This too shall pass - albeit with excruciating pain and agony. But as it passes, most of us are at home watching the catastrophe unfold. Many working from home, while at it.

Some of us are still out there working. One of them is me - a TV News Anchor.

Not the most dangerous of jobs, far from it. Yet one that needs to be done, and for which you need to risk stepping outside of the home to tell people, watching you, to never step out.

The truth is this TV news anchor/reporter is a character that society loves to bash. And for good reason. No questions asked.

But strangely the one who gets bashed the most, ends up getting watched the most too.

It's some kind of weird collective catharsis.

But away from the maddening crowd, there's a huge chunk of the population who have simply given up. They simply do not want to watch anybody. They claim to be above it all. They say it's all biased anyway. Yet they reinforce their own biases through their choices in social media activity. And blame the TV News anchors for not being in sync with their views.

It is a vicious cycle.

However, in this apocalyptic moment when even the good old newspaper is out of reach, for many, News TV has become the crucial constant - one of the essential services. 
&nbsp; 
In a country like India where nearly one-third&nbsp;of the population is illiterate, the News channel fills in the information gap.

Disseminating credible information, at the earliest, to as many people as possible is crucial at this hour.

TV sets are all-pervasive in a country where over 20 per cent still live below the poverty line.

Even in English news, where the entire target audience is at least literate, and way above the poverty line, TV News has become the prime source for getting verified information at the earliest.

Yes, for that audience, social media is King and has superseded TV. But then social media is flooded with all kinds of miracle coronavirus cures and vaccines. And panic-inducing conspiracy theories.&nbsp;

Now, there is a slow realisation. If at all there is some kind of kryptonite to help humanity defeat this virus, it will surely be announced on TV. Along with all those gut-wrenching data&nbsp;points about the number of deaths and infections. 
&nbsp; 
So to all those cynics who had written us off, I say, one way or the other, we're your best shot now. It's either us or those Whatsapp forwards. You choose.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

This too shall pass - albeit with excruciating pain and agony. But as it passes, most of us are at home watching the catastrophe unfold. Many working from home, while at it.

This too shall pass - albeit with excruciating pain and agony. But as it passes, most of us are at home watching the catastrophe unfold. Many working from home, while at it. Some of us are still out there working. One of them is me - a TV News Anchor. Not the most dangerous of jobs, far from it. Yet one that needs to be done, and for which you need to risk stepping outside of the home to tell people, watching you, to never step out. The truth is this TV news anchor/reporter is a character that society loves to bash. And for good reason. No questions asked. But strangely the one who gets bashed the most, ends up getting watched the most too. It's some kind of weird collective catharsis. But away from the maddening crowd, there's a huge chunk of the population who have simply given up. They simply do not want to watch anybody. They claim to be above it all. They say it's all biased anyway. Yet they reinforce their own biases through their choices in social media activity. And blame the TV News anchors for not being in sync with their views. It is a vicious cycle. However, in this apocalyptic moment when even the good old newspaper is out of reach, for many, News TV has become the crucial constant - one of the essential services. In a country like India where nearly one-third of the population is illiterate, the News channel fills in the information gap. Disseminating credible information, at the earliest, to as many people as possible is crucial at this hour. TV sets are all-pervasive in a country where over 20 per cent still live below the poverty line. Even in English news, where the entire target audience is at least literate, and way above the poverty line, TV News has become the prime source for getting verified information at the earliest. Yes, for that audience, social media is King and has superseded TV. But then social media is flooded with all kinds of miracle coronavirus cures and vaccines. And panic-inducing conspiracy theories. Now, there is a slow realisation. If at all there is some kind of kryptonite to help humanity defeat this virus, it will surely be announced on TV. Along with all those gut-wrenching data points about the number of deaths and infections. So to all those cynics who had written us off, I say, one way or the other, we're your best shot now. It's either us or those Whatsapp forwards. You choose. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Blog: The Anchorman's corona chronicle

How much can you expect from a film? How fair is it to ask a film to perform according to our expectations? Can a film ever be worth the hype when we're already told it has won some major awards?

These were some of the questions on my mind when I sat down to watch 'Parasite'. It's not the first time that a film that's not in the English language has raised so much curiosity. But it's different this time around.

I watched it weeks before the Oscars. But even then the expectations were tremendous. The film had already swept the awards circuit. Winning the Palme d'Or- the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival.

And it had been nominated for a total of 6 Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director.&nbsp;

And yet by the time I was done watching it, I had no idea what just hit me. One of the most unique films I had&nbsp;seen to date. One that cannot be slotted in any genre.

If at all there is one, then it can be named after its filmmaker - Bong Joon Ho.

Before 'Parasite', he made a film called 'Okja'. An action-adventure movie about a girl who's best friend is a genetically modified pig, which is nearly the size of an elephant, and an evil multinational corporation wants to get its hands on the pig at any cost.

Yeah, he is that weird. But in a way that delights our senses while watching his movies. I'll give you this for a synopsis of 'Parasite' - poor &amp; jobless family befriends rich family to work in their household and tries to act wealthy. Things turn messy. That's all you need to know.

But in the times of the Internet, you would search and read far more. But seriously - don't. In fact, don't be friends with people who tell you the story of this film before you go watch it.

My friends just ooh-ed and aah-ed after watching it not telling me even a single real word. And thank God for that!&nbsp;It was a wallop of movie experience!

'Parasite' does everything, you're laughing hard with dark humour one moment and then suddenly you're gasping hard and biting your nails with tension. And when it's done, it won't leave you for the next 2-3 days - at least.

I couldn't stop reading about it and watching analytical videos online. There's so much subtext, that it's like a mini-crash course in Korean culture and history.

FYI the film is set in current times in the South Korean capital city of Seoul. And you don't need to know anything about the country or the city to get the film in the first go.

But you would find it extremely rewarding to read about it. And then watch it again.

Many say its not the best film that South Korea has produced.

That might be true because that's how high the standards are in the country's film industry. But it is a film that has the ability to strike a chord and engage almost anybody.

It has something at its core that's extremely relevant to the whole wide world. The unbridgeable gap of wealth inequality in society.

The economic class divide that has widened so much, that the upper socio-economic strata is too isolated from that of the lower ones.

And there are no easy resolutions to it.&nbsp;

Don't worry, the film is the polar opposite of a boring sermon on the topic. It thrills you and fills you with an insatiable urge to know what's gonna happen next.

Starting out as a black comedy, it morphs into a pulsating thriller with a finish that's not for the faint-hearted.

Nearly all your guesses about the twists and turns of the film will be wrong. Don't bother. All the film needs is a genuinely open-minded viewer who wants to be entertained. And as a bonus, it gives you something to think about as well.

