Conflict Essay Slumdog Millionaire
* Describe at least ONE character or individual who was important to the text(s).
Explain why the character was important, supporting
your points with examples of visual and / or oral language features.
In Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire an important character was Salim Malik. Salim’s actions impact on his brother’s life and happiness. Through his actions we understand the conflicted nature of Salim and how difficult it is for him to balance his loyalty to his brother with his own personal greed and ambitions. This is shown through the use of dialogue, symbolism and camera shots.
Danny Boyle uses dialogue to show Salim’s loyalty to his brother. When the two boys are living in the orphanage Jamal is going to be blinded so he will earn more money as a beggar. Salim uses dialogue to warn his brother that he is in danger. As they are walking Salim whispers, “Arthos… when I say” The two brothers then escape Maman. Arthos and Porthos are two musketeer names and are used as a code between the brothers. This shows that Salim is willing to put himself in danger to save his brother’s sight. Danny Boyle uses this scene to highlight the brother’s close bond.
By contrast, symbolism is used to show Salim’s greed and how his ambitions often cause him to betray his brother. Salim is associated with money throughout the film. He is often seen counting money, or creating ways of making money such as stealing shoes at the Taj Mahal and selling them in the market. However, placing such importance on money leads Salim to hurt his brother. When Jamal obtains a signed autograph of famous Bollywood actor, Amitabh Bachchan, Salim steals the photo and sells it behind Jamal’s back. This act is important because it shows Salim is willing to betray his brother for his own selfish ambitions and desire for wealth.
Finally, camera shots are used to show Salim’s remorse for his actions. Salim attempts to make up for his actions by helping Latika escape Javed, even at the
In Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire an important character was Salim Malik. Salim’s actions impact on his brother’s life and happiness. Through his actions we understand the conflicted nature of Salim and how difficult it is for him to balance his loyalty to his brother with his own personal greed and ambitions. This is shown through the use of dialogue, symbolism and camera shots.
Danny Boyle uses dialogue to show Salim’s loyalty to his brother. When the two boys are living in the orphanage Jamal is going to be blinded so he will earn more money as a beggar. Salim uses dialogue to warn his brother that he is in danger. As they are walking Salim whispers, “Arthos… when I say” The two brothers then escape Maman. Arthos and Porthos are two musketeer names and are used as a code between the brothers. This shows that Salim is willing to put himself in danger to save his brother’s sight. Danny Boyle uses this scene to highlight the brother’s close bond.
By contrast, symbolism is used to show Salim’s greed and how his ambitions often cause him to betray his brother. Salim is associated with money throughout the film. He is often seen counting money, or creating ways of making money such as stealing shoes at the Taj Mahal and selling them in the market. However, placing such importance on money leads Salim to hurt his brother. When Jamal obtains a signed autograph of famous Bollywood actor, Amitabh Bachchan, Salim steals the photo and sells it behind Jamal’s back. This act is important because it shows Salim is willing to betray his brother for his own selfish ambitions and desire for wealth.
Finally, camera shots are used to show Salim’s remorse for his actions. Salim attempts to make up for his actions by helping Latika escape Javed, even at the