing and romanticising authoritarian regimes! But when we watch the trailers of these two films back to back..we observes the sort of realism with natural characterisation in original film and here bollywood movie revolves around the star image of Salman!

Hollywood film 'Little Boy' (2015) & Salman Khan's film 'Tubelight' (2017).

Before this in 2017 also.. Kabir Khan directed Salman Khan's film 'Tubelight' was adapted from 'Little Boy' (2015) made by Mexican film- maker Alejandro Monteverde. I already wrote about this in detail that time! Both the films were like fantasy on the backdrop of war. In that..original film was average and remake was flop!

The point is, why our stars & filmmakers need the story ideas from other countries' cinema which set on the backdrop of their history & with their perspectives! Our filmmakers should develop their own cinema with the original scripts and 'not to glorify stars'!

Anyway, my regards for film 'Bharat'!!

- Manoj Kulkarni
  ['Chitrasrushti']

EXCLUSIVE!!

BRAVE GIRL IN RED..THEN & NOW!

Pretty Oliwia Dabrowska little girl in 'Schindler's List' (1993) & now grown up!

You have noticed the Girl in Red Coat in Steven Spielberg's strong neo-realistic film 'Schindler's List' (1993) on which my article published here! 

That Pretty little girl was Oliwia Dabrowska who really played that role bravely! Remember that horrible scene of violence in 'Schindler's List' (1993) in which she walked without fear and then went to house & safely sat under bed! Her appearance & courage touched my heart!

Pretty Oliwia Dabrowska as Girl in Red on the backdrop of..
social realism of Steven Spielberg's film 'Schindler's List' (1993).

Born in Krakow, Poland..Oliwia Dabrowska had mentioned in one interview few years back that 'she could not watch the film 'Schindler's List' at the time of it's release; Because Spielberg told her to wait until her eighteen!' She then watched at the age of eleven and found the film "Horrible!" After that she acted as child artist in Polish film 'Street Games' (1996) directed by Krzysztof Krauze!

Now grown up beautiful Oliwia Dabrowska is not connected with film industry! I just interacted her..and these are her words "My role in 'Schindler's List' was an adventure! 
I was only 3 Years old..after this I had little roles, episodes in polish movies. I was normal child and I had normal childhood!..I like acting with camera!!"

I hope she will do her comeback in cinema!

Wishing all the best to her!!

- Manoj Kulkarni
  ['Chitrasrushti']

REMEMBRANCE OF 'SCHINDLER'S LIST'!

Steven Spielberg directing Liam Neeson and others 

during shooting of his film 'Schindler's List' (1993).

Real picture of violence in Spielberg's 'Schindler's List' (1993)

I still remember how I stepped out of 'Metro' theatre with heavy head.. after watching Steven Spielberg's 'Schindler's List' during our '26th International Film Festival of India' held at Bombay in 1995!..On current scenario I remembered this strong neo-realistic film which completed 25 years now!

Steven Spielberg giving instructions while shooting of 'Schindler's List' (1993).

Before this film Spielberg was famous for making thrillers (like.. 'Jaws'/1975) and science fictions (like 'E.T.'/1982 
& 'Jurassic Park'/ 1993)..So his directing historical realism 'Schindler's List' surprised all.!

Horrible realism in Steven Spielberg's 'Schindler's List' (1993)

But that was obvious..originally Jewish Ukrainian..Spielberg had to make such strong cinematic comment! 
This film was based on a novel 'Schindler's Ark' by Australian author Thomas Keneally. On that American Steven Zaillian wrote screenplay and Spielberg produced this film with American Gerald Molen & Croatian Branko Lustig!

Liam Neeson in lead with 'Schindler's List' (1993).

Ben Kingsley, Liam Neeson & Caroline Goodall in 'Schindler's List' (1993).

Notable that Oskar Schindler, a Sudeten German businessman, who saved the lives of more than thousand (mostly Polish) Jewish refugees from the Holocaust by employing them in his factories during World War II..This was a real story of 
film 'Schindler's List' which purposely picturised in Black & White by Polish cinematographer Janusz Kaminski and edited by American Michael Kahn! With their skills horror of that era realistically came on screen!

