film industry

Western film reduces India to a caricature, pandering to Western audiences

Western film reduces India to a caricature, pandering to Western audiences

The movie “Eat Pray Love” directed by Ryan Murphy situates the viewer in India through quick shots of crowded streets. Bikes and rickshaws furiously honk at each other over the evening traffic. Children run across streets with sheer abandon, and vendors prepare food for the gathering crowds. M.I.A.’s “Boyz” plays in the back as Julia Roberts enters the scene in a cab, eyes reeling at the reckless driving and noise around her. As the cab slows down, she offers her hand to the bunch of children gathered by her window, guarded. A sense of exasperation permeates both her and the audience at the sight of this chaotic surrounding. India, as seen here, is an impenetrable and uncivilized mess.

Armie Hammer allegations reinforce need for social responsibility in Hollywood

Armie Hammer allegations reinforce need for social responsibility in Hollywood

As an outsider, the film industry represents the most glamorous and optimistic parts of reality. We go to cinema halls to escape from our ordinary lives — we obsess over celebrities and we dream of living a life with such opulence. Movies have proven to be the only permanence in this world of constant change or turmoil. But with the immense power to influence an audience comes the burden of social responsibility.