Essay Extended Blog Post: Water

Water is a film that sheds light on the lives of women in India, specifically widows. The writer and director of the film, Deepa Mehtha, does an outstanding job of weaving together the lives of various widows, showing their struggles with religion and current modern values. As a widow in India, they have three options. The first being they can throw themselves on their husband’s funeral pyre. Second, they can marry their husband’s younger brother. Lastly, the widow can live a life of self-denial in seclusion in a village or home with other widows. The film weaves in the Indian culture and also can be related to the Indian myth of Krishna and Radha. Through out the film we see elements of this myth, and being able to analyze why the myth was used will helps to greater understand the film Water.

The story of Krishna and Radha is that of the ultimate love story. They are childhood friends who fall in love. Radha is a cowherd girl in the village, and is infatuated with Krishna, a herdsman, whom other women lust after. Radha was dear to Krishna, and they were a devoted couple. He is known to play the flute as they dance together and sing showing their love and affection. Their love story is not that of the typical love story, as the two never end up together. Krishna leaves to pursue studies, and Radha marries another man. Krishna goes on to have many wives, and each of them worships him. The myth states that Krishna dies, and his many wives throw themselves at his funeral pyle. However, spiritually the two are always connected and are the epitome of love in Indian culture, and their love is based on a deep friendship.

In the version of the story used, Radha refuses to get married to Krishna. This related to the film of Water. While Kaylani wanted desperately to marry her true love Narayan, the fact that she had to sleep with his father tarnished her dreams, and in turn she feels inadequate to marry him, and sadly takes her own life. This can be related to the myth because Radha did not marry Krishna as she did not feel good enough to be his wife, the cowgirl would not fit into his life. Kalyani embodies this viewpoint as she takes her own life, knowing no matter what she does she cannot live up to what she believes Narayan deserves. We see this connection in the visual style of the film. Narayan wears a lot of light blue and white, which symbolizes trust, and spirituality. This is important because Kalyani trusts and loves him, but a large part of their relationship is the struggles with spiritual beliefs. When Kaylani realizes who Narayan’s father is, they are in a boat on the river. They are between his home and the village. The shot is a long shot and we see them directly in the middle of the river. This represents the differences between the two individuals. We are then brought to a close-up shot. We can see the love in their faces and the passion. However, the viewer gets the sense that they still cannot be together. The way the film is shot shows the separation and differences visually and figuratively between the characters, and can be tied in with the myth.

Music is another component that conveyed the myth through the film. Krishna is known for playing his flute as an expression of passion and love. We see Narayan play the flute in close-up shots multiple times in the film, which helps the viewer make the connection to the myth. This is a clear connection to the story of Krishna and Radha, and the music links the film to the myth of eternal love. It is important to note flute music plays in the background when Kaylani takes her own life. It conveys the meaning of the myth that true love never dies. The flute is Narayan expressing his sorrow and love and the music of the flute demonstrates this and relates to the myth.

The director may have chosen to include elements of the traditional Krishna and Radha love story because it is a large part of the Indian widow culture. Even in the film we see close up shots of figurines of Krishna. Widows worship him and this not only relates to the myth but also shows Indian culture. Adding the myth also challenges the viewer to analyze and question the values of Indian widow culture. Knowing the myth we believe in this ultimate love story, that even if a marriage never occurred, Krishna and Radha hold a spiritual and mutual love for one another always. Understanding this myth, we see that Krishan has multiple wives, yet each wife can only have him. With the director incorporating this myth we see the values of each role of men and women in the Indian culture. Women have one love, and that is it, where as men are free to have many loves. Showing elements of the myth of Krishna and Radha in Water we question the values of Indian widow culture. They worship an epic love story, yet for many of them their love stories ended tragically and they are no longer able to seek love and happiness.

            This film did a fantastic job of bringing in visual elements to convey the story, as well as relate to the myth. The director does an excellent job of shedding light on the widow culture of India, while showing a love story with deep meaning.

Why Did I Pick This Myth?

