At Mumbai Film Festival 2012

This year the Mumbai Film Festival, organised by the Mumbai Academy of Moving Images (MAMI) has shifted the action to NCPA in South Bombay. It's anyday a better option than godforsaken Andheri. I managed to catch a few films on Day 2 and 3. It's never easy to select what to watch, what with the 100 recommendations that come up from all those who believe people actually care about the writer's opinion. A pity indeed.

On the Road
Director: Walter Salles
(France/Brazil 2012)

Sam Riley as Sal Paradise (at the back), Kristen Stewart as Marylou and  Garrett Hedlund as Dean Moriarty in On the Road

This was the first film I caught at the festival. It tells the story of an aspiring writer Sal Paradise, who is struggling with his book, blaming the lack of new experiences and his father's death for his writer's block. The film explores his relationship with the seemingly free-spirited Dean Moriarty, his horny new wife, 16-year-old Marylou. Very well-shot, way too erotic for mainstream Indian cinema halls, On The Road is one of those movies where protagonists do drugs and sex all time, all the way to wherever they're headed (they never know where. It's about finding yourself, remember?) Sal is taking down notes all through their journey through the USA. What I particularly liked about On the Road is how the director, with great poise, tells the different times of the day using shadows of Sal on the road. It's a bit long for comfort, but an enjoyable ride nonetheless.

Father's Chair (A Cadeira do Pai)
Director: Luciano Moura
(Brazil 2012)

Wagner Moura as Theo and Mariana Lima as Branca in Father's Chair

This is my favourite so far. Father's Chair explores dysfunctional family of three, parents Theo and Branca, both doctors and their 14-year-old son Pedro. The upmarket family is crumbling because Theo cares too much for his career. When Pedro leaves the house, not to return for long, Theo's instincts as a parent are put to test. He travels throughout Brazil to trace Pedro and on his journey does he discover himself and what he missed about his son's growing up. The titular chair makes a brief appearance in the film, but a significant one. Mending relationships, finding oneself, happy endings make Father's Chair a delighful watch. I've always had a special place for stories dealing with family relationships. It's no wonder I liked it so much. And that dishy actor Wagner Moura is such a treat to watch!