Handsome actor from Northern Ireland.. Liam Neeson portrayed role of Schindler intensely in it..English actors ('Gandhi' fame) Ben Kingsley did the role of his Jewish accountant Itzhak Stern and Ralph Fiennes acted as SS Officer Amon Goth! Beautiful actress Caroline Goodall appeared as Emilie Schindler! With all great performances Steven Spielberg handled this film like documentary & directed greatly!

Great Steven Spielberg with his 'Oscar' winning film 'Schindler's List' (1993).

'Schindler's List' achieved huge worldwide success and admiration. With other awards like 7 'BAFTA's and 3 'Golden Globes' awards..this film won 7 'Oscar' awards includes Best Picture & Best Director!

 It's a Tribute!!


- Manoj Kulkarni
['Chitrasrushti']

DIMPLE GOING TO HOLLYWOOD!

Graceful Indian actress Dimple Kapadia & Hollywood filmmaker Christopher Nolan!

Good news that veteran graceful actress of our Indian cinema..Dimple Kapadia will feature in renowned Hollywood filmmaker Christopher Nolan’s next film 'Tenet'!

Rishi Kapoor & Pretty Dimple Kapadia in 'RK's romantic film 'Bobby' (1973).

Dimple Kapadia created sensation with Rishi Kapoor in 'RK's teenage romantic film 'Bobby' (1973). Then she married to first superstar.. Rajesh Khanna! After a decade with same glamour she returned to cinema in Ramesh Sippy's triangular love film 'Saagar' (1985) with two super heroes from Bollywood & Kollywood..again Rishi and Kamal Hasan! Then she acted in both the genre..popular romantic & offbeat social..like 'Kaash' (1987), 'Drishti' (1990), 'Lekin' (1991), 'Rudaali' (1993) & 'Leela' (2002). And She won Best Actress awards of filmfare and national too!

Dimple Kapadia in film 'Drishti' (1990).

Christopher Nolan is an English filmmaker who got critical acclaim with his 'The Dark Knight Trilogy' (2005-2012). His films are typically rooted in epistemological & metaphysical themes with exploring human morality; but distinctive within Hollywood mainstream!..He won many awards for his films with huge commercial success!

My Best Wishes to..
Ms.Dimple Kapadia & Mr.Nolan for their film!!

- Manoj Kulkarni
  ['Chitrasrushti']

FIRST INDO-IRANIAN FILM..85 YEARS!

Poster of first Iranian talkie 'Lor Girl' (1933).

'Imperial Film Co.'s producer Ardeshir Irani!

Today we admire Iranian cinema and watching the masterpieces of its renowned filmmakers like Kiarostami, Makhmalbaf and Majidi! But do you know that first Iranian Sound film made in our India? Yes, it was Indo-Iranian project..'Lor Girl!

Pioneer of our first Indian talkie ('Alam Ara'/1931)..Ardeshir Irani produced this Iranian first sound film 'Lor Girl' under his 'Imperial Film Company' Bombay in 1932. Iranian writer-director Abdolhossein Sepanta collaborated with him for the production of this film..Persia ntitle 'Dokhtar-E-Lor'!

Iranian first talkie 'Lor Girl's writer-director Abdolhossein Sepanta!

This film focused on the comparison between state of security in Iran at the end of Qatar dynasty and during Reza Shah period! On this backdrop it tells the story of young girl Golnar who was kidnapped as child and taken to Lorestan with clan bandits living among Lors!

Shooting of this film was happen in our India. It took seven months to complete. Cinematographer Rostam Irani did great job for it! Abdolhossein Sepanta also acted in it..with Hadi Shirazi, Sohrab Puri and Roohangiz Saminejad who got the status of first female star of Iranian cinema!

Scene of first Iranian talkie 'Lor Girl' (1933).

This first talkie 'Lor Girl'..then arrived in Iran in October, 1933 and released in two theatres of Tehran..'Mayak' 
and 'Sepah'! 
Latter filmmaker Sepanta directed landmark movies there..includes 'Ferdowsi' the life story of celebrated epic of Iran!

Tribute to this first Iranian talkie and it's pioneers!!

- Manoj Kulkarni
   ['Chitrasrushti']