While there are many different versions of the Krishna and Radha, I sifted through many and picked the one I thought the most related to Water. The one chosen can be found at: Version of Myth. This is just a general summary of the story. However, I am also using information from this website, Radha Krishna Extra Information. I put it below just as a reference as I explain why I chose it. It was important to me that this version mentions how Radha and Krishna were childhood playmates. While this is not the exact case in Water, I think Kaylani has a childlike presence, as she too was a young widow. This story notes how Krishna and Radha's love story never reaches its maturity because he leaves. This relates to Water, because unfortunately Kaylani takes her own life to free herself from the pain and suffering, as she has lost her love, and had an forced encounter with Narayan's father. The second link notes how they each come from different backgrounds, so their love could never work. In Water, Kaylani and Narayan live very different lives. Anything Narayan wants he could have, while Kaylani is restricted due to being a widow. While their love will never end in a marriage, we see that their spiritual love is eternal and they share a great love. These are just some of the similarities between the story of Krishna and Radha and Water. Using the story below as a guide, and the extra information from in the second link, I will write my essay analyzing the film and the myth.

Krishna was the shepherd prince of Gokul and Radha was Vrishbhanu Gurjar who had a boon that Devi Lakshmi will be born as his daughter. So technically, we look at Radha as an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. Radha and Krishna were childhood playmates. Radha was one of the Gopis or cowherd girls with whom Krishna did rasleela in the forests of Vrindavan. But Radha was the dearest to Krishna and most devoted to Him. When Krishna played the flute, Radha sang and danced with Him. However, this love story never reached its maturity because, Krishna left Vrindavan at the age of 12 to study at his gurukul and then to attack his uncle Kamsa in Mathura. Meanwhile, Radha was married off to a wealthy landowner named Abhimanyu. Some stories also give the name of Radha's husband as Chandrasena. There is also a myth that Radha and Krishna were secretly married in Vrindavan and Lord Brahma presided over their marriage as a priest. This version of the story does not hold much water because it is not written in the Puranas.

Myth for film Water: Krishna and Radha

The myth I have chosen to further investigate is Krishna and Radha. I just found the various Gods very interesting, and am curious as to why the widow culture values worshiping Krishna. I found elements of this story in the film Water, and using this story plan to analyze the movie and myth in my upcoming essay. The following story is retrieved from: http://www.boldsky.com/yoga-spirituality/faith-mysticism/2013/radha-krishna-love-story-janmashtami-special-034947.html

Krishna was the shepherd prince of Gokul and Radha was Vrishbhanu Gurjar who had a boon that Devi Lakshmi will be born as his daughter. So technically, we look at Radha as an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. Radha and Krishna were childhood playmates. Radha was one of the Gopis or cowherd girls with whom Krishna did rasleela in the forests of Vrindavan. But Radha was the dearest to Krishna and most devoted to Him. When Krishna played the flute, Radha sang and danced with Him. However, this love story never reached its maturity because, Krishna left Vrindavan at the age of 12 to study at his gurukul and then to attack his uncle Kamsa in Mathura. Meanwhile, Radha was married off to a wealthy landowner named Abhimanyu. Some stories also give the name of Radha's husband as Chandrasena. There is also a myth that Radha and Krishna were secretly married in Vrindavan and Lord Brahma presided over their marriage as a priest. This version of the story does not hold much water because it is not written in the Puranas.

Cultural/Spiritual Perspective: Water

There is not a better movie to analyze under a cultural or spiritual perspective then Water. This movie, while slow pace kept me very interested because I was in shock about how poorly widows are treated in India. From the start of the film we understand how crucial and serious these values are to the Indian culture. The opening scene expresses the "rules/ideas" of a Hindu widow. It is a powerful opening scene of a black background, and white text of these rules. It is believed in their spiritual belief of Hinduism that a woman is incomplete without a man. This value is portrayed in the film, as Narayan's mother believes he must marry in order to start his life. One of the characters, I forget who, states this spiritual belief and says, "The Holy Book says wife is part of husband". Culturally, this film brings light the cast system of India. Widows are untouchables, and at the lowest of the system. We see this in the film as they are looked down upon, not allowed to remarry, and have to give up their entire lives to become what society believes a widow should be. The image that struck me the most (couldn't find a picture of it online) was Chuyia getting her head shaved. You see this innocent, young child having to completely throw away her life and family to conform to the cultural values. This film could not be understood without being able to analyze both the spiritual and cultural values of India.

