Slumdog Millionaire - Autograph Scene

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Autograph Scene Autograph Scene Summary: At five years old Jamal obtains the autograph of Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan. He does so by going through human waste, as his brother Salim locked him in an outhouse. Salim then steals the autograph and sells it for money. Themes: How Salim takes advantage of Jamal’s innocence. Jamal is determined – he will find a way to achieve his goals. This scene is important as it shows the differences between Jamal and Salim, as well as outlining their personalities. Technique - Camera angles Close up on hands: The high angled point-of-view shot as the film star, Amitabh, signs Jamal’s photograph compares their distinct positions. Amitabh’s hands are right beside the camera in the foreground showing his importance to the viewer. This close up shows his wealth through his accessories of rings and how he signs the photograph with a gold pen. His clean white or pale tones contrast with the other characters dirtied earthy coloured garments. It shows his attitude of significance that distinguishes them so strongly. This choice of clothing tones can be directly related to the height of clouds and sky, which people look up to, never able to reach; over the darker tones of the ground which everyone walks on. This is even shown in his photograph as he is looked up on from a high angle surrounding him with the brightness of the sky behind him. Below him Jamal waits patiently not making eye contact, but vaguely looking around up at him. This lack of eye line match is to enforce the viewer of their physical and social height. The camera not showing the film starts face is another important feature in this shot. The significance of this is too also differentiate their positions and implies his tremendous wealth compared to Jamal. It shows also how minor the action is for Amitabh and how amazing the incident is for Jamal. Despite this the
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