For some, life is a play toy!

Zodiac (2007)

Growing up with an 'over' exposure to many crime dramas, I used to wonder if there were any real people who find intense pleasure in murdering people. And I am referring to a select group of psychopaths called serial killers. And that they did what they did with high precision, covering their tracks well, intelligent chaps who would tease the police with crumbs of clues and laugh all the way to carry on with their next crime.

I started wondering why all these killers were all whites and are all centred in the USA. The concept of serial killers only became popular in the 1970s, but in reality, the Germans through the 1929 silent movie 'M', introduced the idea of a pedophilic serial-murderer. The first modern serial killer, according to criminologists, must surely be Jack the Ripper in London. Generally, serial killers carry out their crimes in a particular fashion, maintaining a high degree of control over the crime scene, having a solid knowledge of forensic science that enables them to cover their tracks and leaving a sort of a trademark signature. It is as if they are perfecting a grand work of art.

Charles Sobhraj

It is generally believed that outside the USA serial killers are rare. There is a reported killer nurse from London and another in South Africa. If one was not in the habit of nitpicking between serial killers, spree killers and mass murderers as well as semantics, he would find many in Asia in the form of Charles Sobhraj (@ Bikini Killer), Lê Thanh Van (Vietnam), Chisako Kakehi (Black Widow from Japan), Yoo Young-Chul (Korean Hannibal Lecter), Tsutomu Miyazaki (Japan), Javed Iqbal Umayr (Pakistan) and Ahmad Suradji (Indonesia).

What makes 'The Zodiac Killer' interesting is that his crimes were never solved. Even though the Zodiac Killer operated in the state of California, in the northern part predominantly, the non-cooperation between police counties made the exchange of information difficult in solving the cases. He terrorised in the late 1960s and early 1970s. At least five murder cases are linked to him, but Zodiac claimed to have killed 37 people.

He got his name when he sent a cryptic letter to the newspapers after his second murder. This film tells about how this case tormented a San Francisco Chronicle reporter named Paul Avery, his colleague a cartoonist Robert Graysmith and an inspector Dave Toschi. Even the prime suspect was always Arthur Leigh Allen, all search warrants, handwriting experts' analysis of the Zodiac letters and also the DNA of possible saliva on the Zodiac letter stamps came out to nought.

Many theories have been flying around about the real killer. Amateur investigators, armchair critics, TV and documentary makers, geeks and nerds all have been churning out their two cents' worth on identifying the perpetrator. Some even suggested that he could have been apprehended for unrelated crimes and could have died before making a full confession. Even the Unabomber, an American mathematics professor turned terrorist, was a suspect.

Cryptogram sent by Zodiac to the San Francisco Chronicle. 

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We are innately racists

He Even Has Your Eyes.

(Il a déjà tes yeux , French; 2016)

Netflix

It is used to be that bringing u a child was 'child play'. My maternal grandfather's philosophy was thus. Mother Nature has it all for us. Like the trees in the forests and God's creations in the wild, somebody will sow the seeds, and someone else will come to water or feed them. In times of crisis, every man (and child) is on his own, scavenging and struggling towards sustenance. They soon learn survival skills and street smartness.

It used to be that families with way too many mouths to feed willingly give their barren relatives their child to take care. The offspring would grow, knowing very well who the biological and adoptive parents are. Issues of abandonment or neglect and psychological scarring attached to this were unheard of. The whole village would nurture a child.

Such a set up seem so alien now, like almost happening in an alternative universe. We are living in a hostile environment, Man being Man's greatest predator. It is almost like the world will be a better place with its population all wiped out. Child molesters, adults with pedophilic tendencies and cannibals make adoption almost like human trafficking. The agencies assume that adopters are up to something no good unless proven otherwise. The complicated labyrinth of bureaucracy decides who is fit to be a parent and who is not.

It is almost like choosing the correct earring for a lady's attire. Both the couple's biodata is screened with a fine-tooth comb, financial security, criminal records, medical conditions, mental stability, household preparations and colour. It does not matter if the orphan child is deprived in the wilderness in slums in an abusive family elsewhere. Everything needs to be mixed and matched, especially race!

