Category Drama & Cinema

How dubbing changed the world of cinema?

Many of us watch foreign and other language movies or series in our own regional language and get the same feel as the original. These movies involve an intricate process called dubbing. Let us find out.

Dubbing is a post-production process of adding sound and dialogues into a media. It also involves replacing the original voice track with a synchronised translation in another language. Unlike voiceovers, dubbing is much more nuanced and complex. It is mostly done for movies and TV series, while it is also needed for animation movies, video games and music at times.

Dubbing helps in reaching a wider audience. It is categorised into three types namely lipsynced dubbing, time-synced dubbing and non-synced dubbing.

Origin of dubbing

With the invention of photograph (a device used to record sound), cinema began transitioning from the silent era to sound. Warner Bros. of Hollywood were pioneers who made new sound movies, called Vitaphone movies. These movies had a recording of an orchestra along with some sound effects that were synchronised perfectly with the moving images. Slowly ‘talkies’ were made, where movies incorporated dialogues as actors started talking to one another.

In 1930, a musical talkie by name ‘Applause’ was made by Rouben Mamoulian that first used dubbing. The director experimented the sound mixing by interlocking 35 mm audio tracks and began the dubbing practice. Eventually, more and more films started to record actors’ dialogue after shooting scenes, then synchronising the sound to the scene. When actor Louise Brooks refused to reshoot their silent scenes in the movie The Canary Murder Case’, the hiring of voice actors began.

Subs Vs Dubs

The debate on subtitles versus dubbing is still on. While there are people who don’t like subtitles due to their pace and complexity, dubbing is preferred as it adds more emotion. But the catch is that, the results of dubbing has to be natural and organic. If the audio is poorly mixed or if any actors’ accent is incomprehensible, subtitles come in handy. They can also be used by those with hearing difficulties.

 Varied perspectives

Though dubbing allows for a deeper understanding and connection to the storyline, it is a time consuming and critical process for filmmakers. Some filmmakers have moved to sync sound which involves reconting the is sound while on the set to make the film more realistic This helped in reducing the post production cost and efforts. But filmmakers continued to rely on dubbing as it enhances the audio quality.

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Who are anti-heroes?

Anti-heroes are those characters in a story who do not neatly fit the hero or villain template. They are not the typical heroes we cheer for, nor are they the clear-cut bad guys. Instead, they are a blend of both, and that’s what makes them intriguing. They are complex, like real people with strengths and flaws. They might have noble intentions, but their methods can be questionable. Unlike the villains who just want to create chaos, anti-heroes have a unique charm due to their shades of grey.

In literary classics, Heathcliff from English novelist Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights epitomises the anti-hero. His all-consuming rage, jealousy, passionate love, and tortured soul blur the lines between right and wrong. Likewise, Jay Gatsby in American novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby strives for the American Dream, yet his questionable dealings and obsession undermine his noble pursuits. Children’s literature too embraces anti-heroes. Consider the Grinch in American writer Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! His journey from bitter isolation to redemption showcases his complexity. Even Severus Snape from British writer J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, with his abrasive exterior and concealed motivations, is a prime example. Anti-heroes bring out the complexity of human nature in stories. They challenge the common pattern of good versus evil. While villains embody darkness and challenge the hero, anti-heroes show us both sides of the coin. Their journey is one of self-discovery, and they help us as readers reflect on the fact that people are not one-dimensional. Instead, they carry a mix of both good and bad traits.

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What is kitchen sink drama?

In the annals of world cinema history, certain movements have left an indelible mark but one often overlooked gem is the British Kitchen Sink Realism. commonly referred to as “Kitchen Sink Drama.” This unique cinematic revolution placed a spotlight on deep. relatable characters and the complexities of everyday life. adding a profound layer to the drama genre. The roots of Kitchen Sink Realism can be traced back to an expressive painting by John Bratby featuring an ordinary kitchen sink. This artistic departure from Bratby’s usual subjects, which depicted the struggles of working-class individuals. piqued the interest of critics. The term “Kitchen Sink School was coined by critic David Sylvester to describe a group of artists who depicted scenes of domestic life with a social realist flair. As the influence of this style extended beyond the realm of painting into film and television, it evolved into a distinctive genre.

Portraying everyday struggles

The aftermath of World War II (1939-1945) left countless individuals facing harsh realities. Rationing persisted until 1952, and the destruction caused by wartime bombing raids resulted in a severe housing shortage Even as the 1950s brought about gradual improvements, life remained a challenging journey for many working-class people. This adversity was the catalyst for the Kitchen Sink Drama movement, a genre that focused on social realism and portrayed the domestic lives of ordinary people. These narratives explored issues like divorce, turbulent relationships, economic inequality, and homelessness. The settings were often cramped apartments and tiny houses. At the heart of this movement, protagonists often embodied the archetype of “angry young men.” individuals disenchanted with modern society and serving as the voice of the era This term also extended to authors and playwrights of the time who shared these themes in their works.

