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Mercy in Her Eyes: The Films of Mira Nair

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Having just waxed euphoric about this book in a comment regarding her upcoming project Shantaram, it reminded me to come over here and talk a little about why the book is so great. I posted a review along with an excerpt a while back but I guess it was deleted because it was too long.

A shame because the excerpt was so insightful and beautifully written and it was about the film Kama Sutra.

Muir does an in-depth study of all of Nair's films with a chapter for each film, how it was conceived, the filming process and the common themes of her films (identity is the main one), and he also includes interviews with Nair and the people who have worked with her on almost each project over the past two decades.

I love this book because it is about an incredible woman and her passion for film and how it illuminates her work. It also talks about the critical aspects of films in a way that the average reader that doesn't know much about it will understand and thoroughly enjoy - and then learn to recognize the next time they watch one.

In the Namesake DVD's extra features section, there is also terrific footage from Nair's film course at Columbia...it's an awesome primer on how much work is involved in bringing the project to the screen and short of going there to learn more and taking the class yourself, this book, at a fraction of the cost, delivers.

For those of us who don't WANT to go to film school but are intrigued by the process, I also recommend The Devil's Guide to Hollywood by the irreverent Joe Eszterhas. WOOT!!!!

If you've never seen a Mira Nair film, you truly are missing out! The colors alone are breathtaking. I've only seen 'Vanity Fair' but after this book, I'm anxious to see her others. Muir does an excellent job of explaining the deeper meanings behind Nair's works, based on commentary by cast members, crew, and Nair herself. Long-hailed at international film festivals, these films have not always enjoyed blockbuster success in the U.S. The topics are fascinating - interracial romances, the role of women in society, the culture and conflict of 'East' and 'West,' and the strong bonds of family. Nair's newest film "The Namesake" is scheduled for release this year.

Having been an ardent fan of Director, Mira Nair for years, I welcomed the opportunity to learn more about this remarkable artist in this extremely comprehensive book by John Kenneth Muir. It was an incredible experience to find my feelings and thoughts about Nair and her films, (most of which I have collected, and viewed again and again) analyzed with such depth and understanding and sensitivity by this author. It has enhanced my already deep appreciation of her work, but also now, that of John Kenneth Muir. It's a book I know I will refer to often in the future, and I congratulate JKM for a magnificent job! BRAVO, sir! I look forward to reading more from you!
Pru McDonald