Editing

Slumdog Millionaire (2008) -

The movie ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ was released in 2008 and is a film associated with following the lifestyle of a Mumbai teen who grew up in the slums and later participates in the Indian version of the show ‘Who Want To Be A Millionaire.’

Many editing effects have been used throughout the film, especially during this clip, to give an insight into Indian culture. This clip in particular is versatile and the main feature it uses is continuity editing. The shots together show the two young boys sneaking on a train to find ways to make money wherever possible. The shots first show them both getting onto the train, followed by their selling methods and then a shot of one of the boys counting the money made. There is a continuous flow of action which helps illustrate the busy standard of living in India. Another method that editing has been employed is through the style of editing. Throughout the majority of the clip the only shot used is a straight cut – this have been done to indicate a regular routine of lifestyle that these two young boys live through to get by everyday. In my opinion, if this movie used a dissolve/wipe this would’ve looked odd and wouldn’t relate to the reality of this movie as it represents genuine lifestyle. ‍Through the utilization of continuity editing, the shot of the children’s long and fast chasing scenes are well portrayed. Various use of camera height at a bird’s eye view in between the continuity editing helps develops the running scenes further, building more tension and establishing the lifestyle in a place seeking for hope.

Also, non-diegetic sound has been used over the shots to help relate the action to the lyrics. The song ‘Paper Planes’ by M.I.A. has been used as a significant source in the movie to indicate the need of money – this interlinks with the narrative as it demonstrates two young boys trying to earn money to large extents. The sound of the music is parallel as money is the dominant and central force for the overall objective for what the characters strive to achieve for.

The mise-en-scene is a vital feature as the setting of this particular clip is filmed in the poorer, less developed part of India (near the slums). The director has clearly linked the setting to the title accurately, which makes the audience engage more – not only are the audience entertained, they are also educated about how people struggle to live in the poorer parts of India. In addition, the props (items the boys were selling) on the train such as balloons, lighters and food reinforces the willingness the characters both feel to be able to survive.

A more essential method the editing is used to create a more realistic feel is through the camera framing and camera movement. Camera framing is vital as the clip shows many close-up shots, these close-ups are of one of the boys counting coins. This shot implies the determination these boys feel to be able to survive. At 19 secs, there is a low-angle shot – this emphasises the enthusiasm and keenness the actors feel to earn money as they are practically putting there lives in danger by running across the top of a moving train. Camera movement connects with the framing as a steadicam sequence has been used. This builds a sense of realism and helps further exemplify the lifestyles led in a less developed area of town. The paces of the camera shots are generally fast to exploit quick movement of making money. Moreover, a busy atmosphere is created from this and represents everyday life. Lighting is also important as light that is diffused from the sunset is often used for lighting. This effectively enhances characterization of India’s atmosphere (where the movie takes place the whole time).‍ ‍

Overall, the director uses editing as a main source to establish a variety of themes throughout the movie – the most significant theme is to have the ability/motivation to strive for success. Many factors such as the lighting, sound and mise-en-scene all combine together to create a sensational feel for the editing and helps contribute to help the editing be distinctive and unique.