Stories

“Stories talk to us in the language of human experience, which is what we're most familiar with, allowing us to engage on many levels from the intellectual to the emotional. Stories, of various forms, can be said to be the animating force behind many aspects of society.”

– Zaid Hassan (quoted from ‘But Is It Art?’)

Reading, writing

“The real writers are the ones who can’t not write. I’m a reader who can’t not read. I got to be that way in about third grade. I wrote a lot of stories and poems in college, but now that grades aren’t at stake, I’ve written exactly two poems in the last 40+ years. I can’t, however, count the number of books I’ve read — now about equally divided between published ones and unpublished. And I feel I’ve hardly made a dent in all I want to read.”

– Shannon Ravenel, editor at Algonquin (publishers) in an interview with Toby Warner of Boldtype.

Organisational values

Just as the Australian government is implementing a ‘values test’ for immigrants, in the course of my work in developing strategies for organisations, I’ve been asked by a few clients to implement a similar ‘values test’ in order to check the ‘purity’ of the organisation’s values in their employees. After all, they say, it reflects the organisation’s health and can contribute directly to its growth or failure.

This request always has me stumped. Can there really be a ‘values test’ to check the ‘purity’ of the values in the employees of an organisation?

I’m not sure if there is such a test or method or tool. I’m not even sure if this is the right way to approach the subject. Values checks are done through elaborate processes, but what we check depends on the purpose. The danger usually lies in the temptation to identify and weed out dissidents… a political agenda, if I’ve ever seen one. And, in doing so, building an organisation of ‘yes men’ which is usually detrimental to the organisation’s growth.

Whatever be the values, I believe, we first need to check whether the top management possesses these organisational values that it speaks of. So I ask them, do the members of the top management themselves exhibit these values in their day-to-day operations and in their behaviour with their people?

The top management balks at this question. It becomes defensive. Needless to say, the first person to be identified and weeded out as a dissident is me.

Ratatainment

Why would anyone want to see a film about rats? And that too an animation, meant for kids! And so, there we were, just the seven of us in the entire cinema hall.

And yet, at the end of the film, I left the theatre jubilant. For, ‘Ratatouille’ was one of the best animation films I’ve seen in my life. For ‘Ratatouille’ appealed to the adult as well as the child in me. Not just in the audience, but in the message. For, ‘Ratatouille’ inspired me to follow my dreams.

It’s the story of a field rat called Remy who believed in a better life – not just in the food he ate, but also from an evolutionary perspective. Through a series of accidents and a firm belief in himself, he manages to garner the support of his detractors and find his place in his world. How many of us can manage that!

There is more, of course: a plot with a twist, a cache of eccentric characters, a play on emotions, messages for kids, fun and laughter. And Pixar-quality animation. It’s entertainment for the entire family. Don’t miss this film.

Prayer

“Prayer only looks like an act of language; fundamentally it is a position, a placement of oneself. Focus. Get there, and all that’s left to say is the words. They come: from ancient times, from the surprisingly eloquent heart, from the gush and chatter of the day’s detail longing to be rendered.”

— from ‘Virgin Time’ by Patricia Hampl

Is a blog a work of fiction?

Is a blog a work of fiction?

Fiction would mean a fabrication, a product of imagination. Even though it may be based on fact, if a blog post contains an ounce of conjecture, something that is made up and/or cannot be verified as truth, it would be considered fiction. In a work of fiction, the writer/editor of the blog can get away with anything. Its success is likely to depend on its ability to connect with, and entertain, its readers.

A work of non-fiction, on the other hand, must be verifiable from facts. And, the facts must be accurate. Such as those contained in news reports or opinion columns by publications and journalists of repute. Or industry papers. Even small embellishments would be looked at critically. Because, in a work of non-fiction, there is implicit trust between the writer/editor of the blog and its readers. That truth matters. It may or may not entertain its readers, but it must not contain falsehoods. The blog’s success is likely to depend on its ability to uphold this tenet.

Then again, perhaps, none of these things matter. Whether a blog is a work of fact or fiction is of no consequence whatsoever to the writer/editor, or its readers. A blog is merely a medium – a publishing platform. What a blogger publishes on it is a matter of personal choice. Its success may not even depend on its ability to connect with, or entertain, its readers. But it may rest simply on the motivation and perseverance of its writer/editor.

Staying alive

Survival is an oft-repeated theme in films. When it comes to the genre of horror, you simply know that survival – or the thought of it – is going to be its driving force. And so it is with ‘28 Weeks Later’, a horror sci-fi thriller which is being screened to almost-empty theatres in Mumbai this week.

We, Indians, don’t seem to take to horror films with as much gusto as the Westerners do. You can tell by the number of horror films India has produced, not just the empty seats in the theatres. So, if you’re planning to see ‘28 Weeks Later’, I suggest you take a friend along for reassurance during those daring moments on the screen.

