BRANDO OR BURTON ?



If one was to choose between Marlon Brando and Richard Burton as one’s favourite whom would one select? Vote for? Difficult! Both were great Artiste and made tremendous impact not only on the generation they represented but thereafter too. They still are source of inspiration and subject of discussion and debate among film goers and theatre enthusiasts . Moreso for providing joy and happiness in the field of entertainment. Though both had distinguished theatre background; however were contrast to each other . Both started their career in forties; though burton died in 1985 and brando in 2004. Burton was cast in the shakespearian mould and represented British style o f acting whereas Brando was the pioneer of method acting propounded by Constantin stalislavaski in the famous Actor’s studio ..Burton’s hallmark was his rich voice and speech;Brando spoke with his silence epitomized in the role of the Godfather which has become part of the American consciousness.
Burton mastered his voice and speech under his teacher up in the welsh hills where he was tutored to shout in whispers thus strengthening his voice .Brando gave new dimension to Acting and made it more expression, gesture , movement oriented . Acting which could be exploited by the modern camera and film making.Burton delivered through his dialogues sheer rendition an extention of theatre. Burton’s style moved round his speech; Brando was a brooder who merely mumbled his words. Both were nominated on seven occasions for the Academy awards; Brando won on two occasions, Burton none.Both were extremely handsome and attracted many women , had affairs. Burton’s love story with liz taylor; whom he married twice is part of the love legend specially the expensive diamonds which he gifted her.Both played the role of Mark Anthony in their typical style. Burton carried slight sadness in his eyes whereas Brando was a recluce. Al pachino carries the Brando’s ideology and principles and is much respected. Anthony Hopkin’s carries the Burton’s flag.
For me Richard Burton remains a favourite; though Brando may be great.I belong to the old school of acting where speech, voice control is primary. The depth of delivery with control and command of one’s voice is dear to me. That is why I prefer Anthony Hopkins, Peter O’tole ,Rex Harrison, Lawrence Olivier, Alec Guiness to the many method actors .
Who do you prefer?

RETURN TO THEATER

What is this urge which brings back Actors from movie to theater? A performing Art which is more time consuming and less paying. Al Pachino does it often and so do many western stars. In India we have our Naseeruddin Shah who does theater regularly and only reluctantly does cinema. Apart from the easy pace of theater; a place where one can schedule the dates according to one's requirement there are other considerations as well. The foremost being the urge to express. Remember! that theater is an actor's medium where as cinema is director's. On stage the actor; despite physical restrictions gets larger freedom to perform wherin he seeks compensation for the restrictions cinema imposes on him -- primarily creative.It is to say that this is my territory and i will perform here the way i want to unhindered by the director and technology. It is also in a way preparatory /training ground for future progression in cinema .
Is cinema sought for fame and money and theater for inner sustenance? is cinema more material and consumeristic ( made in bulk ) and theater more spiritual ?
unfortunately despite the recording and retaining facilities the joy of theater is direct. it therefore does not have longivity ( i only hear the great performance of Balraj sahni as Mirja galib in 'akhri shaam ' somewhere in forties ) which cinema has.But; that is what gives it a special identity. unlike cinema it has to be created performance after performance and hence is more dynamic. There are numerous interpretations of Hamlet and Merchant of venice. Theater gives longivity to the writer like a piece of music.
Is theater therefore a superior form of expression and Art?

TO SERVE WITH LOVE

Provision of food remains one of the key activities in human and animal kingdom.Societies from tribal to the most civilized and cultured have 'food' part of its integral identity. Traditionally in all societies mothers and wives cook and serve food. Similar is the way in animal kingdom as well.It is believed that it is the lioness which provides food. The lion protection.Modern civilization has developed variety of food by multinational firms, devised efficient cooking , preserving and distribution methods.Set hygiene standards/ quality controls ( HACCP,ISO ETC ).Stringent checks have been introduced globally for food safety.
However it is the culture of food and the intimacy involved with which truly affects all humans.The manner in which it is presented .The menu and recipe. the combination of colours, accompaniments etc.the most important part is serving.we all long to be served despite our varying station and status in society. even the solitary farmer toiling in the fields under the harsh sun awaits the arrival of his mate at noon to be served the frugal meal they can afford ,but the presence of your loved one beside you compensates for all adequacies.it gives much psychological boost.often we do not realize the importance of such a need but do feel the loss
when such a support is missing.therefore as we require such emotional sustenance so do our mothers and wives whom we take for granted

SCARRED SWIZ BEAUTY

Switzerland has maintained and marketed its beauty commendably. In India not only the rich and famous visit the nation but the Bollywood has made it reach to the remotest corner of India; through the many films which are shot there.Yash chopra the legendary director of many a romantic film has picturized numerous song sequences and has also been honoured by that nation for promoting tourism.

It is an expensive place. Right from cheese to swiz watch to hotel stay to travel to memorabilia the nation’s nook and corner is on premium for display.Even many marvel its democracy and deep federal structureto the village level.It’s neutral role during the two world wars is noteworthy and comes up often for praise during discussions and discourses on peace and pacifism. The red cross represents the nation and is a neutral body providing medical care to both the victor and vanquished during wars and conflicts.

However the country is notoriously famous for its banking laws which closely guard the name of its account holder. It is widely believed that unaccounted money of many political leaders, industrialists and public servants is stacked in the banks of Switzerland. The country not only makes profits from the savings but shelters individuals which are responsible for the economic and social imbalances world over.

Therefore despite its beauty and neutrality it plays a key in the uneven distribution of wealth and keeping the poor deprived of health, food and shelter.

Swiz beauty is therefore only skin deep.

decline and degeneration of hindi cinema

the world is flat these days. technology and ideas flow freely from one latitude to the other.management experts have brought in discipline which has resulted in hardbound scripts,scheduling of activities, payment by cheque etc alas it is all at the cost of creativity. three big films with international cast and crew have attempted to further stylize and popularize hindi cinema and have failed miserably. therefore not surprisingly they have failed in the same manner as the big multinationals in the recent past.for there exists no creativity. cinema is being sold like macs burger. tashan , chandni chowk to china and the latest kambakht ishque are the films. with kambhat ishque the cinema has reached its nadir.this is what happens when the aim is just to make money with no conviction for creativity.commercial hindi cinema has always stressed on making money but not by degenerating to such an extent.raj kapoor showed his hrroines under the water. vijay anand films have showed striptease and cabaret but the bulk of cinema was pure emotion.alas that is not visible.therefore along with the influx of science and technology the cinema requires emphasis on social science as well.film makers should read and draw stories from history and literature; not from dvds