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Carl Jacobs: A Champion for Individualism in Conflict with Society in "Euphoria" Season 2, Episode 4

  "Euphoria," the critically acclaimed HBO series, is a masterful exploration of the tumultuous lives of modern adolescents, delving into the complexities of addiction, relationships, and identity. In Season 2, Episode 4, the narrative takes a profound turn as it focuses on the character Carl Jacobs, a symbol of individualism in stark contrast to his family, representing societal norms and expectations. This pivotal scene, in which Carl enters his home intoxicated and urinates on the floor, serves as a powerful allegory for the clash between the pursuit of personal freedom and the conforming pressures of society. A Defiant Act of Rebellion: Carl's Urination on His Family's Pride Carl's audacious urinating on the floor of his family's home in "Euphoria" Season 2, Episode 4, carries profound symbolic weight. This house, built with his sweat and toil, represents the epitome of societal achievement and conformity. However, Carl's act is a sta...

Why Language Choice is Crucial in a Film’s Success

  "Bloody Indians. Can't you read English?" a British soldier scornfully asks  Manikarnika . "I can read English. It's a mere language. Just words. Words without culture have no meaning."  Manikarnika  responds.   It has always been that way. Language is part of a culture. Language goes hand in hand with culture. You cannot separate the two and expect to pass a message. Film producers and directors must be careful when selecting the language in their films and television series. When you choose a language that does not match the culture of your setting, then your work is bound to fail. I have seen how Kenyan producers grapple with the choice of language for use in their films and tv series.   Kenya has several local languages. Then there is Kiswahili, the national language, and English, the official language. Most Kenyan producers select English for their production. That is why they fail, and the Kenyan film industry remains stunted.  Creati...

Bajirao Mastani: Against All Odds

  The greatest commandment of all is love. Nothing reminds us better of this saying than  Bajirao Mastani , a tragic film that shows how only a few people genuinely love.  Our dreams make us develop pride and ego. Then pride and ego make us hateful. Thus, to love others, we must sacrifice our dreams.  Bajirao Mastani  demonstrates this point well. Plot Bajirao inherits the title of the Prime Minister of the Maratha Kingdom after his father's death. He brings success to the Kingdom in the next few years by conquering nearly half of India. He embarks on military duty to the South, where he meets Mastani, a beautiful princess of the Kingdom of Bundelkhand. Mastani wants him to help her father fight invaders that have come to conquer Bundelkhand. Bajirao is impressed by Mastani’s fighting prowess when she enters his tent, downing several soldiers. He agrees to help her save her home. After the victory against Bundelkhand invaders, Bajirao stays for a few days in the...

Hope Springs: So Watchable

  Recently, I was having a conversation with a friend about her marriage. She told me she had been married for 20 years but wanted out. I tried to talk her back into her marriage, but she seemed adamant. It was hard to fathom that a marriage that had lasted for 20 years could experience great turmoil and get to the brink of collapse.  Then I came across this 2012 movie titled " Hope Springs ." The film is about a couple, Arnold and Kay Soames. They have been married for 37 years and are now on the brink of collapse.   The thing that glues me to the movie is that this couple has been married for 37 years, yet their marriage still faces turmoil, just like newlyweds in their second year. If my friend's 20 years of marriage felt like forever, what about 37 years?   Plot   Kay and Arnold are two nesters. Since their youngest child went to college, they have slept in separate rooms. It is over five years since they last made love. Kay is unhappy primarily with th...