The public is quick to judge when a child appears different from their parents. It does not make sense, but generally, people are okay with fair-skinned people adopting dark-skinned kids. Conversely, if the parents were dark-skinned and the child light-skinned, they feel hot under the colour. Are they not good enough to care for a pale child? Paradoxically, even within the coloured, a white-skinned is viewed upon as not good enough to be adopted. Are their DNA inferior to carry the burden of their adopted tradition? Assumptions on the liberal attitudes of the biological mother are hurled.

In Malaysia, I have noticed that it is acceptable for an Indian couple to take in Chinese kids as their own. We have seen these much here over the years. Typical children with Oriental features uttering immaculate Tamil complete with eye and hand gestures. When it is an Indian child is raised by a Chinese family, society becomes curious. We are all inherently racists.

This French comedy looks at this cruel behaviour. A black couple who is an adoption list receives a call that their application is successful. The child is a 4 month-old blue-eyed blond white baby. The parents are over the moon on seeing their baby, but not so with one of the social workers who is hellbent on proving that the new parents of their white child.

The new mother's family is also shocked by the latest addition to the family. Together with the young couple's friends, the movie tries to highlight the farce behind adoption protocols and unsavoury societal perception of interracial adoption.

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Engage, disengage or disappear!

Omphaloskepsis!
(Omphalo = umbilicus,
skepsis = act of looking)

Just how often have we seen people who appear almost in a stuporous state, unarousable by external stimuli? Viewed from this side of the table, it may look like he is self-absorbed or awestruck at the sight of his own genitalia. A clinician may diagnose him to have narcolepsy. In Western Africa, the doctor may give him the spot diagnosis of Trypanosomiasis @ Sleeping Sickness.

A man of the clergy would assume that he is engaged in sincere prayers, engaging with a plea with his Maker bargaining so that everything will be alright. Of course, the correct explanation is none of the above. He is merely immersed in his own digital devices. Being in an almost trance-like state, he insists that very much in touch with the present and that his generation excels in multitasking, something alien to my kind, he asserts.

Navel-gazing?
© Amethyst Aziezéé

A few years ago, a series of pictures used to appear on people's social media pages showing off their pictures of their perfect life as they lie whaling on the beach or sunbathing by the pool. The view is as if they are lying down gazing at navel level. These self-absorbed acts, called navel-gazing, are mere pursuits to ruin the media consumer's day.

Actually, the original word 'navel-gazing' has its origin way back during the time of the Eastern Orthodox Church. The monks in a Greek monastery were described in an 1830 publication jocularly as "...pretended or fancied that they experienced celestial joys when gazing on their umbilical region, in converse with the Deity". Many traditional practices like yoga and qigong use the umbilicus as an energy point to rejuvenate the hidden powers of the body.

The men of God thought that our God-given senses were the ones that get us into trouble most of the time. Our eyes give us evil thoughts; so do our auditory, smell, touch and taste. Hence, they thought that by looking away from stimuli, 'the windows to the soul' can be protected. 

Modern men use it as an excuse not to interact with strangers. Those with an inferiority complex, sociophobia or extreme introvert use navel-gazing (read digital device fixation) as an outlet to keep aloof from the surroundings. He can opt to engage, disengage or disappear with their digital friends. Interacting with a person in the flesh is more cumbersome; the cursory greetings, the niceties, the eye contact, the physical contact and the small talk - too time-consuming!

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Every system needs periodical revamp

Rangasthalam ( రంగస్థలం, Theatre, Telugu; 2018)

You think he is alright as your leader. He seems well composed to hear things out. He exudes an aura of confidence. He always has people around him who love him. He gets things done. He must be doing something right. He is even to be personally partaking in religious functions. He appears charitable enough. The same divine forces that govern your life must be the same one that runs his. The Ruler of the world must have sanctioned him to rule over this piece of land.

Then you realise one or two things do not match. It does not seem fair; not proper. You pass it off your own naivety. After all, a person with so much public support and approval cannot be wrong. Then it hits you. Your liberty is snatched away. You scream injustice, but then it dawns upon you the whole administrative machinery has been turned to suit him. You and the ones wronged by the once thought to be the saviour of the land is actually a wolf in sheep's clothing.