I had a specific reason for watching this film. It’s a sequel to ‘28 Days Later’, a film by British director Danny Boyle (made some 5 years ago), and one that occupies a place in my personal collection. That’s because I revel in the theme of a dystopian future (‘Children of Men’ and ‘V for Vendetta’ are two of my favourite films), which usually takes the form of science fiction. Horror is often part of the package.

Of course, ‘28 Days Later’ has some gore in it, making it somewhat unpalatable to the weak-hearted. That’s because a rage virus happens to be on the loose in Britain (accidentally set off by animal activists), infecting people and turning them into blood-spewing, flesh-eating zombies attacking innocent humans. The army is brought in for protection, but only in pockets. Staying alive becomes a nightmare for civilians.

‘28 Weeks Later’, the sequel by Spanish director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, presents a future 6 months after the rage virus has been contained in Britain. Those awful zombies have died out of starvation, and a few human survivors have remained (those who managed to escape the nightmare). This time the US army has been brought in for protection, and to clear the ground for repatriation of British nationals in a safe zone.

All seems to be going well. Then, an unexpected incident triggers the dormant virus and all hell breaks loose. Once again, the innocent are on the run for their lives.

The cinematography in ‘28 Weeks Later’ is really good. The music, even better. The direction is quite gripping. The cast, apart from Robert Carlyle, has no one famous. But their acting is commendable. If you have the nerve for horror sci-fi thrillers, then ‘28 Weeks Later’ is just the film for you this season.

You'll never understand me

Nineteen and full of angst, Arjun is at loggerheads with his parents. The conflict is, of course, on studies. Arjun doesn’t study and the parents are worried about his future. More so, because Arjun plans to drop out of college and take up a job. Not quite sure what exactly. A customer support executive at a call centre, cabin crew with an airline, a mechanic at an auto workshop (since he has a fascination for motorbikes)… are some of the options Arjun considers.

First, he has to become financially independent so he can buy and possess all the things he wants which his parents do not give him at the moment. And second, there’s no point in continuing to study in a college he doesn’t like, nor study the subjects which don’t interest him. It’s all a waste of time. Then, his parents ask, why did Arjun choose that specific college and those specific subjects if they didn’t interest him?

The answer is simple, of course. Arjun didn’t study enough to score enough marks in his school-leaving exams to find a college that offered him admission in the subjects of his choice. Now, the parents remind Arjun of his folly, goading him to study and remain in college. That’s the last thing he wants to hear. He locks himself up in his room, lying in bed day-dreaming, playing with his PS3, chatting, emailing, downloading songs on his computer.

The parents disapprove. There are arguments over this at the dining table. You’ll never understand me, says Arjun and walks off in a huff.

The parents try another tactic: encouragement, asking Arjun what would motivate him to return to college. Arjun sees an opportunity; strikes a deal for a sports bike, reinforcing his point of view with a little maths to overcome economics of operation and discomfort of travel to college by public transport. Not to worry, he says, flashing his driver’s licence. After some grumbling, the parents give in. Arjun gets his brand new Bajaj Pulsar DTS-i.

Over the weekend, Arjun demonstrates his prowess over his new sports bike to his friends in the neighbourhood. Everyone cheers. On Monday, on his way to college, a speeding truck runs over him, crushing his head.

Way to go!

I’m not a sympathiser of Hindi films from Bollywood. In fact, I’m a staunch critic, cursing their plagiarism (of foreign films), their song-and-dance sequences, and their melodrama. So, when I label a Bollywood film with a ‘Way to go!’ cheer, believe me, I mean it.

It’s not everyday that I get to see an inspiring Hindi film. The last film to leave me so inspired was ‘Rang De Basanti’, a year and a half ago. But, when I saw ‘Chak De India’ last night, I was indeed inspired. Here was a Bollywood film without plagiarism, song and dance, or melodrama. Yet, it drew crowds by the millions. It connected with the people of India.

‘Chak De India’ is a film on sports; women’s hockey to be exact. The genre, thankfully, has not been done to death in India. And, from what I could see, focusing on women and women’s sports has helped it to win over its female audience. Hockey, too, has been an underdog in India, having been beaten to the post by a mile by cricket, in spite of its position as India’s national sport.

It’s a simple film: about the indomitable spirit of the underdogs winning the world championship against great odds. To this extent, I feel, the film truthfully reflects the sentiments of our country today. Collectively and individually.

‘Chak De India’ stars Shah Rukh Khan, definitely the star of Bollywood today, in the lead role of the coach of the women’s hockey team. He has a past… and a point to prove to the world. Yet, he plays out a subdued, unlike-Bollywood hero’s role, letting the women players in the team take their respective leads. And, they do that wonderfully. Therein lies the film’s charm.

