Slumdog Cheapskate and Freddie

Mar 01, 2009 Features / Columnists

The Parrot is still in euphoria following the success of the movie “Slumdog Millionaire” at the 81st Academy Awards ceremony last week. The eight Oscars that the movie deservedly won have propelled the growing popularity of the “rag to riches” tale. Many who took it for granted internationally are rushing to the cinemas, while locally, they flock bootleg outlets. The movie was well crafted with superb screenplay and direction.

The interest never waned. Kudos to all involved. Mrs. Parrot laughed and cried at various parts. During one particular scene, she was seen on the ground cackling vociferously; the moment when the young Jamal, after being locked in the outhouse, went to extreme measures to get an autograph from his idol, Amitabh Bachchan. Gross as it is, the laughter induced is unstoppable.

A few months back, I stumbled upon the movie after being curious about the name Freida Pinto; she was the top search at that moment on Yahoo. Who was she? Another Spanish bombshell like Penelope Cruz? Someone of the likes of Angelina Jolie or Jessica Alba? I had to find out.

The search led me to a movie, “Slumdog Millionaire”; the only movie she has featured in to date! What was so special? I learnt that the interest the movie was generating had made all, some unheard of, actors special. Like those who are now hastening to bootleg video stores, I went the same day and got the movie. Oh, how advanced we are in Guyana! We can get a movie on the same day it’s being released! Sometimes before; just for $200.00! And people say things are expensive here. Oh how they exaggerate!

I must admit that, having looked at the cover of the DVD, I wasn’t impressed. What were the significance of the popular game show and the actual name of the movie? These and other devil’s advocate-like questions I formulated in my mind were not only answered, but disappeared from my thoughts as the movie progressed. I never regretted watching it. I have repeated that process a few times since. I never envisaged, even though I knew it was as outstanding movie, that it would have attracted the Academy with ten nominations that set tongues wagging in its support. It dominated awards ceremonies, including the Golden Globes prior to the Oscars. I was never optimistic that the movie would have won even one Oscar.

My pessimism has to do with the way the Academy is known to operate. To expect a non-American movie which is set in India to win Oscars was inconceivable. My pessimism shielded my real feelings; I wanted the movie to succeed; I wanted it to win all ten. However, I did not want to be overly expecting and then plunge into a depression if it was unsuccessful in winning even one. I wanted to be cautious and to leave room for disappointment. My current joy since its success cannot be concealed. It is the only non-Hollywood, non-American movie to have won 80% of its nominations; eight out of ten! I have not conducted any research to substantiate this pronouncement. This is deliberate and would serve to substantiate a point I will make later.

I want to comment on my loud-mouth neighbour, Bluffing Parrot (BP), who was the most optimistic person pertaining to the movie sweeping the Oscars. He was never in doubt. He chided my pessimism and accused me of wanting to “blight” it. He couldn’t understand my inner feelings; my pessimism was a reinforced opaque “shield”. He promised all in the neighbourhood to foot the bill for a non-extravagant celebration if the movie were to be successful. His loud-mouth tendencies were advantageous in convincing all of his good neighbourly intentions. Following the movie’s eight Oscars, the expectations for such a binge quickly fizzled as BP wrapped himself in the current and believable excuse; the global financial crisis.

He unconvincingly articulated his financial challenges in being unable to commit to his earlier promise.
Never in his zestful mannerisms prior to Oscar night was the impression conveyed about his financial inability to fund the drinks. Knowing BP, it was just an excuse. His known financial capabilities make the cost of the drinks seem like a few pennies. From an ardent optimistic supporter of “Slumdog Millionaire”, BP has been reduced to a “Slumdog Cheapskate”.

He has reduced his visibility fearing the taunts. BP failed to put his money where his mouth was. He was unable to support his vociferous articulation for the binge. Unfortunately he is not alone in this category; a category in which people say things that they cannot support. Herein lies the point I want to make as mentioned earlier. Their unsubstantiated claims permeate the landscape. One such person is Uncle Freddie.

In my last squawk I alluded to his unsupported claims about Canada closing its Embassy here and cutting aid from Guyana. His article reflects unprofessional and unethical journalism. The Canadians’ subsequent reply, given front page prominence by Uncle Glenn, debunked Uncle Freddie’s mischievous piece. The Canadians pellucidly emphasised that they have no intention to close the Embassy here and that aid has not been cut. In their diplomatic response, they chided Uncle Freddie for not seeking their guidance for such a pronouncement.

This is basic journalism! How does Uncle Freddie feel having made such an irresponsible statement and to see Uncle Glenn posting the correction on page 1 of the same paper the next day?
Like my friend “Slumdog Cheapskate”, Uncle Freddie revels in the propagation of unsubstantiated and unsupported claims. Wouldn’t be surprised if they are seen sharing one drink in an obscure location; “Slumdog Hideout”.
Squawk! Squawk!