I had predicted that it will win the Best Picture at the Oscars. And then thought that was just my heart talking. My brain kept telling me that it would be '1917' winning it.

But then - as one of the worst cliches in the world goes - the heart wants what it wants. And it was the heart all the way on Oscar night.

Mine, the film's and I'm guessing that of the Oscar jury as well. I just couldn't believe my luck!

'Parasite' was the toast of Oscars 2020, winning Best Picture and Best Director too, apart from Best Original Screenplay.

The Best Foreign-Language Film award was renamed just this year as Best International Feature. And 'Parasite' picked up that award too.

That was a big message from the Oscars. What is a 'foreign language' film? What's foreign to one is local to another.

My advice - don't go watch 'Parasite' now, thinking of it as this history-making film of the year. That's just putting too much pressure.

Nearly no film in this world can match up to those expectations. It's just one of those things that have been building up for a while actually. I'd say more than 20 years.

Films that are not in the English language have been hitting the high notes at the Oscars.

From Italian film 'Life Is Beautiful' in 1999, which was nominated for 7 Oscars and won 3, including the Best Actor. But didn't win Best Picture despite being nominated for it.

Silent film 'The Artist' swept the Oscars in 2012 with 10 nominations and 5 awards, including Best Picture.

And just last year black &amp; white Mexican film 'Roma' was nominated for 10 Oscars. It won 3 including Best Director.

However, it failed to win the Best Picture Award.

But that could be attributed to the fact that it was Netflix-produced. To put it mildly, the Oscars have been less enthusiastic to give awards to online players' movies.

South Korean films over the last 2 decades have been some of the best in the world. Not surprisingly it was one of them that was the 'chosen one' to make history.

And when asked about it, the film's director Bong Joon Ho's reaction was&nbsp;- "We were just making a movie".

'Parasite' is like a slap on the conscience of the upper-middle class and the upper class of society. You'll know it when you see it. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

How much can you expect from a film? How fair is it to ask a film to perform according to our expectations? Can a film ever be worth the hype when we're already told it has won some major awards?

How much can you expect from a film? How fair is it to ask a film to perform according to our expectations? Can a film ever be worth the hype when we're already told it has won some major awards? These were some of the questions on my mind when I sat down to watch 'Parasite'. It's not the first time that a film that's not in the English language has raised so much curiosity. But it's different this time around. I watched it weeks before the Oscars. But even then the expectations were tremendous. The film had already swept the awards circuit. Winning the Palme d'Or- the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival. And it had been nominated for a total of 6 Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. And yet by the time I was done watching it, I had no idea what just hit me. One of the most unique films I had seen to date. One that cannot be slotted in any genre. If at all there is one, then it can be named after its filmmaker - Bong Joon Ho. Before 'Parasite', he made a film called 'Okja'. An action-adventure movie about a girl who's best friend is a genetically modified pig, which is nearly the size of an elephant, and an evil multinational corporation wants to get its hands on the pig at any cost. Yeah, he is that weird. But in a way that delights our senses while watching his movies. I'll give you this for a synopsis of 'Parasite' - poor & jobless family befriends rich family to work in their household and tries to act wealthy. Things turn messy. That's all you need to know. But in the times of the Internet, you would search and read far more. But seriously - don't. In fact, don't be friends with people who tell you the story of this film before you go watch it. My friends just ooh-ed and aah-ed after watching it not telling me even a single real word. And thank God for that! It was a wallop of movie experience! 'Parasite' does everything, you're laughing hard with dark humour one moment and then suddenly you're gasping hard and biting your nails with tension. And when it's done, it won't leave you for the next 2-3 days - at least. I couldn't stop reading about it and watching analytical videos online. There's so much subtext, that it's like a mini-crash course in Korean culture and history. FYI the film is set in current times in the South Korean capital city of Seoul. And you don't need to know anything about the country or the city to get the film in the first go. But you would find it extremely rewarding to read about it. And then watch it again. Many say its not the best film that South Korea has produced. That might be true because that's how high the standards are in the country's film industry. But it is a film that has the ability to strike a chord and engage almost anybody. It has something at its core that's extremely relevant to the whole wide world. The unbridgeable gap of wealth inequality in society. The economic class divide that has widened so much, that the upper socio-economic strata is too isolated from that of the lower ones. And there are no easy resolutions to it. Don't worry, the film is the polar opposite of a boring sermon on the topic. It thrills you and fills you with an insatiable urge to know what's gonna happen next. Starting out as a black comedy, it morphs into a pulsating thriller with a finish that's not for the faint-hearted. Nearly all your guesses about the twists and turns of the film will be wrong. Don't bother. All the film needs is a genuinely open-minded viewer who wants to be entertained. And as a bonus, it gives you something to think about as well. I had predicted that it will win the Best Picture at the Oscars. And then thought that was just my heart talking. My brain kept telling me that it would be '1917' winning it. But then - as one of the worst cliches in the world goes - the heart wants what it wants. And it was the heart all the way on Oscar night. Mine, the film's and I'm guessing that of the Oscar jury as well. I just couldn't believe my luck! 'Parasite' was the toast of Oscars 2020, winning Best Picture and Best Director too, apart from Best Original Screenplay. The Best Foreign-Language Film award was renamed just this year as Best International Feature. And 'Parasite' picked up that award too. That was a big message from the Oscars. What is a 'foreign language' film? What's foreign to one is local to another. My advice - don't go watch 'Parasite' now, thinking of it as this history-making film of the year. That's just putting too much pressure. Nearly no film in this world can match up to those expectations. It's just one of those things that have been building up for a while actually. I'd say more than 20 years. Films that are not in the English language have been hitting the high notes at the Oscars. From Italian film 'Life Is Beautiful' in 1999, which was nominated for 7 Oscars and won 3, including the Best Actor. But didn't win Best Picture despite being nominated for it. Silent film 'The Artist' swept the Oscars in 2012 with 10 nominations and 5 awards, including Best Picture. And just last year black & white Mexican film 'Roma' was nominated for 10 Oscars. It won 3 including Best Director. However, it failed to win the Best Picture Award. But that could be attributed to the fact that it was Netflix-produced. To put it mildly, the Oscars have been less enthusiastic to give awards to online players' movies. South Korean films over the last 2 decades have been some of the best in the world. Not surprisingly it was one of them that was the 'chosen one' to make history. And when asked about it, the film's director Bong Joon Ho's reaction was - "We were just making a movie". 'Parasite' is like a slap on the conscience of the upper-middle class and the upper class of society. You'll know it when you see it. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

'Parasite' is like a slap on the conscience of privileged ones

Imagine watching a film called 'Little Women' at the cinema theatre and you are literally the only man in the hall.

