Life of Pi

A Slice of Life

I do not understand why Yann Martel’s novel Life of Pi was considered unfilmable. It is a book that has the potential to be told in myriad ways and Ang Lee’s interpretation is one that gloriously realises the visual power the story holds. This version is incredibly close to its source, Martel’s simple yet masterful story-telling faithfully rendered on screen and given emotive life through wonderful performances and fantastic visual effects.

The likes of Ang Lee, Peter Jackson and, yes, even James Cameron with Avatar are pioneering film forward into the 21st century; because, if it stagnates it will die. Many may not enjoy donning a pair of 3-D glasses (I myself am not a particular fan); but the film industry as both an art and a business is in dire need of propelling audiences to the cinema. We may turn up our noses at 3-D and moan about the pain gripping our temples, but bear in mind that audiences in the 1920s were indignant at the idea of films with sound.

Thankfully, Life of Pi does not employ its third dimension as a cheap trick, but Lee is rather like an excited child with a new toy. The daunting task of generating animals and water – and animals in water – is bravely and splendidly realised. The real, furthermore, will never be abandoned and the colossal and magnificent Bengal tiger, Richard Parker, is a genius mix of CG and actual feline. As a character, he is at times turned into a Puss-in-Boots ala Shrek of sorts with his irresistible pussy cat eyes. It takes away some of the fear and wonder that Pi feels towards him, but serves to pull at the heartstrings – which is what the film aims to do throughout.

The spiritual message is also not lost or ignored, nor does it ever stifle the film or presume to preach. Instead it is used to connect with its audience through humour, warmth and understanding. The violence is downplayed, but Pi – Suraj Sharma in his film debut – delivers superb pathos in its place.

There are many ways a book may be realised on screen. Adhering to every detail every step of the way is not necessary, that is why it is called an interpretation. The only thing the film should retain is the essence of the book. Through emotion and melodrama, Life of Pi has been transformed into a Hollywood epic, allowing the film to stand on its own. It is neither a case of mere transference from page to screen nor is it a butchering of the story and its themes. Like the book, Ang Lee’s Life of Pi is a timeless addition to the canon of good storytelling.

Originally published on Dinner and a Movie.

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