Examples

Central to the Kitchen Sink Realism movement was a commitment to depicting the everyday struggles often overlooked by traditional art. These works stood in stark contrast to the polished narratives of upper-class lifestyles that were prevalent in mainstream cinema. Notable literary examples include John Osbome’s Look Back in Anger, which was later adapted into a film, and Arnold Wesker’s trilogy of plays featuring titles such as Chicken Soup with Barley. Roots, and I’m Talking About Jerusalem.

In the intricate tapestry of world cinema, the British Kitchen Sink Realism movement stands as a testament to the power of film in portraying the complex fabric of human existence.

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WHO WAS A SHAKESPEAREAN FOOL?

In the rich tapestry of Shakespearean plays, there exists a character who, despite its comedic antics, embodies far more depth and significance than meets the eye – the Shakespearean fool. Distinguishing this character from a clown isn’t merely a matter of costumes and gags; it delves into their roles and impact within society. The Shakespearean fool, unlike a traditional clown, possessed a multifaceted role. Such characters were not just jesters for entertainment but often served as insightful commentators, revealing truths about other characters and situations through wit, irony, and satire. They often disguised their wisdom within their humorous dialogues, speaking uncomfortable truths that others dared not vocalise.

Types of Shakespearean Fools

In the Bard’s theatricalmasterpieces, the depiction of fools transcends a singular archetype, offering a spectrum of characters that exemplify diverse facets of wit, wisdom, and societal critique. One such variant is the “clown,” a character like the Fool in King Lear or Feste in Twelfth Night. They skilfully interweave jests and puns with profound insights, often using humour to shield poignant observations on the world around them. Their seemingly light-hearted banter belies a deep understanding of the underlying truths of the society they inhabits.  Contrasting the down is the ‘wise fool’, epitomised by character such as touchstone in as you like it. These figures posses an innate preceptiveness that belies their outward Appreance of buffoonery.  Their playful antics serve as a tool to unravel the hypocrisies and challenge conventional wisdom. In addition, the “moral fool” emerges in characters like Edgar disguised as Poor Tom in King Lear. These individuals adopt a guise of madness or folly to navigate perilous circumstances. Through their seemingly irrational behaviour

Court jesters  

Court jesters were the predecessors of the Shakespearean fool, and held a pivotal position in the monacrch’s courts across the world. Beyond providing amusement, they acted as truth-tellers in a world where criticising those in power was perilous.

Costume

The iconic attire of a courtjester from its unique cap with bells and colourful costumes were symbols of their privilege to talk and mock without the fear of punishment. Beyond playing the role of injecting levity into a situation these comics possess a very rare privilege-free speech.

Comedy in the contemporary world Connecting the iconic Shakespearean archetype to modern stand-up comics unveils a similar underlying principle. Many contemporary stand-up comics, akin to the English playwright’s stock character, use humour as a medium for societal commentary. However, they do not don a garb that could help them evade punishment for speaking truth to power or even expressing their personal opinions on a sensitive tonic that has rattled society.

The social impact By dressing reality in humour, comedy invites audiences to reflect on society’s shortcomings, absurdities, and hypocrisies. It’s a mirror held up to society, making us laugh while revealing uncomfortable truths. Challenging authority and societal norms provides a space for dissent and fosters critical thinking. In essence, the Shakespearean fool, the court jesters of history, and the stand-up comics of today share a common thread – they harness the power of comedy to illuminate truth.The laughter they induce in the guise of entertainment acts as a vehicle to convey profound insights, provoke contemplation, and challenge societal norms. As we laugh along, we also find ourselves introspecting, confronting uncomfortable realities, and perhaps, contemplating the change we wish to see in the world.

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Which Indian documentaries won Oscars?

Thanks to the Oscars, two documentaries from India- ‘The Elephant Whisperers’ and ‘All That Breathes’– have been in the news for a while now. But what exactly are documentaries? Let’s find out.

‘The Elephant Whisperers’, set in an elephant camp in Tamil Nadu, follows tribal couple Bellie and Bomman. Their lives are deeply connected by their shared love for Raghu, an orphaned wild baby elephant who appears to have had no hope for survival till the two take him into their fold and ply him with food and generous doses of loving care. When it’s time for Raghu to move on, he breaks those two hearts. But as it is with most things in life, the couple is left with Raghu’s memories to hold on to and new love to look forward to. While documenting the life of Raghu, ‘The Elephant Whisperers’ also allows us quiet glimpses of life in a tribal hamlet and the wildlife surrounding it-all in 40-odd minutes. Directed by Kartiki Gonsalves, this profoundly touching story was nominated for the Oscar under the Documentary Short Film category.

Set in our bustling national capital, ‘All That Breathes’ tells the story of brothers Nadeem Shehzad and Mohammad Saud who have taken it upon themselves – for about two decades- to care for raptors, particularly black kites, suffering the city’s notorious pollution. Even as it records how the brothers go about their task – without substantial help in cash or kind, ‘All That Breathes’ unobtrusively brings into focus social issues intersecting the duo’s lives, outlining the fact that it’s not just air that’s toxic. And, despite everything that’s going on, what dominates the tone of the film is the strength of compassion and the intrinsic interconnectedness in our world. Nominated for the Oscar under the Documentary Feature Film category, it has been directed by Shaunak Sen.