I strangely got reminded of the time in my childhood, when I was the lone Kamal Haasan fan stuck in a movie theatre full of Rajnikanth fans.

Is this what has become of this world now? That&nbsp;guys just refuse to show up for films like 'Little Women'?

Or is it that the women refused to take the men along? That this was a strictly girls-only kind of movie. Mainly because they didn't want the men to ruin what they grew up with reading.

Mind you this film is based on a classic American novel that was part of school syllabus for many in India.

And it's not the first screen adaption. It's the latest. But could just be its best yet.

Critics have raved about it. It has a rotten tomatoes score of 95 per cent.

Now, why wasn't there any semblance of gender parity in the audience for this film? I'm hoping it was just the one show that I went for.

The fact that this film's woman director Greta Gerwig wasn't nominated raked up the issue of the lack of exactly that at the Oscars.

All of this year's Best Director Oscar nominees were male.

Speaking of which, it was nominated for 6 Oscars,&nbsp;including Best Film, Best-Adapted Screenplay and Best Background Score. And won the award for Best Costume Design.

Chronicling&nbsp;the 'growing up' of the 4 March sisters - Jo, Meg, Amy and Beth - during the times of the Civil war in America,&nbsp;the film is masterful in bringing out the source material's eternal relevance and striking an emotional chord with today's audience.

The leading women of 'Little Women' are stellar.

Saoirse Ronan playing Jo March got nominated for Best Actress. The 25 years and a few more months old is the second youngest ever with 4 to her credit.&nbsp;While Ronan has not won yet, Jennifer Lawrence, the youngest 4-time oscar nominee by merely months, has already&nbsp;won the&nbsp;Best Actress trophy once for her performance in 'Silver Linings Playbook'.

The big change from book to film is the character of Amy March, which has been given new vigour with newcomer Florence Pugh's breakout performance. And she too got herself a Supporting Actress nomination. But she didn't win.

Laura Dern who plays the mother of the March sisters in this film won for her superb divorce lawyer act in another film - 'Marriage Story'. She is fantastic as the mother in this one too. What a year she has had.

And the legendary Meryl Streep does a splendid cameo as the rich aunt who's only advice to the March sisters is to marry rich.

Not because she's evil or anything, but because that was considered the only logical thing to do for women at the time. America too was as sexist as any other place in the world. Some say it still is.

I wonder what it must have been like for regular middle-class guys in the late 1800s. And how much is it different now?

Incidentally, there was an advertisement for 'Elite Matrimony' that played first before the film began.

There was a collective groan when the movie&nbsp;abruptly stopped after an hour to honour the age-old Indian tradition of taking a compulsory 10-minute break in between, that is referred to as Interval or Intermission.

The popcorn&nbsp;doesn't&nbsp;sell itself, does it? Also, profit margins are better on that.

The women's loo got crowded real quick. I had no such issues being the only entrant at my end of the facilities. The look that the cleaning guy gave me was as if I was out at the wrong time doing something shady.&nbsp;

So I got back quickly. Only to watch the damn 'Elite Matrimony' ad have its second run. Yeah, that played more number of times than the actual movie people came for. Irony died a mini death.

At one point in the movie, the aunt tells one of the March sisters not to marry like their mother who fell for an ordinary army man. And that's brushed off almost like 'oh please!'.

Filmmaker Greta Gerwig's sweeping costume drama has lofty ideals. Both as a film and in the characters central to it.&nbsp;

With excellent cinematography and a beautiful music score, the film makes for fine viewing for both men and women. And all the genders in between.

Louisa May Alcott who wrote the novel also released a sequel to it called 'Little Men' - about Jo March and her husband dealing with the lives of the boys at their Plumfield Estate School. That was made into a movie in the 1930s. But not since.

Alcott then completed it as an unofficial trilogy with a third book called 'Jo's Boys'. About the same boys growing up and facing real-life adult issues. Which has never been made into a movie.

Unfortunately, the 2nd and 3rd books are not nearly as loved as the first one.

Alas, we could have had a new film version of 'Little Men' hitting movie theatres now.

Although, I wonder how many men would show up for even that. They would still be queueing up for the Nth iteration of a superhero videogame/movie. Don't ask me why I put the /. I can't tell the difference between the 2 these days anymore.

As I left the multiplex, I kept thinking about the episode from the iconic TV sitcom - 'Friends' - where Joey reads 'Little Women'. Because he has a bet with Rachel that she has to read 'The Shining' instead. And Rachel wins. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

Imagine watching a film called 'Little Women' at the cinema theatre and you are literally the only man in the hall. I strangely got reminded of the time in my childhood, when I was the lone Kamal Haasan fan stuck in a movie theatre full of Rajnikanth fans.