The plot takes more or less a straight path: a near-to-life presentation of the politics, the stigma, the drama and the egos that come in the way of our success, not just in sports but in so many situations in our lives. But, as the adage goes, you just can’t kill the spirit of the underdog… especially if there’s a little help from the Almighty.

And so, there are two turning points in the film, both charged with emotion: one, a powerful physical bashing-up of men at a McDonald’s where the team finds its spirit; and the second, an emotional moment when the men’s hockey team makes a tribute to the women’s team after the women’s team loses to the men.

And, all through, Shah Rukh Khan is on the sidelines, letting things just be. What wonderful direction!

‘Chak De India’ is also a social commentary on some of India’s cultural mores; but you would have guessed that already. If you haven’t seen the film yet, I’d suggest you do it now!

Flip The Script

Virginie Barré’s rendering of Michelangelo Antonioni’s ‘Blow-Up’ (1966)


In his introduction to ‘Flip The Script’, a book on film posters released by Surface to Air, independent and Hollywood film producer, and now Chief Creative Officer of Plum TV, Cary Woods writes:

“From the time Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec showed us that a poster could be a great work of art, the poster has taken its place as one of the great popular arts of the modern age. Film posters are a hybrid art, carving out a place for themselves in the diverse histories of film, art, advertising, and graphic design.

Yet, their creation also requires a strikingly singular skill… When successful, film posters powerfully and succinctly reflect an entire film’s vision… The best examples of the genre are miniature masterpieces of design economy and artistic audience interaction.

Seeing a sexy poster announcing a new film can produce the same excited anticipation as receiving an invitation to a glamorous and exclusive party in the mail even when the movie featured in the poster elicits a “What the hell were they thinking?” response, it still creates shared cultural experience (even if it’s one of trading jokes at the film’s expense.)

From [Stanley] Kubrick’s ‘Lolita’ rendered in lurid pulp-influenced style to the graphic simplicity of [Otto Preminger’s] ‘The Man With the Golden Arm’, a film poster can leave as indelible an impression as the film itself. Film posters also give the most important impression anything or anyone can give, the first impression.”

To see more film posters from ‘Flip The Script’ click here.

Commitment

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, the providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way.

I learned a deep respect for one of Goethe’s couplets:

‘Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it!’”

– W H Murray in The Scottish Himalaya Expedition, 1951

Resonance

I’m reading an interesting book called ‘The Single Helix’ by Steve Jones, Professor of Genetics in University College London, about whom I’ve been blogging recently on ‘runawaysun’. The book contains ‘a hundred easy pieces’ Prof Jones had written earlier on various topics on science, bringing science closer to the common man.

An article on sound, titled ‘Raising the Bar’, contains (well, I thought) an amusing anecdote which I couldn’t help but reproduce here:

“Even the finest singer faces the facts of physics. For higher or lower notes resonance moves to a different part of the sound chamber. If it does not (and the job takes practice) the voice will crack. Popeye and the Spice Girls have tiresome voices because all their notes are kept, on purpose or through lack of talent, in a single register.”

Why is Japan the source of so many bright ideas?

After evaluating various parameters and applying weightages, a May 2007 Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) study, titled ‘Innovation: Transforming the way business creates’, has ranked 82 countries on innovation. Japan appears right on top of the list, way above the next contenders: Switzerland, the United States and Sweden. India occupies a modest 56th position (projected for 2007-2011; otherwise 58th position for 2002-2006).

The EIU study, which was sponsored by Cisco Systems, found:

“Japan, Switzerland, the US and Sweden are the world’s top four innovators among the 82 economies.

Sizeable spending on R&D is likely to yield dividends in terms of new products and services. Among firms that have R&D spending equal to at least 5% of their revenue, 45% of respondents perform better than their peers; this compares with 35% of the firms that spend less than 5% of revenue on R&D.

A broad range of factors were cited in explaining what makes a country innovative, with the top determinants being technical skills of the workforce (92% of respondents) and quality of IT/telecommunications infrastructure.”

“But how important is innovation, which countries innovate better than others, and why? To find out, the Economist Intelligence Unit undertook two parallel research studies in a programme sponsored by Cisco. The first was a worldwide survey of 485 senior executives to gauge a better understanding of the drivers of innovation and their relative importance. The second was a ranking of 82 of the world’s economies by innovation performance during 2002-06, with a forecast for the countries to 2011.”1

“The EIU study created four indices for each of the 82 countries examined. Apart from the innovation index based on patents granted, two further indices ranked each country’s direct drivers of innovation (national research effort, education standards, technical skills, broadband penetration, etc) as well as those indirect environmental factors considered conducive for innovation (such as rule of law, tax regime, economic stability, labour flexibility and patent protection). Finally, an aggregate enabling index was created from a 70/30 weighting of the direct and indirect drivers.”2

To answer the question ‘Why is Japan the source of so many bright ideas?’, The Economist offered another article, ‘Mother of invention’, with possible explanations. Here’s an excerpt:

“Despite having one of the best-educated workforces in the world, superb IT infrastructure, a well-oiled administration, good rule of law and protection of intellectual property, Japan ranks a lowly 14th in terms of its enablers for innovation. So, why does the country perform so well on the output side of the innovation equation, despite having such feeble drivers on the input side?

