Issue 153

Director Profile: Satyajit Ray

26th February 2007

Ray's first film, Pather Panchali, attained great commercial success, and more importantly, was received with critical acclaim, winning over eleven awards globally, including Best Human Document at Cannes in 1956 and Best Film at the Vancouver film festival in 1958.

Pather Panchali would form the first instalment of the now renowned Apu Trilogy, following the character of Apu from birth through to adulthood in the two subsequent instalments, Aparajito (The Unvanquished) and Apur Sansar (The World of Apu).

While the Apu Trilogy remains the most widely celebrated of Ray's work, he went on to direct 34 more films up to his death in 1992, and can be heralded as the major force in Indian cinema, being recognised and applauded on a global scale. Pather Panchali was the first Indian film to really cause a stir in the European film market, and it has been Ray's talent for attaining a remarkable humanism in his films that has sustained his popularity, and opened the door for many art house films and directors to emerge from all areas of India.

The key to Satyajit Ray's film has consistently been a rare blend of intellect and emotions. He is controlled, precise, meticulous, and yet, evokes deep emotional response from his audience. His films depict a fine sensitivity without using melodrama or dramatic excesses, and in doing so, he has evolved a cinematic style that is almost invisible. As he himself once said, "The best technique is the one that's not noticeable".

This understated style of observation and delicate treatment of themes, characters and situations have afforded him a reputation as one of the great 'auteurs' of twentieth century cinema, and his films have received praise from audiences and filmmakers alike. The Japanese master Akira Kurosawa said of Ray, "The quiet but deep observation, understanding and love of the human race, which are characteristic of all his films, have impressed me greatly. ...I feel that he is a "giant" of the movie industry."

The inclusion of Pather Panchali at the Taliesin's World One Film Festival is a tremendous opportunity to savour the very first film of Satyajit Ray's impressive career, and will serve as a superb starting block to begin an appreciation of his cinematic genius. 'Panther Panchali' shows at the Taliesin at 8.30pm on Tuesday, 13 March.

James Hay