Analysis

The film Slumdog Millionaire (2008) directed by Danny Boyle tells the story of Jamal Malik, an uneducated eighteen-year-old man from the slums of Mumbai who ends up on the popular show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? and gets all the answers right. 

The structure of the film is unusual, as the plot moves from the present, when Jamal is at the police station being interrogated on suspicion of cheating on the game show, to the very recent past when Jamal was attending the show and answering questions, to a very distant past that moves from Jamal’s childhood to his teen years and young adulthood. The three narrative threads finally converge close to the climax.

The main character is Jamal Malik, who looks back on his life and the experiences he gained. Jamal’s brother, Salim, acts as his foil and his rival. Latika is Jamal’s love interest, and Jamal’s search for her is one of the most important aspects of the plot. 

The setting is the city of Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay. The contrast between the impressive business centers and the slums is at the heart of the story, as Jamal is a character who crosses the barrier between classes and economic backgrounds through his participation in the game show.

The film uses several cinematic devices. Camera angles and perspectives allow viewers to empathize with Jamal, and the emphasis on natural lighting offers the events a raw and realistic feel. The soundtrack helps increase tension and suspense, and the use of traditional Indian music adds to the atmosphere.

Important symbols and motifs help viewers to better understand the point of the story. One of the most important symbols is the show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? which shows the significance of being able to escape during difficult situations. 

You can read a full analysis of the film in the following pages.