"Death of a Mule" is a metaphor, a cry for help, an artist's desperation and a lot in a mere fifty minutes. In writer/director Ankit Singha's patiently paced film about...well, artists, there's something you feel for and understand. And if you're an artist, it hits you.
I'll skip the plot details as no matter what I say, it'll be a possible spoiler, as in this film, the devil is in the details. Prakash Shaw is magnificent, so is Arpan Dutta. Singha is able to bring out some excellent performances. Shaw has a darkness and a depth in his eyes.
It's an out and out indie film, yet look out for the stunning cinematography, which plays with black/white, different aspect ratios - one in a stunning black and white 4:3. Every shot in those scenes has a mystical charm to it. Look out for the stunning opening shot, i was positively mesmerized. Singha - who also edited the film - has a very controlled and methodical editing in this, which may sometimes be a bit too slow, but it's never boring.
Dialogues are interesting, the director was able to bring out great performances all throughout the film, even the supporting actors, who range from a financer to other "small" characters, they all leave an impression. "Kanoon Andha Haain", look out for the very careful production design, in one of the producer's offices. Its silently hilarious but so sad to see the state of studio systems. Singha is brave enough to address this.
I did have some issues with the overall pacing, but it never causes a huge hindrance - finally, "asholey ami sherokom director naa sir", the amount of pain and wisdom it takes to say such a thing, that sums up the film. That's the soul of the film. I don't want to reveal the meaning behind the film's name, but when it does come up, in the final shot - metaphorically, you think about it and it haunts you.
Watch it when it releases, which will possibly be soon!
#deathofamule #indiefilm #films #cinema #support.
