Yeah, I can see how it’s insulting, though. It played on stereotypes, but at least it introduced people to the *idea* of Indian epic poetry. I hadn’t looked it up on Wikipedia since my former college covered it in a class.

Oh, and ironically I’m burning it onto a DVD right now. I want a copy I can watch on TV with friends and family.

And my favorite bits were when Sita was singing. Best part of the movie, by far.

But how bizarre would that be if such a film could beat Pixar at the Oscars (then again, not sure if the movie fulfills all the academy criteria, or even can)

IMHO “Intellectual Property” is an oxymoron.

This film deals with modern interpretations/recollections of ancient legends. The English-speaking Indian college students’ narrations fit very well within this archetype. You should stop taking yourself so seriously.

I get a sense that Nina’s put all of her energy into this somewhat cathartic project, which is moving, and theres no denying the exciting creative energy of the project.

However, while i loved the music videos of lovingly done animated clips set to well-chosen blues music released earlier, the final film is a bit of a pot pourri of styles and narratives, and not in a good way.

And i’m sorry, but bits that play out the story (in a totally different indian-miniature style) sound just like the worst stereotype of ‘head shaking Indian with funny English’ on western media. The music – cheesy indian muzak, voices – Apu’s first cousins , and the corny dialogue with odd ‘Indian’ phrasing grammar? It made me laugh, and i’m Indian. Thats not a good thing.

The shadow puppet section with Indian voices discussing the story – sound as if they’re sophomores high on pot discussing, i dont know, Ben Hur, for example. Cute in its way, but highly distracting from the kick-ass blues music videos.

These lessons in the Ramayana storyline – I can imagine for the benefit of Western audiences – also have little to do with the bit about Paleys personal story playing in between – and for what its worth, her ex-husband came across as a complete dork. He had DTMFA almost visibly written on his forehead.

And so those achingly lovely blues music bits with their sweet accompanying animations – which are amazing enough to stand by themselves – got lost in the crowd. So sad.

Can we get another cut of SSTB with just those? I’d pay good money for it.

P.s.
Loved the Intermission bit!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOE3KQQgBNg

(Disclosure, I am the author of Heartmachine).

I loved the film, anyway!

Download the film and then edit it to your heart’s content. Personally I enjoyed the shadow puppets a lot.

Paley’s amazing work is presenting this wonderful music to the world. That the owners are not ready to sell the music, tells me they’re still sitting on their asses while Paley works.

Sam, you may want to check this out.

http://www.sitasingstheblues.com/collaborators.html

Do support and donate to Nina!

P.S. Add my voice to those who say “not short”. I think calling it that both underplays Paley’s accomplishment and sets up a false expectation in folks who might think this is something to watch in a quick work break or something.