The Mystic Masseur
 | This articleneeds additional citations forverification.(February 2024) |
| The Mystic Masseur | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Ismail Merchant |
| Written by | Caryl Phillips(based on the novel byV. S. Naipaul) |
| Produced by | Nayeem Hafizka andRichard Hawley |
| Starring | Om Puri Aasif Mandvi Ayesha Dharker Rajendra D. |
| Music by | Zakir Hussain Richard Robbins |
Release date |
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| Country | |
| Language | Trinidadian English |
The Mystic Masseuris a 2001Merchant Ivoryfilm based on thenovel of the same namebyV. S. Naipaul.[1]It is one of relatively few films directed byIsmail Merchant,who is better known as the producer in the Merchant Ivory partnership, and addresses issues ofHindusubculture inTrinidad and Tobago.
The movie was the first film adaptation of a novel by Naipaul.[2]It was filmed inTrinidad and Tobagoand was released in 2001, to lukewarm response. The screenplay is byCaryl Phillips.The film features performances byOm PuriandAasif Mandvi,and original music byZakir Hussain.
Synopsis[edit]
The novel by V. S. Naipaul moves between farce and acerbic social commentary on Trinidad, the country of his birth. The characters are mainly members ofTrinidad's Indian community.The protagonist is Ganesh Ramsumair, a frustrated writer who rises from poverty on the back of his dubious talent as a "mystic"masseur,known asPunditGanesh, who can cure illnesses. In the end he becomes a successful colonial politician, under the name G. Ramsay Muir.
Cast[edit]
- Om Purias Ramlogan
- Aasif Mandvias Ganesh Ramsumair
- Ayesha Dharkeras Leela G. Ramsumair
- Jimi Mistryas Pratap Cooper
- Sanjeev Bhaskaras Beharry
- Zohra Sehgalas Auntie
- Sakina Jaffreyas Suruj Mooma
- Rez Kempton as Basdeo
- Pip Torrensas Governor
- Albert Laveau as Headmaster
- Grace Maharaj as Mrs Cooper
- James Foxas Mr Stewart
- Rajendra D. as Mrs Cooper's Assistant and Man carrying cup of juice.
- Michael Cherrie as Man in yellow suit
- Maureen Thompson as Woman in rainbow dress
- Dinesh Maharaj as a Taxi driver
- Danesh Khan as Young Pratap Cooper
Reception[edit]
Varietyended its balanced review with: "Despite all frustrating aspects, on the whole “The Mystic Masseur” succeeds as light entertainment — even if at the cost of the material’s greater potential. "[1]Peter BradshawinThe Guardiancalled the film a "forgettable 1950s period piece... the scenes look stitched together in the editing room without any cumulative sense that any of it is leading to anything at all".[3]Time Outwrote, "fitful gags and some clever incidental detail... can't compensate for the plot's lumpen pace".[2]
References[edit]
- ^abHarvey, Dennis (12 October 2001)."The Mystic Masseur".Variety.Retrieved19 February2024.
- ^ab"The Mystic Masseur".Time Out.10 September 2012.Retrieved19 February2024.
- ^Bradshaw, Peter(29 March 2002)."Review | The Mystic Masseur".The Guardian.Retrieved19 February2024.
