Sunday, March 9, 2008

A Passage To.....

The film adaptation of E.M. Forester's novel "A Passage to India" was long and inconclusive. Essentially a characterization of the interaction between the Indians and the English that results from British colonization, the film centers on the relationship between Mr. Fielding, a British educator, and Dr. Aziz, an Indian surgeon. As the film progresses, it becomes clear that no character is with out flaw, whether British or Indian, but Ms. Moore, the mother of the local magistrate, appears as the moral touchstone. Thus, it seems fielding does not place blame fully on the British for the results of their colonization of India, also assigning some fault to the natives. Additionally, the movie resonates with a similar theme of "Heart of Darkness," that unfamiliar lands and people can leave a person feeling isolated, confused, and insecure. Ronny reeks of Mr. Kurtz, as he was once a just and benevolent gentleman back in Europe, but while in India he appears slighted and predjudicial. Thus, it appears a theme that foreign lands and foreign people can have profound effect upon even the noblest people. Furthermore, much as Marlow is not very clear...no not very clear" about his experiences in Africa, so to is Forester's description of the events of the Marabar caves-- and the conclusive truth of neither is ever really determined. Similiarly, my only definitive conclusion from this movie, is that the relationship between the British and Indians was tumultous and never really had a shot at success, just like the relationship between Fielding and Aziz appeared hopeful, but eventually failed. Hurray of Ambiguity!

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