Interesting Use of Music: The Lion King

Who doesn't love The Lion King?! I remember even as a little kid being fascinated by "The Circle of Life" song in this movie. The sounds of the animals, the tribal sounds, and beats are awesome! It really builds to the moment of Simba on the rock, and most important makes you want to sway and dance!

Tsotsi: Music and Sound

First off, as a nursing student wanting to go into pediatrics, I wanted to cringe every time Tsotsi did anything with the baby. Someone get this guy parenting classes! I couldn’t handle it. And of course…the dog. The animal lover in me cried. Now that I vented, I can discuss the focus of sound and music within this film.

The music in this movie is undeniable! It is an essential aspect of the movie. I found it interesting that sometimes the music fit perfectly, and other times left me wondering, what in the heck!? There is literally no silence in this film, which I love. Every sound is expressed, whether we want it to be or not. From dogs barking, thunder, rain, vomit, knife thrusting, babies crying, and flesh tearing, we hear it all. When the man is stabbed on the bus, there is an intense drum roll, almost as if it was the mans final act. I also thought the snake creepy slow music as Tsotsi sneaks up on the handicapped man fit the scene well. As did the music in the beginning of the movie with the hardcore, intense, up-beat, rap like music. It introduced the men drinking and doing shenanigans, and also the aspect of the poorer population surviving. What I did not find fitting was the slow paced, relaxed music as he steals the car. This is should be a dramatic and intense moment as he just shot a woman. Overall while the film is intense and brings about many emotions (like me wanting to scream what the heck are you doing Tsotsi get it together), I found it very interesting and compelling.

Special Effects: Avatar

Avatar is a terrific example of a movie full of interesting and complex special effects. The special effects in this movie are interesting because the characters look so life like. The environment around them is also very realistic, yet the characters are CGI. Almost all of the movie is created with CGI, and is one giant special effect. While plot wise, it may not be my favorite movie, it is notable due to the advanced special effects.

The Whale Rider: Historical Framework

Let me start by first just saying I am in love with Nanny in the movie (everyone needs a Grandma like her!). She is such a strong, independent, and funny lady.

This film takes old traditions, beliefs, and values, and challenges them head on, ultimately bringing the community together. It can be analyzed using the historical film framework in many different ways. The director clearly has great respect for the Maori culture, and it shows in this film. Her opinion is to embrace the culture, but also adapt it to the new ways of living. The films historical context is different than our own time because women are currently more accepted as leaders (not as much as we should be). In the film Koro was not willing to accept Pai as a strong leader, women were looked down upon. Even the Nanny said she did not let Koro see her as the boss. In our time, it would be more accepted that a woman wanted to step up and represent a cultural group. Influences of past literature on this film were the folktale of the "whale rider", Paikea. This story carried the film. We immediately know the two will be linked when Pai is born and named after the folktale. These are the key questions that help relate The Whale Rider to a historical framework.

The Maori culture believes they are direct descendants of the "whale rider", and it is a folktale that has been told for many generations. The film played off of this cultural importance and stayed true to their beliefs. It also focused on the meeting place, the Marae. Many of the concerts, training, and events occurred here, which is true to the Maori culture. Historically, they value family, which was seen in the film. The family, despite their differences in age and culture, remained close at the end of the day. Ancestors are also important to the Maori culture, and this was brought up several times in the film. The film stays true to the historical culture, which I really enjoyed. Ultimately, I believe Pai shows the core values of Maori culture with her strong will, determination, compassion, and togetherness. The film shows us that leaders can emerge from anywhere, and it is important to allow others to grow and become the person they are meant to be.

Interesting Film Transition

Citizen Kane is a great film, one that everyone should see! The transition in this scene is a traditional dissolve. In a dissolve, we slowly move from one scene to another, as the first scene fades in the background. It happens so fast you barely notice it, but it is a distinct transition that allows the viewer to realize we are changing subject or topic.