What is a documentary?

A documentary is a film either screened in cinema halls or telecast on television channels in one or many parts over a period of time Today documentaries are available for viewing on video streaming platforms too. The defining tenor of any documentary is its rootedness in truth and reality. While the director may take creative liberty with the work, a documentary always revolves around facts. It aims to bring together several aspects of the subject in focus. The subject could be anything from nature and society to social issues and personalities, the possibilities are endless. Importantly, since it strives to capture reality, any documentary-irrespective of its subject-involves a lot of research and reflects a tireless quest for accuracy.

How is it different from a film?

A film, or more precisely, a feature film, may or may not be anchored in reality. Invariably, feature films are fictitious, and cover a wide range of genres-from family drama, romance, and sci-fi to fantasy, action, and adventure. In fact, many of them created in India even involve song and dance sequences. Some such films may even feature characters doing what is impossible for individuals in real life. In short, feature films could be worlds of make-believe, a far cry from what a documentary feature film stands for. But, thanks to better reach, interest, and acceptance among film-goers over the years and constant advancement in technology, feature films moored in reality too are gaining increased endorsement the world over. Another factor of difference is that while feature films predominantly aspire to entertain, documentaries hope to inform and educate. (However, this does not suggest that feature films will not educate or that documentaries will not entertain.) The run time too is taken into account while defining a film particularly when it comes to award categories. For instance, a short documentary could be defined as one that runs for a certain duration, and anything running longer than that could be slotted under ‘Documentary Feature Film’.

Why are documentaries important?

Because they inform. And bring in varied perspectives on the subject they deal with. Especially with social issues, they help start conversations on topics that people have either forgotten about or are unwilling to talk about. They ask questions that many are uncomfortable asking. They seek to find answers on behalf of those who may not have the wherewithal to do so. Be it about our history, our culture, the natural world, or society in general, documentaries help kindle our interest/curiosity, call us to learn, inspire us to understand, and nudge us to act, if need be. They also have the social responsibility to be honest and balanced in what they put out to the world.

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Shakespeare’s lost play

Literary scholars have always alluded to the fact that there are many plays by brilliant English playwright William Shakespeare that have not seen the light of day and Cardenio might be the most popular of them all.

Most scholars suggest that The History of Cardenio often simply called Cardenio was written in 1613. As it is one of Shakespeare’s later contributions, it is (like many of his later plays) believed to be co-authored.

In the last stages of his career, Shakespeare is said to have been working with a writing partner, English dramatist John Fletcher. The two of them co-wrote ‘The Two Noble Kinsmen’ in 1613 and prior to this had also joined forces to write a history play, ‘Henry VIl’l which is also known as ‘All is True’.

Cardenio

The argument of dating the play to 1613 is supported by the fact that the records of the treasurer of the King’s chamber to King James state that two payments were made to Shakespeare’s drama company King’s Men in 1613 for plays called “Cardenna” and “Cardenno” These two records are presumed to refer to the same play (Cardenio) as rules for spelling were not standardised in Shakespeare’s time. Therefore, these records are taken as evidence that Cardenio was written around 1613.

The titular character of this play is also a recurring figure in one of the most influential works of Spanish literature Miguel de Cervante’s Don Quote. Written and published in 1605, the first English translation of this Spanish classic came around 1612. Therefore, it is fairly safe for us to assume that Shakespeare and Fletcher would have taken inspiration from this translated version of the novel.

Never published

For some reason, John Heminge and Henry Contell did not include Cardenio in the First Folio (1623), which was the first significant compilation of the English playwright’s works. As a result, the play was never published or made available to the general public.

Lost and forgotten

Many scholars and researchers have come up with theories to justify why this play was not included in the First Folio and how or why it got lost.

One of the possible answers for excluding it can be that it was written in collaboration, but the folio does include co-authored plays such as Henry VIII and Two Gentlemen of Verona, so this cannot be the reason.

Another suggestion is that they did not include it as they did not have a written copy – because the manuscript was destroyed in the fire that burnt down Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre on June 29, 1613. Or perhaps the play, fresh from its early performance at the King’s court in 1613, was new enough that no copy had been made of text and that the only text of the manuscript was in the Globe when it burnt to the ground. Although it is hard to specify how Cardenio’s original text was lost, it is certainly fascinating to know how through the years numerous playwrights, actors, and directors have tried to reconstruct and recover this play.

In 2009, British academic Bernard Richards reconstructed Cardenio on stage. More recently in 2011, English director Gregory Doran crafted his own version of the play for production at the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Swan Theatre.

Musing about Cardenio in an interview with the Wall Street Journal in 2009, Canadian novelist Stephen Marche said “This work would have been a direct link between the founder of the modern novel and the greatest playwright of all time, a connection between the Spanish and British literary traditions at their sources, and a meeting of the grandest expressions of competing colonial powers…”

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