Imagine watching a film called 'Little Women' at the cinema theatre and you are literally the only man in the hall. I strangely got reminded of the time in my childhood, when I was the lone Kamal Haasan fan stuck in a movie theatre full of Rajnikanth fans. Is this what has become of this world now? That guys just refuse to show up for films like 'Little Women'? Or is it that the women refused to take the men along? That this was a strictly girls-only kind of movie. Mainly because they didn't want the men to ruin what they grew up with reading. Mind you this film is based on a classic American novel that was part of school syllabus for many in India. And it's not the first screen adaption. It's the latest. But could just be its best yet. Critics have raved about it. It has a rotten tomatoes score of 95 per cent. Now, why wasn't there any semblance of gender parity in the audience for this film? I'm hoping it was just the one show that I went for. The fact that this film's woman director Greta Gerwig wasn't nominated raked up the issue of the lack of exactly that at the Oscars. All of this year's Best Director Oscar nominees were male. Speaking of which, it was nominated for 6 Oscars, including Best Film, Best-Adapted Screenplay and Best Background Score. And won the award for Best Costume Design. Chronicling the 'growing up' of the 4 March sisters - Jo, Meg, Amy and Beth - during the times of the Civil war in America, the film is masterful in bringing out the source material's eternal relevance and striking an emotional chord with today's audience. The leading women of 'Little Women' are stellar. Saoirse Ronan playing Jo March got nominated for Best Actress. The 25 years and a few more months old is the second youngest ever with 4 to her credit. While Ronan has not won yet, Jennifer Lawrence, the youngest 4-time oscar nominee by merely months, has already won the Best Actress trophy once for her performance in 'Silver Linings Playbook'. The big change from book to film is the character of Amy March, which has been given new vigour with newcomer Florence Pugh's breakout performance. And she too got herself a Supporting Actress nomination. But she didn't win. Laura Dern who plays the mother of the March sisters in this film won for her superb divorce lawyer act in another film - 'Marriage Story'. She is fantastic as the mother in this one too. What a year she has had. And the legendary Meryl Streep does a splendid cameo as the rich aunt who's only advice to the March sisters is to marry rich. Not because she's evil or anything, but because that was considered the only logical thing to do for women at the time. America too was as sexist as any other place in the world. Some say it still is. I wonder what it must have been like for regular middle-class guys in the late 1800s. And how much is it different now? Incidentally, there was an advertisement for 'Elite Matrimony' that played first before the film began. There was a collective groan when the movie abruptly stopped after an hour to honour the age-old Indian tradition of taking a compulsory 10-minute break in between, that is referred to as Interval or Intermission. The popcorn doesn't sell itself, does it? Also, profit margins are better on that. The women's loo got crowded real quick. I had no such issues being the only entrant at my end of the facilities. The look that the cleaning guy gave me was as if I was out at the wrong time doing something shady. So I got back quickly. Only to watch the damn 'Elite Matrimony' ad have its second run. Yeah, that played more number of times than the actual movie people came for. Irony died a mini death. At one point in the movie, the aunt tells one of the March sisters not to marry like their mother who fell for an ordinary army man. And that's brushed off almost like 'oh please!'. Filmmaker Greta Gerwig's sweeping costume drama has lofty ideals. Both as a film and in the characters central to it. With excellent cinematography and a beautiful music score, the film makes for fine viewing for both men and women. And all the genders in between. Louisa May Alcott who wrote the novel also released a sequel to it called 'Little Men' - about Jo March and her husband dealing with the lives of the boys at their Plumfield Estate School. That was made into a movie in the 1930s. But not since. Alcott then completed it as an unofficial trilogy with a third book called 'Jo's Boys'. About the same boys growing up and facing real-life adult issues. Which has never been made into a movie. Unfortunately, the 2nd and 3rd books are not nearly as loved as the first one. Alas, we could have had a new film version of 'Little Men' hitting movie theatres now. Although, I wonder how many men would show up for even that. They would still be queueing up for the Nth iteration of a superhero videogame/movie. Don't ask me why I put the /. I can't tell the difference between the 2 these days anymore. As I left the multiplex, I kept thinking about the episode from the iconic TV sitcom - 'Friends' - where Joey reads 'Little Women'. Because he has a bet with Rachel that she has to read 'The Shining' instead. And Rachel wins. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

When a man loves 'Little Women'

An Oscar award is probably the nearest thing to a 'Holy Grail' for cinema.

But, did you know why an award given by the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts &amp; Sciences is called an Oscar?

I'm asking only because I didn't know it for a long time. And found out recently enough to be embarrassed about it.&nbsp;

&nbsp;An official who worked there thought the golden trophy looked like her Uncle Oscar.

That's all it took. And now it gets called that more than 'The Academy Award'.

In 2013, the Academy Awards were officially rebranded as The Oscars.

It is a fickle world I tell you. Some things stick just like that. Forever. And some things just don't. No matter what you do.

Don't ever expect to read too much into why things happen.

If you're wondering why I am on this seemingly meaningless rant. I'd say I have my reasons.

But then it's purely up to you to give in to believing it. Just like watching movies. The film has its own reasons to be made. It's whether you are able to suspend disbelief while watching it or not.

For those still interested and reading.

I'm ranting because I find it unfair to reduce a good year of many very good films and a few great ones to just the big winners on the Oscar night.

Oscars are the finale of the awards season. Not all of it. I don't think even Oscar nominees that don't end up winning an award get their due.

It's always about the films that win Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Actress. Extend that to Best Supporting Actor and Actress at best.

That's it. An inordinately less number of films soak up all the attention.

And God forbid, if there's a year of one movie sweeping Oscars across categories. Literally everything that got nominated along with 'Titanic' sank.

Except that those kind of big sweeps are usually unquestioned. 11 Oscars. The only others are Ben-Hur and 'The Lord Of the Rings: The Return of The King'. With the latter being the only film to win everything it was nominated for.

But otherwise. The debate is always about whether these films were worth the jury creating instant global sensations out of them.

The common refrain invariably is, aren't all Oscar winners over-rated?

Well yes. Sometimes. Okay, quite a few times. But one thing you can be certain about. All the nominees are at the least, good films. At most, all-time classics.

And then there are films that were not even nominated for a single Oscar. And yet have done the rounds in the awards circuit this season. They even boast of box-office success or being released on Netflix. Films that have been watched and appreciated. And also have high rotten tomatoes score to boot.

I feel for them. Some of them make for great cult films.

Like this year's 'Dolemite Is My Name'. One of my personal favourites that made me laugh my guts out. 
 
<img alt="Dolemite Is My Name " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1d8ccb79-a85a-4fb8-9611-984b1fc16259" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/dolemite.jpg" />

Eddie Murphy in a biopic about a 1970s stand up comedian who made cult movies from the blaxploitation era. And is referred to as the godfather of rap.

Eddie was even nominated for the Best Actor Golden Globe in the Comedy/Musical category. But not at the Oscars.

A film made with great love and affection to its subject. 'Dolemite is My Name' is one of those movies where it feels like everyone involved had a ball working on it.

Most importantly for us, it's produced by and released on Netflix.

Then there are other films that even make for great family viewing.

Like this year's 'The Farwell'. A beautiful tale of a Chinese family uniting to say their last goodbye to the grandmother who is about to pass away. Except that they don't want her to know about it. And so they pretend that they've all come home together for a wedding. 
 
<img alt="The Farewell" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bbe95ff4-755c-48ed-baeb-0a465b3a1306" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/farewell.jpg" />

This heartwarming tear-jerker is based on its woman director Lulu Wang's life experiences.

Lead star Awkwafina even won the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy/Musical. And the film was a box office hit in America.

But both she and the film are a no show at the Oscars.

In fact, some of the non-nominated films can surprise you with things that you wouldn't have ever thought of.

Like comic legend Adam Sandler as the leading man in a seriously tense thriller with dark unsettling undertones.

Here's an actor whose name itself screams comedy, experimenting in the truest sense. And pulling it off. And ending up as one of the most under-rated performances. I feel for him. He was in the running for a Best Actor nomination.

'Uncut Gems' by Safdie brothers is about a charismatic Jewish-American diamond district jeweller, a gambling addict, navigating shady deals and dire consequences. 
 
<img alt="Uncut Gems" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e2bfe4ba-c0ee-4cba-bfa6-97c7a2fd39c1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/uncutgems.jpg" />

And it, unfortunately, becomes the almost undiscovered gem.

So let all the debates rage on about the winners.

The real joy is in watching these films that I'd like to call - The Dark Knights of the Oscars.

And then, of course, showing off how you've picked out the truly deserving ones. But please don't. I do not endorse that type of behaviour.

