Representation matters

I actually find it difficult to recall my childhood but there are a few memories that are so vivid, that if by chance I happen to recall them, it is virtually like as if I am reliving those moments again. One of those memories include one afternoon in 1995 (when I was 5 or 6 years old), where I was watching "Lion King" on VCR tape.. I literally remember the feeling of my heart bursting (ok that's unscientific so let me put out my definition of it: the feeling of massive weight of all kinds of overwhelming emotions squeezing the heart so hard that it is virtually impossible to maintain composure ) when Mufasa (who is the main character's father) dies. I actually remember crying my eyes out for probably the first time ever over a movie. No animated movie till date ever had that effect on me again for 23 years the way Lion King did.

In March 2018, I watched "Coco" which is an animated film. The best way to describe what I felt about this movie is to say that I am just very thankful that I had no company while watching this film. Simply because it was that afternoon in 1995 all over again. Only this time I was a 28 year old sobbing and not a 5 year old. The film deals with the very relatable theme of how though family can drive you crazy sometimes, ultimately they are the ones who have your back no matter what. The climax scene of this film is supposedly one of Disney Pixar's finest moments in cinema. Personally, it was a "heart burst" moment for me. But other than the beautiful story, the grand visual spectacle, this film has this tremendously charming simplicity about it. A lot of this has to do with the fact that the setting of this film is a small town in Mexico.The smattering of phrases of Spanish like "Chamako" (meaning male friend) , "Aye Aye Aye muchacho" (meaning boy), the focus on the mexican custom of honouring ancestors, even the fact that the characters were Mexican and were pronouncing names like Del A Cruz, Hector, Miguel with that distinct accent and not in a way that we would see english speaking countries pronounce the same and most of all. It really struck me how used to we are to see characters of certain colour, accents in mainstream english movies. It actually is little wonder that while those of us who have exposure to english movies/cartoons/music etc can pronounce names prevalent in english speaking countries with relative ease, while we can't pronounce japanese or russian or french names easily

It's really great that Disney Pixar did such thorough research on Mexican traditions and customs that they gave no room to anyone to criticize the depiction of Mexican culture while opening the doors for the rest of the world to marvel at it.  Unsurprisingly, Coco won the Oscar for the best animated film in 2018. In his acceptance speech the Director of Coco - Lee Unkrich proclaimed the following, 

"With Coco we tried to take a step forward towards a world where all children can grow up seeing characters in movies that look and talk and live like they do. Marginalized people deserve to feel like they belong. Representation matters."

Interestingly enough, Michelle Obama tweeted almost the exact same thing when Black Panther was released. I really can't help but wholly agree with the sentiment that representation matters. I myself liked Black Panther which possibly is the only all black cast movie that I have seen. Personally, my liking for the movie had more to do with the fact that I was amazed at the representation of the immensely strong and courageous female characters in the film.  Though I am not a big movie or sitcom buff, I have been a dedicated fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe which has produced 19 superhero films from Iron Man to the recent Avengers Infinity War in the time span of 10 years. Superhero films almost always relegate women to secondary characters but it has really been heartening to see the evolution of female characters in the MCU. It is great for once to see female play such strong, substantive characters like ass kicking fighters like Valkyrie in Thor Raganorak, Okoye in Black Panther,  Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy and a formidable supervillan like Hella (played by the magnificent Cate Blanchett). I specially like the representation of Shurie who plays T'Challa's sister as a brilliant scientist in Black Panther and a very non glamorized Tilda Swinton who plays the character of Ancient One - Sorcerer Supreme of mystic arts  in Doctor Strange. 

This kind of representation in mainstream films helps removing stereotypes of sections of people who are generally represented in a very uni-dimensional way (if at all they are indeed represented), not taking into account the complexities and uniqueness inherently present in every human. There is a reason why I personally consider the representation of strong female characters in mainstream superhero MCU movies refreshing.  If you talk about coverage of women in the media, it almost always has to do with obsessive and nauseating coverage of what they wear in events like a celebrity wedding, or a Met Gala or a Cannes Film festival event. While there isn't technically anything wrong with covering that aspect, it feeds into the notion that appearance is the only aspect worth noticing and covering about a lady that ultimately permeates into shallow, stereotypical representations of women in pop culture which further influences a generation of young girls. Of course one might argue that there are so many films that pay worthy tributes to representation of women and various communities like LGBTQ, or communities of colour etc. However it really is important to note that it makes a hell of a lot of a difference when worldwide giant franchises with the clout and influence like Disney Pixar and now an MCU has, portrays sections of people with great responsibility and dignity. Just recently, the news came out that a victim of clerical sex abuse has said Pope Francis told him God made him gay and his sexuality “does not matter”. Agree with the guy or not, when you have the most influential head of a religion showing this kind of acceptance, this is when there is truly a hope of change in attitudes towards marginalized and stereotyped sections. Similarly it would be really great if all the media giants who have an immeasurable influence on pop culture reflect on their role. In this regard,  I think MCU has upped their game and, I for one really look forward to seeing their first central female superhero movie - Captain Marvel when it comes out next year...