You have no recourse to highlight your plight. What do you do? An uprising at the risk of losing everything you have accumulated like a sparrow slowly building its nest? A violent revolution causes the destruction of lives and property. Psyop needs time and resources. What avenue is left when the powers that be controlled the amenities that were created to serve you, anyway.

One website described this movie as one of those movies from South India over the last few years that changed the cinema landscape. This is just baloney. In the 80s, so many movies came out highlighting the nonsensical administration of the village panchayats and the cruelty of the land zamindars. Now it is the cooperatives, that is all. This formula of a lone wolf fighting a corrupt system, coming out unscathed and winning the heart of the beautiful lass is as old as the industry itself. The redeeming factor must be the excellent cinematography and its soothing melodies.

The film tells the story of a young hearing-impaired agricultural worker, who after seeing too many injustices happening under his very nose, takes the Village Cooperative Society President head-on. Mysteriously villagers who opposed the President's decisions committed suicide or went missing. The last straw came when his learned brother was killed when he decided to stand against the President in the local elections.

Can give it a miss but the massive box office earnings and the remake in Kannada may mean that the producers are just riding on its financial success.

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Honour among thieves

Bad Education (2019)


They used to say that education was the only left to us to come out of the rut that we were stuck. At least that is what Amma made us believe when we were forced to burn the midnight oil even during festivities. While others were busy getting ready to usher in the festival in full spirits, in new garments and air of celebrations, we were made to cramp in facts about biology and Newton's law of gravity. She impressed upon us that at the time of reckoning when our future endeavours were at stake, our knowledge and quick thinking that would pull us through interviews and promotions, not stories of merrymaking and feasting with friends.

Then we grew up. The years in the School of Hard Knocks showed us that Amma was only partially correct. True, education would help to lift you up by your boot-straps but 'whom you know' will skyrocket you to greater heights. Knowing people helps to cement transactions and grease you out of difficulties. 

We all understand that a good education can be bought. In the real world, we can see that not all who graduated from the Oxbridge or Ivy League got in via merits. There is, of course, donation or diplomatic connexions. 

Losers will talk about the law of Nature and how evil gets back you. A crime is a crime only when one is caught. Even apprehension does not equal conviction as one can get the best justice that money can buy. The best legal representations can ensure acquittal on technicalities. It is common knowledge that the law is no friend of the poor. The mere legal procedural process itself can be bankrupting.

This 2019 film is based on a true story that happened in a high ranking American public school district in the State of New York. Its superintendent and his assistant are exposed in embezzlement of using the district monies for the personal needs. The scheme was presented by a student reporter of the school magazine. They were incarcerated.

On another note, in the US, in 2019, another scandal arose over a criminal conspiracy to influence undergraduate admissions decisions at several top American universities by cheating on college entrance exams and fabrication of elite sports credentials. The importance of good education is evident to everyone that people are willing to lie, cheat and find the simplest way to secure a good education for their loved ones, even for their apathetic, non-motivated and intellectually challenged ones. It is just an extension of helicopter parenting.

This story also reminds me of the corrupted system that we all live in. It is filled with the spirit of patronage, serfdom but aloofness at the same time. I guess they call it professional courtesy or honour amongst thieves.

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Symbolism of a broken system?

The Overcoat (1959, Shinel, ШИНЕЛЬ, Russian)

A Soviet film adaptation of N. Gogol's 'Overcoat.'

Watching Mira Nair directed film 'Namesake' eventually brought me to this Russian movie. One of the iconic lines mentioned in 'Namesake' is 'we are all from Gogol's Overcoat'. The quote is attributed to Dostoevsky, who meant the whole Russian literary world owe their ideas and styles to Gogol, the pre-eminent satirist and literary realism. 

Gogol's Overcoat had made it to the silver screen many times over. From the silent film production in 1916 to the 2018 animated version, some of it carries different storylines.

This 1959 Soviet production stays true to the original short story. I also managed to catch up with a made-for-TV adaptation for 'Douglas Fairbanks Jr. Presents' starring Buster Keaton named 'Awakening'. Both of these movies are available on YouTube.