No one really knows. You can make educated guesses. The concentration of talent in manufacturing. The pursuit of excellence. The ferocious rivalry between Japan’s large electronics firms. The lingering relic of the country’s post-war catch-up mentality. Fears of economic isolation given the expansion of the European Union and the emergence of the North American Free-Trade Area. Anxiety about a rapidly ageing society facing a formidable pensions and health-care crisis.

All this may or may not play a part. But beyond the more obvious economic imperatives lie certain social factors that appear to be at work as well.”

A PDF version of the EIU report can be found here.

[1 ‘Innovation: Transforming the way business creates’, Economist Intelligence Unit.
2 ‘Mother of invention’, Economist.com, 3 August 2007]

The other night at Koshy's

I was at Koshy’s the other night. Dining with an old friend whom I had not met for close to 12 years. The friend, Kavita, was now with a big-time IT MNC in Bangalore and dinner at Koshy’s was her idea.

To be truthful, I didn’t know Kavita all that well. We weren’t friends. Twelve years ago, we had worked at the same ad agency in Mumbai, where we were colleagues belonging to different division of the agency. However, I had known her older brother in Mumbai. The brother and I had met through a mutual friend and had got together a couple of times for a drink. It was this mutual friend who was now responsible for connecting me with Kavita.

Koshy’s in Bangalore is one of those landmark restaurants which make a city famous. If you’ve been to Bangalore and not been to Koshy’s, you’ve sinned. Everyone I know in Bangalore, and those who’ve visited the city from time to time (and that includes me), has been to Koshy’s many more times than they remember. For some, it’s all there is to Bangalore, apart from the recent IT boom.

Koshy’s has a British old-world charm and, even today, you’re likely to find a foreigner or two tucked away in the corners. Of course, these are more likely to be American IT execs than British colonisers. Koshy’s is really a café and not a restaurant. More functional than fancy; busy and noisy. However, its menu has a selection good enough to qualify it as a restaurant.

Koshy’s has a history going back to days before India’s Independence; and, though I’ve not met any, it is said that many a celebrity has dined there. Today, it’s known as a hangout for the non-corporate crowd: journalists, advertising professionals, musicians, film and theatre personalities, and students. Since Kavita carried her youthful looks and her backpack like any other college student, and I was presently unemployed, we blended into the non-corporate crowd rather well.

Getting a table was, as always, difficult and we hung around for a while, feeling at loose ends. I was shifting from one foot to the other, looking around, when two gentlemen at a nearby table, finishing their last cups of tea, invited us to share their table. They were probably moved by Kavita’s good looks rather than my embarrassment, because they struck up a conversation with Kavita immediately upon our joining them, while I sat like an idiot and looked on.

Anyway, soon afterwards, with a nod to me, they bade Kavita goodbye and left us to our conversation. We made the best of it, covering ground we had missed for the last 12 years. As the beer (for her) and fruit juices (for me; yeah, I’ve given up alcohol and turned into a perfectly square guy) flowed, we talked and talked right through the noise of the conversations from other tables.

The only interruptions were our orders for dinner: a sumptuous two-course continental spread. And before we knew it, we had spent close to three hours at Koshy’s. It was only then that we realised the magic of the entire evening. That, through all the waiting and the noise and the food and the drinks and the conversation, Kavita and I had forgotten that we weren’t really friends. We had forgotten that we were supposed to be semi-strangers meeting for the first time in 12 years.

Michelangelo Antonioni, one of Italy’s great filmmakers

The following excerpt is from an online BBC obituary released yesterday (link):

Michelangelo Antonioni, who has died at the age of 94, was seen as one of the great Italian film-makers whose iconic films have entered into cinematic history.

Directing was in his sights from an early age. He studied film at the School of Cinema and briefly wrote for the Fascist journal Cinema – at the time edited by Benito Mussolini's son.

His films were known for their slow pace, sparse dialogue and lack of a structured narrative, which did not always appeal to mainstream audiences but captured the imagination of critics and fans of the avant-garde.

But he refused to change his style to secure box office success.

Asked who he made his films for, he said: “I do it for an ideal spectator who is this very director.

“I could never do something against my tastes to meet the public. Frankly, I can't do it, even if so many directors do so.”

Michelangelo Antonioni died on 30 July 2007 in Rome. To know more about Michelangelo Antonioni’s controversial but nevertheless iconic art, please visit ITALICA and littlerabbit.