Devdas

The state of this film is in very poor condition today. There’s also a new version of the film from 2002. I am certainly one of those who were swept up in the belated 2001/2002 wave that brought the fascinating phenomenon of *ollywood films back into the crosshairs of Western culture. Yet somehow I still don't love the older films. I would like to add something from before 1947 to my repertoire, but there hasn't been a good opportunity yet. I was happy to try watching this version of Devdas, but to be honest, with the exception of Vyjayanthimala, I didn't appreciate it much. Unlike Bhansali's divine version, this one dwells too much on Paro and Devdas's childhoods, the formal methods by which the film is made would have looked old-fashioned even in 1935, and I'm not too sure about the acting chops of Dilip Kumar or Suchitra Sen. The sets, and the exteriors in which the film takes place, are suspiciously empty, and most strange of all was the scene in which Devdas disfigured Paro, referring to the fact that even the moon has a scar on its perfect face. I still want to believe that with better subtitles and a better atmosphere, I could possibly appreciate the "golden age" emblem, but that hope is too small and dim. But I'm closer to getting to know other more significant films with Vyjayanthimala, and then there will be more to discuss with others from all aspects. Her pleasant demeanor, spicy oval face, and dancing talents are some of the few elements that I still find relevant today. (10/14/2012)