Watch them because they are so good, that they can take the snubbing from the Oscars. And still, make movie history of their own.

They exist in the shadows to show the world what light is. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

An Oscar award is probably the nearest thing to a 'Holy Grail' for cinema. But, did you know why an award given by the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences is called an Oscar?

An Oscar award is probably the nearest thing to a 'Holy Grail' for cinema. But, did you know why an award given by the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences is called an Oscar? I'm asking only because I didn't know it for a long time. And found out recently enough to be embarrassed about it. An official who worked there thought the golden trophy looked like her Uncle Oscar. That's all it took. And now it gets called that more than 'The Academy Award'. In 2013, the Academy Awards were officially rebranded as The Oscars. It is a fickle world I tell you. Some things stick just like that. Forever. And some things just don't. No matter what you do. Don't ever expect to read too much into why things happen. If you're wondering why I am on this seemingly meaningless rant. I'd say I have my reasons. But then it's purely up to you to give in to believing it. Just like watching movies. The film has its own reasons to be made. It's whether you are able to suspend disbelief while watching it or not. For those still interested and reading. I'm ranting because I find it unfair to reduce a good year of many very good films and a few great ones to just the big winners on the Oscar night. Oscars are the finale of the awards season. Not all of it. I don't think even Oscar nominees that don't end up winning an award get their due. It's always about the films that win Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Actress. Extend that to Best Supporting Actor and Actress at best. That's it. An inordinately less number of films soak up all the attention. And God forbid, if there's a year of one movie sweeping Oscars across categories. Literally everything that got nominated along with 'Titanic' sank. Except that those kind of big sweeps are usually unquestioned. 11 Oscars. The only others are Ben-Hur and 'The Lord Of the Rings: The Return of The King'. With the latter being the only film to win everything it was nominated for. But otherwise. The debate is always about whether these films were worth the jury creating instant global sensations out of them. The common refrain invariably is, aren't all Oscar winners over-rated? Well yes. Sometimes. Okay, quite a few times. But one thing you can be certain about. All the nominees are at the least, good films. At most, all-time classics. And then there are films that were not even nominated for a single Oscar. And yet have done the rounds in the awards circuit this season. They even boast of box-office success or being released on Netflix. Films that have been watched and appreciated. And also have high rotten tomatoes score to boot. I feel for them. Some of them make for great cult films. Like this year's 'Dolemite Is My Name'. One of my personal favourites that made me laugh my guts out. Eddie Murphy in a biopic about a 1970s stand up comedian who made cult movies from the blaxploitation era. And is referred to as the godfather of rap. Eddie was even nominated for the Best Actor Golden Globe in the Comedy/Musical category. But not at the Oscars. A film made with great love and affection to its subject. 'Dolemite is My Name' is one of those movies where it feels like everyone involved had a ball working on it. Most importantly for us, it's produced by and released on Netflix. Then there are other films that even make for great family viewing. Like this year's 'The Farwell'. A beautiful tale of a Chinese family uniting to say their last goodbye to the grandmother who is about to pass away. Except that they don't want her to know about it. And so they pretend that they've all come home together for a wedding. This heartwarming tear-jerker is based on its woman director Lulu Wang's life experiences. Lead star Awkwafina even won the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy/Musical. And the film was a box office hit in America. But both she and the film are a no show at the Oscars. In fact, some of the non-nominated films can surprise you with things that you wouldn't have ever thought of. Like comic legend Adam Sandler as the leading man in a seriously tense thriller with dark unsettling undertones. Here's an actor whose name itself screams comedy, experimenting in the truest sense. And pulling it off. And ending up as one of the most under-rated performances. I feel for him. He was in the running for a Best Actor nomination. 'Uncut Gems' by Safdie brothers is about a charismatic Jewish-American diamond district jeweller, a gambling addict, navigating shady deals and dire consequences. And it, unfortunately, becomes the almost undiscovered gem. So let all the debates rage on about the winners. The real joy is in watching these films that I'd like to call - The Dark Knights of the Oscars. And then, of course, showing off how you've picked out the truly deserving ones. But please don't. I do not endorse that type of behaviour. Watch them because they are so good, that they can take the snubbing from the Oscars. And still, make movie history of their own. They exist in the shadows to show the world what light is. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Oscars 2020: It's not always about the winners

How much can you expect from a film? How fair is it to ask a film to perform according to our expectations? Can a film ever be worth the hype when we are already told it has won several big awards?

These were some of the questions in my mind when I sat down to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-news-parasite-review-bong-joon-hos-film-on-class-divide-is-a-masterclass-in-storytelling-277783">watch 'Parasite'</a>. It's not the first time that a foreign-language film has raised so much curiosity. But it's different this time around.

'Parasite' is a serious challenger for the Best Picture Oscar. No foreign film in history has come this close. It has already been named the Best Foreign Film in nearly every single award show this season.

The film has been nominated for a total of 6 Oscars, including Best Director, Best Original Screenplay and Best Editing.

It has already won the Screen Actors Guild Award. The term&nbsp;gargantuan expectations feels like a joke here.

And yet by the time I was done watching it, I had no idea what just hit me. One of the most unique films I've seen to date. A film that cannot be slotted in any genre.

If at all there is one, then it can be named after this filmmaker - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscars-news-hollywood-news-oscars-2020-nominee-parasite-director-thinks-marvel-world-is-not-suitable-for-him-274900">Bong Joon Ho</a>.

Before 'Parasite', he made a film called 'Okja'. An action-adventure film about a girl who raises a genetically modified pig, which is nearly the size of an elephant, and an evil multinational corporation wants to acquire it at any cost.

Yeah, he is that weird. But in a way that delights our senses while watching his movies. I'll give you this for a synopsis of 'Parasite' - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/cannes-winner-parasite-captures-rich-poor-gap-in-basic-unit-of-life-director-222404">poor &amp; jobless family</a> befriends rich family to work in their household, and tries to act wealthy. Things turn messy. That's all you need to know.

But in the times of the internet, you would search and read far more. But seriously - don't. In fact, don't be friends with people who tell you the story of this film before you go watch it.

My friends just oohed and aahed after watching it not telling me even a single real word. And thank god for that.

It was a wallop of movie experience! 'Parasite' does everything from making you laugh hard with dark humour to gasping hard while biting your nails with tension. And when it's done, it won't leave you for the next 2-3 days - at least.

I couldn't stop reading about it and watching analytical videos online. There's so much subtext, that it's like a mini-crash course in Korean culture and history.

Despite the fact that the film is set in current times and you don't need to know anything about South Korea to understand it. Probably because it has something at its core, that's extremely relevant to the whole wide world.

