The filmmaker Deepa Mehta discusses her new film Midnight’s Children, adapted by Salman Rushdie from his own novel, which opens in Canada, Friday, 02 November 2012.
Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:
I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver at TheCommentary.ca.
The acclaimed filmmaker Deepa Mehta joins me again. Her new film Midnight’s Children has played at the film festivals in Toronto and Vancouver, and opens nationwide on 02 November 2012. It’s based on the three-time Booker Prize winning novel by Salman Rushdie, who adapted his own book and wrote the screenplay. Mr. Rushdie also narrates the film. When India declares its independence at the stroke of midnight 15 August 1947, two children are born. One’s the son of a wealthy couple, and the other is the illegitimate son of an impoverished street singer. They are switched at birth, and the film chronicles their lives as written by fate. We see them at the forefront of India’s history from the years 1947 to 1977, as well the film opens in 1917, and we see India depicted in those sixty years, through 127 speaking parts and 64 locations. I saw the movie yesterday, and it was extraordinary, moving, and compelling. Its sweep of history is staggering, and the performances from the actors are first rate. We’ll talk to Ms. Mehta about getting this film made, what it meant to her, and what she hopes the viewer will get out of this movie. Deepa Mehta has directed the films Bollywood/Hollywood, Sam & Me, Fire, Earth, and Heaven on Earth, which she was last on the program to discuss. She has won countless awards, and her film Water was nominated for an Academy Award. I speak to Deepa Mehta in late September, just as the film is set to open the Vancouver International Film Festival. Please welcome back to the Planta: On the Line program, Deepa Mehta; Ms. Mehta, good morning.
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