Cinematic techniques

The film Slumdog Millionaire (2008) directed by Danny Boyle uses a variety of cinematic techniques. Some of them are similar to techniques used in Bollywood movies, which shows that Boyle is trying to pay a homage to them. You can read about the most interesting examples of the cinematic devices used in the film below.

Camera

Camera angles and movement have an important part to play in the film Slumdog Millionaire (2008) directed by Danny Boyle. The perspective chosen in a certain scene tells the audience whom they are supposed to empathize with and what is important in the story. 

Scenic shots are used several times in the film. They mostly show the city of Bombay/Mumbai and how it is rapidly changing. Sometimes, the scenic shots show particular parts of the city, such as the business centers and skyscrapers or the slums. These shots highlight the contrast between the two societies in Mumbai and drive home the class inequalities that take place there. 

A particularly impactful wide shot is one right after the Bombay Riots, where everything is burned down and destroyed. We see Jamal and Salim standing against this desolate background and surveying the devastation of their former home. The scene captures the viewers’ sympathy as they get to see exactly what the two children see and understand how it must feel for them to suddenly find themselves all on their own, with their family and their home taken from them.

Another notable scenic shot is that of the Taj Mahal. Since it is an iconic building that most people have come to associate with India, the image adds authenticity and atmosphere. It should also be notable that, while viewers have no trouble recognizing the Taj Mahal and what it represents, Jamal and Salim have no idea what they are looking at.

Close-ups are often used in the film to show a character’s emotions. While Jamal is taking part in the game show, we often get close-ups of his face or of Prem Kumar, to show how tense they both are. Since this happens mainly when Jamal is answering a question, this offers suspense to the scene.

Another notable example of a close-up is when Salim shoots Maman....