The unbridgeable gap of wealth inequality in society. Don't worry, the film is the polar opposite of a boring sermon on the topic. It thrills you and fills you with an insatiable urge to know what's gonna happen next.

Nearly all your guesses about the twists and turns of the film will be wrong. Don't bother. All the film needs is a genuinely open-minded viewer who wants to be entertained. And as a bonus, it gives you something to think about as well.

'Parasite' is like a slap on the conscience of the upper-middle class and the upper class.You'll know it when you see it.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

How much can you expect from a film? How fair is it to ask a film to perform according to our expectations? Can a film ever be worth the hype when we are already told it has won several big awards?

How much can you expect from a film? How fair is it to ask a film to perform according to our expectations? Can a film ever be worth the hype when we are already told it has won several big awards? These were some of the questions in my mind when I sat down to watch 'Parasite'. It's not the first time that a foreign-language film has raised so much curiosity. But it's different this time around. 'Parasite' is a serious challenger for the Best Picture Oscar. No foreign film in history has come this close. It has already been named the Best Foreign Film in nearly every single award show this season. The film has been nominated for a total of 6 Oscars, including Best Director, Best Original Screenplay and Best Editing. It has already won the Screen Actors Guild Award. The term gargantuan expectations feels like a joke here. And yet by the time I was done watching it, I had no idea what just hit me. One of the most unique films I've seen to date. A film that cannot be slotted in any genre. If at all there is one, then it can be named after this filmmaker - Bong Joon Ho. Before 'Parasite', he made a film called 'Okja'. An action-adventure film about a girl who raises a genetically modified pig, which is nearly the size of an elephant, and an evil multinational corporation wants to acquire it at any cost. Yeah, he is that weird. But in a way that delights our senses while watching his movies. I'll give you this for a synopsis of 'Parasite' - poor & jobless family befriends rich family to work in their household, and tries to act wealthy. Things turn messy. That's all you need to know. But in the times of the internet, you would search and read far more. But seriously - don't. In fact, don't be friends with people who tell you the story of this film before you go watch it. My friends just oohed and aahed after watching it not telling me even a single real word. And thank god for that. It was a wallop of movie experience! 'Parasite' does everything from making you laugh hard with dark humour to gasping hard while biting your nails with tension. And when it's done, it won't leave you for the next 2-3 days - at least. I couldn't stop reading about it and watching analytical videos online. There's so much subtext, that it's like a mini-crash course in Korean culture and history. Despite the fact that the film is set in current times and you don't need to know anything about South Korea to understand it. Probably because it has something at its core, that's extremely relevant to the whole wide world. The unbridgeable gap of wealth inequality in society. Don't worry, the film is the polar opposite of a boring sermon on the topic. It thrills you and fills you with an insatiable urge to know what's gonna happen next. Nearly all your guesses about the twists and turns of the film will be wrong. Don't bother. All the film needs is a genuinely open-minded viewer who wants to be entertained. And as a bonus, it gives you something to think about as well. 'Parasite' is like a slap on the conscience of the upper-middle class and the upper class.You'll know it when you see it. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

'Parasite' is worth all the hype

It's one of those Oscar seasons where the names are big and the movies are fun enough for a lot of people- other than film junkies.

Headlining the event is a box-office smash. And not just any other money-spinner. One that dominated conversations across the board. With 11 nominations 'Joker' is the one film that's the biggest draw of them all.

Why? Well whenever the wider audience has seen the nominated films, there's automatically more interest. Will it win? <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/2020-oscars-nominations-best-actor-273985">Is it worth an Oscar</a>?

Case in point 1998. The year of 'Titanic' dominated the Oscars. An entire generation of Oscar watchers was born that pivotal year.

'Titanic' was a movie event like no other. There have been big-budget movies before, but this one came in the age of TV.

It was nominated for 13 Oscars and ended up taking home 11. At par with the other Hollywood epic- 'Ben-Hur'.

People watched 'Titanic' in the theatres. And then watched it create history on TV. A whole lot more people on TV, than at the time of 'Ben-Hur' for sure.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-2020-best-film-nominee-273954#1917-273940">Cut to 2020.</a>

While almost nothing compares to 'Titanic'- Todd Philips' 'Joker' is what you call a bona fide box-office success. And it received positive critical reviews as well!

Followed by a raging debate on its morality.

However, it has been a serious contender in the awards circuit. I feel in the coming days, 'Joker' is what every Oscar click-bait article is going to be about online.

But apart from 'Joker', there have been other films that have caught the audience's fancy this year. Like 'The Irishman' and 'Marriage Story'.

Both these films were produced by and released on Netflix. And hence in the digital age, they have become the most talked-about films. Despite having only a token theatrical run.

Quentin Tarantino's 'Once Upon A Time In Hollywood' is another well-watched film this year much like 'Ford V Ferrari'. While the former is touted to win Best Picture, the latter is unlikely to win anything at all.

Sam Mendes' film '1917' arrived at just the right time with all the right buzz.

A $100+ million World War I epic has been directed the same filmmaker who has won an Oscar for 'American Beauty' and scored a box-office bombshell for 'James Bond' with 'Skyfall' in the past.

It won the top honours at the Golden Globes days before it premiered worldwide. Talk about timing!

Incidentally, there is talk that this was the Hollywood Foreign Press Association providing back up for an expensive film without any stars in it.

But the Academy Awards jury too has bestowed it with 10 nominations. So that's that!

2020 is also the year when a Non-English film is poised to create history. The first film from South Korea to be nominated for a Best Picture Oscar. 'Parasite' has been nominated for 6 Oscars. Including Best Director and Best Original Screenplay.

This has been widely regarded as 'The Film' of the season, year, decade etc.

It won the prestigious Palm D'or at Cannes in 2019 while on its way to<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-2020-best-director-nominee-273978"> the Oscars</a>.

Here's a quick flashback. A year after 'Titanic' swept the Oscars, in 1999, the Italian film 'Life Is Beautiful' created magic. A tragicomedy set in the Holocaust it was nominated for 7 Oscars. And won 3 including Best Foreign Film.

The film's director and star Roberto Benigni became the first non-English speaking actor to win the Best Actor Oscar. His antics at the awards ceremony was one for the ages. That film too had won the Cannes Grand Prix award before the Oscars.

So be it 'Joker' or 'Parasite'- the parallel between the end of the 1990s and the beginning of the 2020s are fascinating.

If ever there was a time to get in on all the Oscar talk. Then it is now. And if ever there was a place to read before you speak. Then this is it! 
 
(Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

It's one of those Oscar seasons where the names are big and the movies are fun enough for a lot of people- other than film junkies. Headlining the event is a box-office smash.

