Goodreads Review:
His films were based on his life, his life on his films.
I bought this book to learn a thing or two about film making but the very first chapter establishes the reflective tone of the book leading to discussion on self expression and suffering. The relationship of the artist and the society, as explained in chapter 4 is both beautiful and true; a rare combination.
Growing up in the 90's we've experienced a phase of bollywood that was the most exuberant and one that is responsible for its common perception, both in India and Pakistan. This book introduced me to a class of old Indian films which were sensitive, intellectually solid and excelled in film making techniques.
Guru Dutt's top three films form the material for discussion: Pyaasa, Kaghaz Ke Phool and Sahib Bibi aur Ghulam. The author uses a 'making of a scene' approach to bisect every worth mentioning frame. All aspects from camera angles to shadows and dance movements to postures are reviewed and the symbolism attached to them is explained in great detail by Khopkar.
The down side of the book comes in last 1/3rd (or you can say the 3rd act) part where all the references seem repeated. After all it is difficult for a reader to view the same scene or same song on a new light for the fourth fifth time and it seems that the author is drawing too much out of one stroke.
Link: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2465113370
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