Literature from 'Sherlock' TV series

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I        In the third season of the series Sherlock, based on the adventures of iconic detective Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick Dr. John Watson, there is a scene where Sherlock gives a best man's speech in honour of John Watson during the latter's wedding. Up to this point, Sherlock is depicted as a genius, condescending, socially awkward geek who doesn't much care about matters concerning the heart.  I really don't know how the speech writers did it but that speech that Sherlock finally delivers at John's wedding just knocks it out of the park. It is awkward, sarcastic, cringeworthy, hilarious, beautiful and moving all at the same time. The acting is flawless, not only by an impeccable Benedict Cumberbatch who plays Sherlock but also the expressions of the audience around him played by an incredible supporting cast. 

   As a person who is drawn to good quotes and expressive writing, I really do think this content of this speech is good literature which is why I preserve it in my blog so I can revisit the same whenever I feel like. I really do take this speech as possibly the best tribute possible to those friends who add so much of value, affection and meaning to people who are so guarded, reserved and feel like they don't belong. 

 "When John first broached the subject of being Best Man, I was confused. I confess at first I didn't realize he was asking me. When finally I understood, I expressed to him that I was both flattered and surprised.I explained to him that I had never expected this request and I was a little daunted in the face of it. I nonetheless promised that I'd do my very best to accomplish a task which, for me, was as demanding and difficult as any I'd ever contemplated. Additionally, I thanked him for the trust he placed in me and indicated that I was in some ways very close to being moved by it.It later transpired that I'd said none of this out loud. 

I'm afraid John, I can't congratulate you. All emotions and, in particular, love, stand opposed to the pure cold reason I hold above all things. A wedding is, in my considered opinion, nothing short of a celebration of all that is false and specious and irrational and sentimental in this ailing and morally compromised world. Today we honor the death watch people, that is the doom of our society and, in time one feels certain, our entire species.

But anyway, let's talk about John.

If I burden myself with a little help mate during my adventures it is not out of sentiment or caprice, it is that he has many fine qualities of his own that he has overlooked in his obsession with me. Indeed any reputation I have for mental acuity and sharpness comes in truth from the extraordinary contrast John so selflessly provides. It is a fact I believe brides tend to favor exceptionally plain bridesmaids for their big day. There is a certain analogy there I feel. And contrast is, after all, God's own plan to enhance the beauty of his creation. Or it would be if God were not a ludicrous fantasy designed to provide a career opportunity for the family idiot.

The point I'm trying to make is that I am the most unpleasant, rude, ignorant and all-round obnoxious arsehole that anyone could possibly have the misfortune to meet. I am dismissive of the virtuous, [He looks at the priest], unaware of the beautiful [He looks at the maid of honour] and uncomprehending in the face of the happy [He looks at Watson and Mary]. So if I didn't understand I was being asked to be best man, it is because I never expected to be anybody's best friend. And certainly not the best friend of the bravest and kindest and wisest human being I have ever had the good fortune of knowing.

 I am a ridiculous man, [John nods] redeemed only by the warmth and constancy of your friendship. But, as I am apparently you best friend, I cannot congratulate you on your choice of companion. Actually, now I can. [To Mary] Mary, when I say you deserve this man, it is the highest compliment of which I am capable.

John, you have endured war and injury and tragic loss - so sorry again about that last one - so know this; today you sit between the woman you have made your wife and the man you have saved. In short, the two people who love you most in all this world. And I know I speak for Mary as well when I say we will never let you down and we have a lifetime ahead to prove that."

Other quotes from Sherlock

1) 

John Watson: I've thought long and hard about what I want to say to you. These are prepared words, Mary. I've chosen these words with care.

Mary Watson: Okay.

John Watson: The problems of your past are your business. The problems of your future...are my privilege. That's all I have to say.

2)  

"Listen, I'm happy to play the fool for you. I will run along behind you like some halfwit, making you look clever, if that's what you need. But dear GOD ABOVE, YOU WILL hold yourself to a higher standard!"

3) 

“Taking You Own Life. Interesting Expression — Taking It From Who? Once It’s Over, It’s Not You Who’ll Miss It. Your Own Death Is Something That Happens To Everybody Else. Your Life Is Not Your Own. Keep Your Hands Off It.”

4) 

Watson to Mary:  I’m not that man you thought I was. I’m not that guy. I never could be. And that’s the point. That’s the whole point. 

The man you thought I was is the man I want to be.

Mary: Well then, John Watson, get the hell on with it…