Page 3
I just watched Page 3. It was a really eye-opening film. I was really shocked to realise what a protected shell I have been living in.
The movie was basically structured around a page 3 journalist. Konkona Sen plays Madhavi, an intelligent and genuine journalist, who covers socialite parties, becomes unsatisfied with the pointlessness of the stories she is made to write. Wanting to make a difference through her writing, she convinces her editor to give her a different column. Now, as a crime journalist, with the help of a colleague, she uncovers a huge child abuse story.
That’s the peripheral story. What gets portrayed in the movie however, is the hard truth of the life of the rich and famous. Every time a story would break exposing anyone, money would exchange hands, a few phone calls would be made and a retraction would be printed, or an apology made. It felt terrible to watch how a stars son’s birthday party made headlines, while a good book or a homeless child shelter would go unnoticed. Every possible distressing thought – betrayal, suicide, attempts at suicide, child abuse, drug use, abortions – was all packed into a 2 hour film. It’s not like I didn’t know such things existed, but all of it thrown at you at one go…
The film, as a film, of course was amazing. Konkona Sen did an wonderful job – as usual. Nice soundtrack, nothing remotely fake about the characters. It was a very real and well made film, I thought.
What disturbed me most though was how the movie ended. All the gory details shown to us, nothing happened! None of the guilty were exposed…those with money continued to get away with, murder…and the innocent who are victims of their ways are ultimately forced to change! That’s what made me wonder about the point of the film. After all, nothing was solved. It seemed a bit harsh a movie to be solely for awareness.
I think that every child – or teenager in my case – at one point at least, has this fantasy of doing what he/she loves on a stage, adored by people. I have secretly always thought about how great it would be to be all glitter and gold, singing, dancing or acting my way through life…and loving every minute of it. This movie crushed that fantasy. I don’t know if that is a bad thing or a good thing. No matter how big the passion, I don’t think I – or anyone for that matter – can be expected to handle that world. I hope that I am lucky enough to stay as far away from it as possible.
The movie was basically structured around a page 3 journalist. Konkona Sen plays Madhavi, an intelligent and genuine journalist, who covers socialite parties, becomes unsatisfied with the pointlessness of the stories she is made to write. Wanting to make a difference through her writing, she convinces her editor to give her a different column. Now, as a crime journalist, with the help of a colleague, she uncovers a huge child abuse story.
That’s the peripheral story. What gets portrayed in the movie however, is the hard truth of the life of the rich and famous. Every time a story would break exposing anyone, money would exchange hands, a few phone calls would be made and a retraction would be printed, or an apology made. It felt terrible to watch how a stars son’s birthday party made headlines, while a good book or a homeless child shelter would go unnoticed. Every possible distressing thought – betrayal, suicide, attempts at suicide, child abuse, drug use, abortions – was all packed into a 2 hour film. It’s not like I didn’t know such things existed, but all of it thrown at you at one go…
The film, as a film, of course was amazing. Konkona Sen did an wonderful job – as usual. Nice soundtrack, nothing remotely fake about the characters. It was a very real and well made film, I thought.
What disturbed me most though was how the movie ended. All the gory details shown to us, nothing happened! None of the guilty were exposed…those with money continued to get away with, murder…and the innocent who are victims of their ways are ultimately forced to change! That’s what made me wonder about the point of the film. After all, nothing was solved. It seemed a bit harsh a movie to be solely for awareness.
I think that every child – or teenager in my case – at one point at least, has this fantasy of doing what he/she loves on a stage, adored by people. I have secretly always thought about how great it would be to be all glitter and gold, singing, dancing or acting my way through life…and loving every minute of it. This movie crushed that fantasy. I don’t know if that is a bad thing or a good thing. No matter how big the passion, I don’t think I – or anyone for that matter – can be expected to handle that world. I hope that I am lucky enough to stay as far away from it as possible.
posted by 
@ 9:46 am
1 Comments:
At 4:45 am, April 11, 2005,
Anonymous said…
Page 3! all i can say good cinema is finally being recognized and applauded...Madhur Bhndarkar has given the next generation an insight into the world of glamour and so called 'fame' and prestige! The movie justifies a simple proverb!ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD.... At the end you introspect and ask yourself a question whether it is worth all this?! The adulation and status....It highlights the fact that how simple principles and values can change for one shot at stardom! As a youngster it makes u realise that the world ,the fame is pseudo..i mean all this false,shortlived and temporary.. It actually calls for a disussion on what is success? personal satisfaction or ostensible efforts of being noticed?
It redefines the meaning of True journalism! Great cast-Boman Irani,Atul kulkrani,Tara sharma and Sandhya mridul( i hope,their real names are all rite!) all have acted well! Ms Sharma alias Madhavi sharma has once agian delieverd something special...Her quest to be a part of meanigful movies is on course....!
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