It's one of those Oscar seasons where the names are big and the movies are fun enough for a lot of people- other than film junkies. Headlining the event is a box-office smash. And not just any other money-spinner. One that dominated conversations across the board. With 11 nominations 'Joker' is the one film that's the biggest draw of them all. Why? Well whenever the wider audience has seen the nominated films, there's automatically more interest. Will it win? Is it worth an Oscar? Case in point 1998. The year of 'Titanic' dominated the Oscars. An entire generation of Oscar watchers was born that pivotal year. 'Titanic' was a movie event like no other. There have been big-budget movies before, but this one came in the age of TV. It was nominated for 13 Oscars and ended up taking home 11. At par with the other Hollywood epic- 'Ben-Hur'. People watched 'Titanic' in the theatres. And then watched it create history on TV. A whole lot more people on TV, than at the time of 'Ben-Hur' for sure. Cut to 2020. While almost nothing compares to 'Titanic'- Todd Philips' 'Joker' is what you call a bona fide box-office success. And it received positive critical reviews as well! Followed by a raging debate on its morality. However, it has been a serious contender in the awards circuit. I feel in the coming days, 'Joker' is what every Oscar click-bait article is going to be about online. But apart from 'Joker', there have been other films that have caught the audience's fancy this year. Like 'The Irishman' and 'Marriage Story'. Both these films were produced by and released on Netflix. And hence in the digital age, they have become the most talked-about films. Despite having only a token theatrical run. Quentin Tarantino's 'Once Upon A Time In Hollywood' is another well-watched film this year much like 'Ford V Ferrari'. While the former is touted to win Best Picture, the latter is unlikely to win anything at all. Sam Mendes' film '1917' arrived at just the right time with all the right buzz. A $100+ million World War I epic has been directed the same filmmaker who has won an Oscar for 'American Beauty' and scored a box-office bombshell for 'James Bond' with 'Skyfall' in the past. It won the top honours at the Golden Globes days before it premiered worldwide. Talk about timing! Incidentally, there is talk that this was the Hollywood Foreign Press Association providing back up for an expensive film without any stars in it. But the Academy Awards jury too has bestowed it with 10 nominations. So that's that! 2020 is also the year when a Non-English film is poised to create history. The first film from South Korea to be nominated for a Best Picture Oscar. 'Parasite' has been nominated for 6 Oscars. Including Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. This has been widely regarded as 'The Film' of the season, year, decade etc. It won the prestigious Palm D'or at Cannes in 2019 while on its way to the Oscars. Here's a quick flashback. A year after 'Titanic' swept the Oscars, in 1999, the Italian film 'Life Is Beautiful' created magic. A tragicomedy set in the Holocaust it was nominated for 7 Oscars. And won 3 including Best Foreign Film. The film's director and star Roberto Benigni became the first non-English speaking actor to win the Best Actor Oscar. His antics at the awards ceremony was one for the ages. That film too had won the Cannes Grand Prix award before the Oscars. So be it 'Joker' or 'Parasite'- the parallel between the end of the 1990s and the beginning of the 2020s are fascinating. If ever there was a time to get in on all the Oscar talk. Then it is now. And if ever there was a place to read before you speak. Then this is it! (Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The Oscars boot camp

If there's one film that I would personally recommend that you must watch this Oscar season, then it would be a film called 'Honeyland'.

Mainly because almost nobody else is going to suggest it to you! It's a documentary set in North Macedonia. (Documentary? no... and where in God's name is North Macedonia??)

But I have my reasons.

First, in our extremely low-attention span times, you would be glad to know that the film is only 85 minutes long. One way or the other you won't regret it much.&nbsp;

Next, it's about honey. Hard to find people who hate it. If you do, please stop reading right now.

And last but definitely not the least, it's the first time in history that a film is nominated for a Best Documentary Feature Award, as well as, the Best International Feature Award.

'Honeyland' is a film that breaks barriers in terms of what even constitutes a movie. In technical terms, it is nominated in both the non-fiction and fiction categories of the awards.

In simple terms, a documentary is being nominated for a Best Film Award too. Now that's a rarity for any awards ceremony, leave alone the Oscars.

Flashback.

In 2004, Michael Moore’s documentary film "Fahrenheit 9/11" beat 18 other movies to win the coveted Palme d'Or - the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival.

And that was only the second documentary in history to do so at Cannes. The first one being 'The Silent World'. Co-directed by Jacques Cousteau and Louis Malle, it won the Palme d'Or in 1956.

Moore's documentary was a no-show at the Oscars though.

Not even slightly because it wasn't good enough, but because Moore decided to go in for a pay-per-view televising of the film. So that shut the film out from even the Best Documentary nomination.

Cut to now.

So all that means, you would be watching something very unique - brag alert here - its title might sound simple and straightforward. But that's only a decoy, even the story behind the making of it is fascinating.&nbsp;

Picture this:

A couple of Russian Documentary filmmakers, shooting in the remote countryside of North Macedonia. The plan is to shoot a short environmental documentary about a river. They don't know the local language which is not even the national language of this newly formed country that declared its independence in 1991.

And accidentally they discover beehives and the woman who tends to them. They didn’t speak Turkish -&nbsp;the preferred language of the film’s main subjects.

They would sleep in tents in the Protagonist's backyard for 3-4 days together. And that went on for over 3 years which means hundreds of hours of footage.

The filmmakers then spent nearly 4 months watching what they have shot after which they crunched into less than an hour and a half.

The visuals should tell you the story all by themselves. Honeyland started off with a bang at the awards circuit, winning at the Sundance Film Festival. And the rest as they all always say is history. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp; 
 
 
&nbsp;

If there's one film that I would personally recommend that you must watch this Oscar season, then it would be a film called 'Honeyland'. Mainly because almost nobody else is going to suggest it to you!