The Road Home: Symbolism

The Road Home was the simplest yet most elegant love story I have ever seen. It was bursting with symbolism as each object in the film played an intricate role in the love story between Di and the teacher. The weaving in the film served as a symbol. It was remembrance of the husband, it stood for his memory. Di rushed to the weaving device when she met him, and it was her serenity and comfort zone when he passed. It served as a symbol to honor his memory. An obvious symbol in the film was the color red, which as we learned from the class presentation, stands for happiness and good luck. In the GIF below (obsessed with making these now), we see the red scarf partnered with the pink coat. These articles of clothing together symbolize her love and happiness for and from the teacher. I noticed the yellow color of the leaves, which produces a warming effect. The color yellow also symbolizes joy and energy. These yellow leaves express the joy the teacher brings to Di as she rushes eagerly to catch a glimpse of him. The use of color is also evident in the opening scene. The white and black coloring is the perfect symbol of what emotions are occurring. The mother is mourning the loss of her husband, and white symbolizes this mourning. Black also serves as a color to express black. Another beautiful symbol is the blue and white crafted bowl. It acts as a symbol for Di's heart. She gives it to the teacher in the food she makes, and it breaks when he has to leave. However, her broke heart and the bowl are repaired when he finally returns. Lastly, and maybe the largest symbol of all, the road. It stood for their journey to love and each other. Leaving me with the lesson that love will always find a way home. <3  

Interesting Camera Movement: Tracking

One of the most interesting camera movements in film is from the movie Goodfellas. Scorsese does an amazing job following the character Henry, who is with Karen. They enter the nightclub and you can immediately tell the camera movement is attempting to keep up with Henry. It is a sequence shot, but the camera movement is tracking. This is a tracking shot because we are following the characters, and feel like we are directly behind them. This camera movement in this specific scene is so powerful. From this scene alone we see how in control the character Henry is. He calmly and confidently leads Karen through the kitchen, joking and laughing. This tracking movement shows just how in control and comfortable Henry is during this part of the film. It is one of my favorite camera movements of all time, its awesome!

Visual Style: 400 Blows

400 Blows was packed with numerous examples of visual style. I loved the aspect of deep focus in this film. It did not force the viewer to look at a specific character, but rather the picture as a whole, and all the characters in the scene. The view of children in this movie is complex. They are presented as vulnerable, yet strong. In many of the close-up shots we see the boy's vulnerability, but in other scenes we can see the determination and strength on his face. A sad, but critical close-up shot is when the boys parents are arguing. He is seen in his bed, and this close-up makes the viewer feel empathetic for the boy's unstable home life. The opening scene had great visual style, with the high-angle as we go through the streets. It is tracking and it feels like we the viewer is on a walk or drive. As we continue to the Eiffel Tower in the opening scene we are presented extreme long shots, that eventually become long shots. This is to indicate we are also headed to a destination. I picked up on many medium shots in the film as well. Like the example pictured above, medium shots were important in this film to display the expressions between the family. The mom usually had an annoyed expression, while the father was either goofing around or upset. Usually while this interaction was occurring the boy seemed emotionless. It conveyed the feeling that he really was not clear how he felt about his parents.  I also noticed some distinct scene changes, with dissolves and fades. I loved the tracking as the boys move within the streets, along with the upbeat music. It conveys the trouble to the viewer that the boys are about to cause. My favorite scene in the movie is the high-angle tracking shot of the school boys running behind the teacher. The angle makes the scene, and we feel like we are in on the joke. It is comedic watching from above. It was great to not have the angle of the street goers in the scene as we watch the schoolboys dart off.

Interesting Camera Shot: The Hunger Games

This is an example of a close-up. I love the Hunger Games, but also love analyzing this shot. In the close-up you can see the expressionless faces of Peeta and Katniss. It allows the viewer to feel their complete shock and surprise in this scene. They simply don't know what to think. I also love the close-up to look at the difference between the high society Capitol looks and the District plain, uniform, low class looks. There is so much contrast depicted in just this one close-up that I thought it was an interesting and perfect camera angle to use!