Book Review: Our Films, Their Films by Satyajit Ray

I stumbled upon this treasure trove of essays penned by none other than Satyajit Ray, the cinematic maestro, renowned for his distinctive clarity and simplicity in storytelling. Delving into these essays, it felt like having a tête-à-tête with Ray himself, as he unraveled his inner thoughts, keen insights, and profound observations in the realm of cinema.

The book is divided into two parts. In the first part, Ray discusses his experiences, working methods, the challenges faced, and the lessons learned during his filmmaking endeavors in Bengal. He also explores the subject of Indian cinema, highlighting what Indian films lack when compared to Western films and the challenges faced by Bengali filmmakers.

In the second part of the book, Ray talks about foreign films. He shares how Western cinema influenced him when he was starting out and gives his thoughts on some famous Western filmmakers. While reading these pages, I felt like I was diving into Ray’s creative world, where his love for Indian culture shines brightly. It was a captivating journey.

One chapter in the book takes us back to 1956 when Ray visited Banaras to film the first part of the Apu Trilogy. He shares captivating stories from his time wandering through the winding streets and along the expansive ghats of Banaras. What’s truly delightful is an incident during the making of a memorable scene in “Apur Sansar.” It involved a flock of pigeons taking flight and then gracefully settling down after circling in the sky.

What makes this chapter extra special is Ray’s sharp eye for detail. He keenly observes the play of light, the hustle and bustle of people, and how he spots specific locations that could become perfect shots for his films. It’s like getting a backstage pass to a filmmaker’s creative process, and it’s a real treat for readers.

Ray makes a clear point: Filmmaking is all-encompassing. Unlike a writer who can find inspiration in a quiet room or an editor who can meticulously edit frame by frame, a filmmaker needs to be right where the action is happening. It’s a full-body, mind, and heart experience.

While shooting Pather Panchali, a film based on Bibhutibhushan Banerjee’s work, he faced practical challenges due to his lack of firsthand acquaintance with the rural setting in Bengal. His exploration of a real village not far from the city led to profound observations that transcend the audio-visual realm. He contemplated the mysteries of atmosphere, the differences between dawn and dusk, and the unique qualities of sunlight in different seasons etc.

Ray was one of the few filmmakers who drew heavily from literature, adapting Bengali novels with creative liberties for the medium. He did not concern himself with purists who criticized deviations from the original work. His ability to discuss direction, editing, music, and cinematography with equal ease speaks volumes about his deep knowledge of all aspects of filmmaking.

The book is filled with insightful reflections and personal learnings. Ray held a critical view of Hindi cinema, believing that it lacked universal appeal and maturity due to a misunderstanding of dramatic patterns in time. He also noted the influence of American cinema on Indian films, particularly in adopting formulaic content and superficial aspects without considering cultural context. The technical polish of Hollywood was difficult to replicate in Indian films.

However, Ray dedicated a chapter to his interactions with the celebrated French director, Jean Renoir, whom he deeply admired. Renoir’s stay in Calcutta during the filming of “River” provided Ray with a rare opportunity to engage in a series of tête-à-tête conversations. These meetings played a vital role in shaping and reinforcing Ray’s views on cinematic art.

In conclusion, this book offers an insightful peek into the mind of the eminent Indian filmmaker Satyajit Ray, whose cinematic work was deeply rooted in Indian ethos and continues to inspire generations of filmmakers, not only in India but worldwide. This isn’t just a book; it’s a cinematic journey through Ray’s thoughts and experiences.