ManishitaDass
Cloud-Capped Star (Meghe Dhaka Tara)
Cloud-Capped Star (Meghe Dhaka Tara)
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- More about Cloud-Capped Star (Meghe Dhaka Tara)
The Cloud-Capped Star is widely considered to be one of the greatest melodramas in cinema history, and is renowned for its blend of modernist aesthetics and melodramatic force. It explores displacement and historical trauma, making it a relevant film in the midst of the global refugee crisis. Manishita Dass's book examines the film's historical and cultural contexts, its cinematic theatricality, and Ghatak's modernist experiments with melodramatic devices. It offers fresh insights into the cosmopolitan cinematic sensibility of a director described as one of the most neglected major film-makers in the world.
Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 29 October 2020
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Ritwik Ghatak's The Cloud-Capped Star, released in 1960, has garnered widespread acclaim as a cinematic masterpiece and a seminal work in melodrama. Regarded as one of the most original, politically engaged, and formally innovative filmmakers from India, this film is celebrated for its striking blend of modernist aesthetics and melodramatic power. The central theme revolves around a family displaced by the Partition of India, and its profound exploration of displacement and historical trauma renders it highly relevant in the context of the global refugee crisis. Manishita Dass provides a comprehensive analysis of the film, situating it within its historical and cultural contexts and exploring its connection to Ghatak's broader artistic career. Through a close reading of the film, Dass highlights its cinematic theatricality, emphasizing Ghatak's innovative experiments with melodramatic devices, his deliberate departures from cinematic realism, and his distinctive use of sound and music. The book draws upon extensive archival research, unearths new layers of meaning, and offers fresh perspectives on Ghatak's cosmopolitan cinematic sensibility, which has been described as one of the most neglected major filmmakers worldwide.
Introduction:
Ritwik Ghatak, a renowned Indian filmmaker, left an indelible mark on the world of cinema with his masterpiece, The Cloud-Capped Star. Released in 1960, this film has been hailed as a classic of world cinema and a seminal work in melodrama. Ghatak's unique blend of modernist aesthetics and melodramatic force has made him one of the most celebrated filmmakers from India. In this essay, we will explore the historical and cultural contexts of The Cloud-Capped Star, its significance within Ghatak's film-making career, and its impact on Indian cinema.
Historical and Cultural Contexts:
The Cloud-Capped Star was released in 1960, at a time when India was undergoing a significant political and social transformation. The Partition of India in 1947 had divided the country into two dominions, India and Pakistan, leading to mass displacement and trauma for millions of people. Ghatak's film reflects the aftermath of this partition, focusing on the experiences of a family upro. The film's exploration of displacement and historical trauma gives it a renewed relevance in the midst of the global refugee crisis, where millions of people are forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, and natural disasters.
Significance within Ghatak's Film-Making Career:
The Cloud-Capped Star is considered one of Ghatak's most original and politically committed films. It marked a departure from the traditional melodramas of Indian cinema, which were often characterized by their emotional excess and melodramatic plotlines. Ghatak's film is known for its innovative use of modernist aesthetics, including the use of non-linear storytelling, fragmented narratives, and abstract visual imagery. The film's exploration of displacement and historical trauma also reflects Ghatak's commitment to social justice and his desire to address the issues of his time.
Impact on Indian Cinema:
The Cloud-Capped Star has had a profound impact on Indian cinema. It challenged the traditional narrative structures and conventions of Indian cinema and paved the way for a new wave of filmmakers who were interested in exploring social and political issues. Ghatak's innovative use of visual and auditory elements, as well as his commitment to social justice, has inspired generations of filmmakers in India and beyond. The film's exploration of displacement and historical trauma has also contributed to the growing awareness of the importance of preserving cultural heritage and addressing the legacy of colonialism.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Ritwik Ghatak's The Cloud-Capped Star is a cinematic masterpiece that has left a lasting impact on Indian cinema. Its exploration of displacement and historical trauma, combined with its innovative use of modernist aesthetics, has made it a seminal work in melodrama. The film's relevance in the context of the global refugee crisis highlights its enduring power and its ability to connect with audiences on a universal level. Ghatak's commitment to social justice and his innovative filmmaking techniques have inspired generations of filmmakers, and his legacy continues to be celebrated and explored today.
Weight: 180g
Dimension: 135 x 188 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781838719999
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