Saw Slumdog Millionaire tonight and loved it. The story itself was compelling, Mumbai is an incredibly interesting backdrop, and Millionaire turned out to be a terrific framing device. Recommended.
I couldn't help but wonder, though, at some differences between the Indian version of the game as portrayed in the movie, and the version we know in the United States.
After seeing the question and choices, Jamal had to commit to giving an answer or walking away. He couldn't use a lifeline and then walk-- once he used the lifeline, he appeared to be committed to giving an answer.
As a contestant, Jamal was unescorted and allowed to be in the same bathroom as the host of the show. In the United States, contestants are never alone and have no contact with the host off the set.
Dramatic license, or really how it works in India? The movie also showed a phone-in process to become a contestant. Does India use one?
- Peter
Oddly, not particularly interested in whether or not Mumbai police really hook up car batteries to suspects accused of cheating on a game show.
