Slumdog is a Moment of Significance

Gold Derby’s Tom O’Neil on AFI’s naming Slumdog Millionaire one of 2008’s Moments of Significance:

The movie isn’t on AFI’s list of top 10 movies because it’s not an American production. AFI’s lists focus on superb examples of American’s “moving images” ‚Äî it usually makes a strong point to underscore domestic turf ‚Äî but now, to be brutally honest, it looks like the institute’s cramming “Slumdog Millionaire” on this new, grab-bag list so it won’t be embarrassed next February like it was two years ago when the Oscar best picture champ wasn’t on the AFI top 10 film roster (“The Departed”).

This is what the press release said about Slumdog:

“‘Slumdog Millionaire’ ‚Äî A Celebration of the Global Film” “Slumdog Millionaire” stands as a monument to the possibilities of cross-cultural storytelling. Danny Boyle’s masterwork is rooted in the worlds of Dickens and Dumas but captures their spirit with a visual and narrative splendor that serves as a cinematic passport to a vibrant, modern India. A love story at its core, the film is also a powerful reminder that our global obsession with money leaves many of the world’s children in need.

Also of significance, “Slumdog Millionaire” is a signpost in America’s search for greater authenticity in its stories. Subtitles ‚Äî once an inconvenience to American audiences ‚Äî are now expected and, in fact, demanded to confirm the universality of our daily, global experience.

Other films that reflect this cultural shift include “Gran Torino,” “The Visitor,” “Australia” and television’s “Heroes.”