It's all for power

Steve Buscemi as Nikita Khruschev from The Death of Stalin (2017) 

Inspired by real events, but based on a historically inaccurate French play, 'The Death of Stalin' is a perfect dark comedy. A veneer of self deprecating humor runs as a recurring theme through out the film, masking the tragic and grotesque events of senseless violence bound to happen in any worthwhile power struggle. Gentle satire without outright criticism, comedy without cringe - ever disappearing skills come to the fore in this brilliant take by Armando Iannucci.

1953, The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) - Stalin passed away after a brutal and repressive rule of 29 years and all hell breaks loose. In come a variety of characters to the fore, all pale shadows during Stalin's era, but now free and seeking power - the contrast is palpable. Two individuals stand out in this struggle eventually - On one side is Lavrentiy Beria, head of the dreaded NKVD, impeccably portrayed by Simon Russel Beale & then the Moscow head of the Party - the future General Secretary Nikita Khrushcev, essayed by Steve Buscemi. A shoutout to the apt and hilarious cast - Jasson Issaccs as Marshal Zhukov, Jeffery Tambor as stand in General Secretary Malenkov, other ministers, Rupert Friend as Vassily Stalin.

The film does have it's limitations. For once, director Iannucci himself stated that he 'toned down the real life absurdity', and we cannot expect such a dark comedy to strictly adhere to the rigors of historical accuracy. Moreover, Dark Comedy is not everyone's cup of tea.





The Death of Stalin (2017) by Armando Iannucci is a British Satirical Dark Comedy film based on a French Play - 'La Morte de Stalline'

Blossoms...those times! First time at India's largest second hand book store...

Inside Blossoms - Image from Wikipedia by CamilleaM1FLERéunion

January 2014, Bengaluru

The first time I visited this place which was suggested to me by a colleague at work, I made a heavy weather of the conveyance. I trusted city buses instead of the quicker metro and finally got down at Mayo Hall Bus stop. The Church street on a saturday evening was all the more confusing - is seemed like an eternal celebration of life! After a cursory glance at the small pillar (if I could take the luxury to call it as such) paying glorious tribute to British Indian troops (especially from the erstwhile provinces of Madras and Mysore) of First World War, I set out for Blossoms!

Neatly tucked away in a side lane, unmindful of the noisy humdrum of the MG Road, to a first time visitor like me - the most distinguishing feature of Blossoms is it's invisibility! Neat piles of books including the one on Hindusim by Wendy Dongier (at that point of time, the book was yet to be banned in India) greeted me at the entrance. Blossoms, the much beloved and popular Independent book store of Bengaluru selling new and used books alike is touted as India's largest second hand book store.

Despite the visible simplicity, the diverse class of people visiting Blossoms and the sheer scale of this shop (three storey building - piles of books neatly classified on three floors) amazed me. The staff are very helpful - in the sense that they'd never bother a browsing introvert like me unless I approach them first for any help - a rare trait that I liked. The store was packed - youngsters skimming through English novels and classics, few parents dealing with their nagging children in kids section and elders in quest of some rare books willingly helped by the staff! The Godfather by Mario Puzo was my first purchase. The prices are very affordable. The space appeared cramped, but that did not matter as one could simply lose oneself for hours here.

During my next visit to the shop, I was more wiser - I took the metro from Bayappanahalli. I made some more visits, each time returning with some good books. I do miss Blossoms ....and those times.








Blossoms is an Independent book store at Church Street, Bengaluru started by Mr. Mayi Gowda in 2001.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/W2MZgH4wA3GHmSd76

Delusional, disturbing & deep.... simply the best!

We all watched Heath Ledger as Joker in the film 'The Dark Knight (2008)'. The sheer sarcasm and irony in people rooting for a villain whose laugh appears terrifying & unnecessary at the same time, cannot be missed. A comic villain was thurst upon us & we took him with glee. In truth, I only liked Heath Ledger as Joker. I never liked the Joker until today.... 

'Joker' directed by Todd Phillips is disturbing, delusional & deceptive at times. A simple background story of how Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) transforms into the Joker is detailed & sketched in different shades, touching various themes. The audience actually cheered the grotesque actions of a psychotic & hallucinating Arthur Fleck - this should not mean that all the people who watch the film have such violent tendencies. It is merely a testimony to the director's craft and to the sheer acting class & panache of Joaquin Phoenix.  And a big credit to the screenplay that helped in creating a villian-sympathetic narrative. 

Robert DeNiro sizzles in his little role - a patronising & condascending false role model that we all had in our respective lives. Music simply elevated the film, with two haunting songs adding depth. The climax - Joker's monologue set at the cusp of a cleverly potrayed battle of haves & have nots - ah! This is how a film should end. Be warned, the element of normalised gore may disturb you and as the Joker says... 'You wouldn't get it'. 

But, I got it.

Joker (Warner Bros, 2019) by Todd Phillips