If there's one film that I would personally recommend that you must watch this Oscar season, then it would be a film called 'Honeyland'. Mainly because almost nobody else is going to suggest it to you! It's a documentary set in North Macedonia. (Documentary? no... and where in God's name is North Macedonia??) But I have my reasons. First, in our extremely low-attention span times, you would be glad to know that the film is only 85 minutes long. One way or the other you won't regret it much. Next, it's about honey. Hard to find people who hate it. If you do, please stop reading right now. And last but definitely not the least, it's the first time in history that a film is nominated for a Best Documentary Feature Award, as well as, the Best International Feature Award. 'Honeyland' is a film that breaks barriers in terms of what even constitutes a movie. In technical terms, it is nominated in both the non-fiction and fiction categories of the awards. In simple terms, a documentary is being nominated for a Best Film Award too. Now that's a rarity for any awards ceremony, leave alone the Oscars. Flashback. In 2004, Michael Moore’s documentary film "Fahrenheit 9/11" beat 18 other movies to win the coveted Palme d'Or - the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival. And that was only the second documentary in history to do so at Cannes. The first one being 'The Silent World'. Co-directed by Jacques Cousteau and Louis Malle, it won the Palme d'Or in 1956. Moore's documentary was a no-show at the Oscars though. Not even slightly because it wasn't good enough, but because Moore decided to go in for a pay-per-view televising of the film. So that shut the film out from even the Best Documentary nomination. Cut to now. So all that means, you would be watching something very unique - brag alert here - its title might sound simple and straightforward. But that's only a decoy, even the story behind the making of it is fascinating. Picture this: A couple of Russian Documentary filmmakers, shooting in the remote countryside of North Macedonia. The plan is to shoot a short environmental documentary about a river. They don't know the local language which is not even the national language of this newly formed country that declared its independence in 1991. And accidentally they discover beehives and the woman who tends to them. They didn’t speak Turkish - the preferred language of the film’s main subjects. They would sleep in tents in the Protagonist's backyard for 3-4 days together. And that went on for over 3 years which means hundreds of hours of footage. The filmmakers then spent nearly 4 months watching what they have shot after which they crunched into less than an hour and a half. The visuals should tell you the story all by themselves. Honeyland started off with a bang at the awards circuit, winning at the Sundance Film Festival. And the rest as they all always say is history. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

'Honeyland': One film that nobody will recommend, but you must watch

The name Elton John evokes myriad reactions across the board. And its the story behind this name that sets the stage in the iconic musician's first and only autobiography.

While the title is quite simply 'Me', the book is rather elaborate when it comes to detail, a decoy perhaps.

But the story of Reg Dwight becoming Elton John is told with such characteristic brit wit and dry humour that you willingly want to indulge in it and Elton John enthralls us with many such stories.

The book starts at a time when he is playing in a band called 'Bluesology' as a teenager. His mates were Elton Dean and John Baldry.&nbsp;

The names he took to launch a solo career immediately after quitting the band.

And even as his musical journey kicks off, we're given emotional passages on his parents' tumultuous marriage and his mother's temper.

Thankfully his mother loved Rock 'n' Roll. And so did the man she remarried eventually. Despite the dire economic straits and woeful circumstances, Elton John was destined.

'Me' is the origin story of a musical superhero. It doesn't dwell too much upon the initial struggle. And rightly so. Because Elton John was a bona fide star by the time he was 23.

Tales about his first tour of the US, with great archive photographs, are a riot. They are fantastic pop culture throwback. And the concerts come alive in your mind.

It's the equivalent of watching Elton John perform his greatest hits live.&nbsp;

Except that these are stories from his life and not necessarily the greatest advertisement to his mind and person,&nbsp;in fact, the opposite.

Elton John self-lacerates himself from the get-go. And that's a good thing. Because it endears him to you instantly.

How else does one empathise with a living legend talking about his drug abuse problem and many other things that are equally abrasive?

One of the highlights of the book is how it narrates Elton John's sexual journey. It took engagement with a woman and an outrageous light bulb moment with a mentor, for him to come to his senses. 'Me' is stellar in the way it depicts homosexuality. It's as if we realise along with Elton that he is indeed gay.

While reading 'Me' I was reminded of another legendary figure's autobiography. Anthony Bourdain's 'Kitchen Confidential'.

What that book did with Bourdain's world of food, this does with Elton John's world of music and in a similar fashion.

Anecdote after anecdote, almost breathlessly.

While keeping track of all the names and places can be daunting, the sheer joie de vivre with which it's written keeps the pages turning.&nbsp;

Eventually, the details fade to the background and you're left with a book that has its heart in the right place.

An autobiography on one of the most famous people in the world is a paradox in itself. We already know so much. Especially in today's world of information explosion, where internet speeds determine your rate of access. What possibly can a book tell us new?

'Me' warrants your time not just because it's raucous and revealing. It fascinates you with insights into Elton John - the person. His stardom might have been well documented. But the man in the flamboyant outfits behind the piano is now telling it the way only he can.

The name Elton John evokes myriad reactions across the board. And its the story behind this name that sets the stage in the iconic musician's first and only autobiography.

The name Elton John evokes myriad reactions across the board. And its the story behind this name that sets the stage in the iconic musician's first and only autobiography. While the title is quite simply 'Me', the book is rather elaborate when it comes to detail, a decoy perhaps. But the story of Reg Dwight becoming Elton John is told with such characteristic brit wit and dry humour that you willingly want to indulge in it and Elton John enthralls us with many such stories. The book starts at a time when he is playing in a band called 'Bluesology' as a teenager. His mates were Elton Dean and John Baldry. The names he took to launch a solo career immediately after quitting the band. And even as his musical journey kicks off, we're given emotional passages on his parents' tumultuous marriage and his mother's temper. Thankfully his mother loved Rock 'n' Roll. And so did the man she remarried eventually. Despite the dire economic straits and woeful circumstances, Elton John was destined. 'Me' is the origin story of a musical superhero. It doesn't dwell too much upon the initial struggle. And rightly so. Because Elton John was a bona fide star by the time he was 23. Tales about his first tour of the US, with great archive photographs, are a riot. They are fantastic pop culture throwback. And the concerts come alive in your mind. It's the equivalent of watching Elton John perform his greatest hits live. Except that these are stories from his life and not necessarily the greatest advertisement to his mind and person, in fact, the opposite. Elton John self-lacerates himself from the get-go. And that's a good thing. Because it endears him to you instantly. How else does one empathise with a living legend talking about his drug abuse problem and many other things that are equally abrasive? One of the highlights of the book is how it narrates Elton John's sexual journey. It took engagement with a woman and an outrageous light bulb moment with a mentor, for him to come to his senses. 'Me' is stellar in the way it depicts homosexuality. It's as if we realise along with Elton that he is indeed gay. While reading 'Me' I was reminded of another legendary figure's autobiography. Anthony Bourdain's 'Kitchen Confidential'. What that book did with Bourdain's world of food, this does with Elton John's world of music and in a similar fashion. Anecdote after anecdote, almost breathlessly. While keeping track of all the names and places can be daunting, the sheer joie de vivre with which it's written keeps the pages turning. Eventually, the details fade to the background and you're left with a book that has its heart in the right place. An autobiography on one of the most famous people in the world is a paradox in itself. We already know so much. Especially in today's world of information explosion, where internet speeds determine your rate of access. What possibly can a book tell us new? 'Me' warrants your time not just because it's raucous and revealing. It fascinates you with insights into Elton John - the person. His stardom might have been well documented. But the man in the flamboyant outfits behind the piano is now telling it the way only he can.

'Me' fascinates you with insights into Elton John - the person

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

K Krishnakumar

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