A Passage to India (1984)
A Passage to India (1984)
A Passage to India is a deep, mesmerizing film and also, an important film. The film, based off one of the twentieth century’s greatest literary works, is a story about prejudice and racism between the English and Indian people during the British Raj. This beautiful film is also David Lean’s last film. Lean made sure to go out with a bang, as he still had one more epic in him. The canvas that he painted is colorful, realistic, and complicated. The story has many moving parts within its politics, and it has the chance to frustrate viewers with how open-ended Lean left his film. Then again, the novel was even more open-ended. The beauty of the arts!
The film took an incredibly long time to be adapted from the source material. The author, E.M Forster (also known for writing Howard’s End), was afraid his book would be adapted the wrong way. Many filmmakers approached him for the rights, but he denied them all. He did not think it was possible to bring balance to the story. He believed a side would always be chosen; whether its British or Indian. After his death, the rights were finally optioned, and Lean chose this story to make his last film.
Lean has been out of the spotlight for fourteen years after the negative reviews of 1970’s Ryan’s Daughter. This is the genius and the brains behind film classics such as The Bridge Over River Kwai and Lawrence of Arabia. The man needed to go out with a hurrah, to prove he had one last epic on him. He was originally working on a remake to Mutiny on the Bounty, but those plans fell apart leaving him open to directing this movie. A rough draft of the script was given to him, but he essentially made his own script saying that he wanted to spend the budget wisely. In other words, he wanted to film outside and give the audience the look of India. Lean has always been a meticulous director. He pays attention to detail. Yes, the film is very detailed so keep your eyes peeled!
The story itself is a little complicated. In the early 1920’s. Adela Quested (Judy Davis) and her future mother-in-law Mrs. Moore (Peggy Ashcroft) arrive in India to visit her soon-to-be betrothed, Ronny (Nigel Havers). The two women are sad to learn that the British do not socialize with the “inferior” Indians, as they were looking forward to adventures in this new country. One British man, Richard Fielding (James Fox) organizes social meetings with the locals. Adela meets the intelligent, philosophical Professor Godbole (Alec Guinness), and a local doctor Aziz (Victor Banerjee). Aziz is very happy about his treatment as a British person has never been kind to him before. Aziz decides to organize a trip to the renowned Marabar Caves. In these caves, things will happen that will affect everyone’s future.
I do think the film is well-acted, although I believe the actors are not the highest priority here. This is a more director-driven approach that Lean took. That said, the performances are solid throughout. Peggy Ashcroft, who did not want to do the film and was not Lean’s first choice (Celia Johnson was), had the best performance. Judy Davis had the opportunity for her first bigger role, and she met the challenge. I was very intrigued by Alec Guinness. His performance is…eccentric. It is also a much smaller role, which actually angered Guinness. Lean and Guinness quarreled on set and the actor believed his small role was intentional. They did not talk again until Lean’s deathbed. Victor Banerjee made Indian headlines as being a local (not British) Indian in a major role. He did a good job.
What do all David Lean films have in common? The cinematography is absolutely beautiful! His films are like giant paintings that mesmerize you with its radiating beauty. Ernest Day is the man behind the camera for this one. Another Lean film, another striking portrait. Lean wanted to show us that India is a beautiful country. What is another thing Lean films have in common? The score! Maurice Jarre worked with Lean many times before. Each time, they created music that you would never forget. This particular score is considered among Jarre’s best.
Overall, A Passage to India is a movie that only a man like David Lean could direct. It captures the beauty and the spirit of the epic, but it is also a deep and thoughtful picture. It leaves many questions to be answered and it does so intentionally…which may frustrate some viewers. Just read the book and you will discover the same thing. It is also a long film, so be prepared for moments of contemplation. I agree that Amadeus is the best film of 1984, but A Passage to India would have been the second choice to win. I agree. I am glad this film is David Lean’s last film. A sign of greatness!
My Grade: A-
A Passage to India is a deep, mesmerizing film and also, an important film. The film, based off one of the twentieth century’s greatest literary works, is a story about prejudice and racism between the English and Indian people during the British Raj. This beautiful film is also David Lean’s last film. Lean made sure to go out with a bang, as he still had one more epic in him. The canvas that he painted is colorful, realistic, and complicated. The story has many moving parts within its politics, and it has the chance to frustrate viewers with how open-ended Lean left his film. Then again, the novel was even more open-ended. The beauty of the arts!
The film took an incredibly long time to be adapted from the source material. The author, E.M Forster (also known for writing Howard’s End), was afraid his book would be adapted the wrong way. Many filmmakers approached him for the rights, but he denied them all. He did not think it was possible to bring balance to the story. He believed a side would always be chosen; whether its British or Indian. After his death, the rights were finally optioned, and Lean chose this story to make his last film.
Lean has been out of the spotlight for fourteen years after the negative reviews of 1970’s Ryan’s Daughter. This is the genius and the brains behind film classics such as The Bridge Over River Kwai and Lawrence of Arabia. The man needed to go out with a hurrah, to prove he had one last epic on him. He was originally working on a remake to Mutiny on the Bounty, but those plans fell apart leaving him open to directing this movie. A rough draft of the script was given to him, but he essentially made his own script saying that he wanted to spend the budget wisely. In other words, he wanted to film outside and give the audience the look of India. Lean has always been a meticulous director. He pays attention to detail. Yes, the film is very detailed so keep your eyes peeled!
The story itself is a little complicated. In the early 1920’s. Adela Quested (Judy Davis) and her future mother-in-law Mrs. Moore (Peggy Ashcroft) arrive in India to visit her soon-to-be betrothed, Ronny (Nigel Havers). The two women are sad to learn that the British do not socialize with the “inferior” Indians, as they were looking forward to adventures in this new country. One British man, Richard Fielding (James Fox) organizes social meetings with the locals. Adela meets the intelligent, philosophical Professor Godbole (Alec Guinness), and a local doctor Aziz (Victor Banerjee). Aziz is very happy about his treatment as a British person has never been kind to him before. Aziz decides to organize a trip to the renowned Marabar Caves. In these caves, things will happen that will affect everyone’s future.
I do think the film is well-acted, although I believe the actors are not the highest priority here. This is a more director-driven approach that Lean took. That said, the performances are solid throughout. Peggy Ashcroft, who did not want to do the film and was not Lean’s first choice (Celia Johnson was), had the best performance. Judy Davis had the opportunity for her first bigger role, and she met the challenge. I was very intrigued by Alec Guinness. His performance is…eccentric. It is also a much smaller role, which actually angered Guinness. Lean and Guinness quarreled on set and the actor believed his small role was intentional. They did not talk again until Lean’s deathbed. Victor Banerjee made Indian headlines as being a local (not British) Indian in a major role. He did a good job.
What do all David Lean films have in common? The cinematography is absolutely beautiful! His films are like giant paintings that mesmerize you with its radiating beauty. Ernest Day is the man behind the camera for this one. Another Lean film, another striking portrait. Lean wanted to show us that India is a beautiful country. What is another thing Lean films have in common? The score! Maurice Jarre worked with Lean many times before. Each time, they created music that you would never forget. This particular score is considered among Jarre’s best.
Overall, A Passage to India is a movie that only a man like David Lean could direct. It captures the beauty and the spirit of the epic, but it is also a deep and thoughtful picture. It leaves many questions to be answered and it does so intentionally…which may frustrate some viewers. Just read the book and you will discover the same thing. It is also a long film, so be prepared for moments of contemplation. I agree that Amadeus is the best film of 1984, but A Passage to India would have been the second choice to win. I agree. I am glad this film is David Lean’s last film. A sign of greatness!
My Grade: A-
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