Akaki Akakievich, the protagonist in Gogol's story, is a sad character who leads a boring life. He works in a governmental agency doing seemingly mundane job of keeping records, writing and copying documents. In his mind, he is doing something quite profound. He knows all the figures and numbers like the back of his hand. His eccentricity is actually the butt of joke among his co-worker. Akaki earns pittance, and it shows. He lives in a rented room in the poor side of town. His overcoat is so worn out and cannot be patched anymore, according to his tailor.

Buster Keaton, in an atypical dramatic roles

He stinges through to be able to sew a new coat and receives attention from his co-workers when he shows up with his new overcoat. The usual socially awkward Akiki is feted with an office party in his honour. Akiki is extremely happy with his decision, but still, his new purchase cannot change his awkwardness. He personifies his coat and cares for it dearly, sometimes over the top. He even removes the coat when it snows, not wanting to get it wet.

Going home, his flashy coat draws unwanted attention. He is mugged. Muggers scoot off with his pricey possession. Next comes the lengthy bureaucracy of reporting his theft. He is given the runaround. His loss and exposure of cold proved too much for Akiki. Akiki succumbs to pneumonia and haunts the neighbourhood. A meaningless death to a person leading a meaningless life.

The Buster Keaton version (The Awakening) has a slightly different ending. Akiki does not die, but instead, is determined to relive his dream where he raises up to assassinate the chief of the tyrannic system.

The story is a symbolism of a broken system. Even though people's patience has been stretched thin with ridiculous policies and unwise decisions, the people go on thinking that they are doing alright. Not realising that the joke is on them, they blindly give themselves a pat on their back for a job well done. Unbeknownst to everyone changes can be detrimental, but then, the Truth or generation after them will rise to the occasion. This is shown as Akiki coming back as a ghost to haunt the living daylight of the people of St Petersburg.

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We all came out of Gogol’s overcoat!

Namesake (2006)

We all wear coats to hide what we wear inside. Sometimes we are ashamed of what we have underneath and need to cover it all. At other times, it is chilly outside. Occasionally, what we have beneath it is inappropriate. Shame, political incorrectness or social awkwardness are all put aside; the real person under it all is the real us.

The act of being someone else that we are not may come back to bite us. Additionally, wearing blinkers and staying adamant about what we have without being receptive to positive external input is self-defeating.

Life is a learning experience. We are all eternal students picking up wisdom as we go. Our final destination is one that amalgamates all the wealth, baggage and tradition that we carry inside. In short, we are what we are but should not forget where we came from, but at the same time, learn to adapt and adopt our new environment.

We have often heard of Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoyevsky, the famous Russian writer and his work surrounding human psychology and religion, mentioned in many classic movies. In this movie, the character is heard stating one of Dostoyevsky's famous sayings, 'We all came out of Gogol's overcoat'. Even though he meant that Nikholai Gogol had influenced later Russian writers, this phrase can be interpreted at different levels.

In Gogol's short story 'Overcoat', the protagonist, Akaky, a poor worker who is often teased by his co-workers for wearing a patched-up old coat. Embarrassed by this, Akaky saves up to buy a new overcoat. His co-workers rejoice by celebrating his purchase. Unfortunately, Akaky's joy is shortlived. He is mugged off his coat on his way back home in a poor neighbourhood.

That is the dilemma that most of us face in our daily lives. We are damned if we do and damned if we do not like Akaky, who is heckled for an old coat but robbed of an expensive one. In the same way, we do the best for our offspring giving the best that we can offer but expect to be as street-smart as the person who had survived the hard knocks of life. We pad their every fall but still expect them to be robust. We think the third world is not good enough for them to prosper but still expect them to have our ancestral values when they grow up immersed in their newfound motherland's cultures. The best they can do is to embrace the best of both worlds; the ancestral and sojourning homes.

Through the saga of an Indian professor who made the USA his home and his Indian wife plus their American-born children and Gogol's book, the screenwriters try to narrate the dilemma of NRIs. They are not quite American because of their names but yet feel alienated in India. They also cannot fit into what is perceived as Indian culture as is expected of them in the Indian community of the USA.

Sociologists have researched these children, whom they refer to as 'third-culture kids'. They discovered that after getting caught in cultures, though challenging, they become independent and confident and often benefit from their multicultural background.

An exciting presentation starring Irrfan Khan, Tabu and Kal Penn that makes you think. It will want you to find out more about Gogol and Russian literature.

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