trailer trash

While Slumdog Millionaire was the big story of 2008, this year brings the wonder world of Bilal to the screen - the real story of a young boy growing up in the slums of Calcutta. The film was recently featured in Grazia magazine and has been racking up the awards at film festivals worldwide, far too many to list here.

Bilal was three years old during filming and living in a tiny room with his blind parents and infant brother. The film follows the family over the course of a year, capturing the intimate details of their lives. The story even has a Happy Ending: the attention and numerous awards the film has garnered includes some support from the IDFA (International Documentary Festival Amsterdam) Fund which will provide concrete assistance to Bilal and his family.

George Clooney, staring at a goat.

If Jon Ronson ever wondered, as we all occasionally do, who would play him in the movie, the answer turns out to be quite flattering: Ewan MacGregor. The film version of his investigation into some of the more bizarre history of the American military, The Men Who Stare at Goats, is released soon and is packed with an all-star cast including George Clooney, Kevin Spacey and Jeff Bridges.

What the Hollywood treatment has glossed over with regard to this story, is that much of what Ronson wrote seems to be factually accurate. In other words: it’s true. Which is probably the most disturbing aspect of the whole thing. While I’m sure this movie will be entertaining, I’d much rather see an investigative documentary covering the subject.