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'Slumdug Millionaire' directed by Danny Boyle (2008) (The…

- - - - Salim: That used to be our slum. Can you believe that, huh? We used to live right there, man. Now, it's all business. India is at the center of the world, bhai. And I am at the center of the center. This is all Javed-bhai's.
        Jamal: Javed-Kahn. The gangster from our slum. You work for him?
        
        Salim has progressed from homeless slum-dweller to a wealthy henchman for slumlord Javed Kahn. Jamal found a job at a telephone call centre. Both Salim and Jamal move from 'local' slum dwellers to become wealthier 'global' individuals.
        
        The juxtaposition between binary opposites; the wealthy upperclass and slum-dwelling poor, is depicted through Javed's bright white mansion and the shining and tall Taj Mahal compared to the run-down, dark and dirty slum alleyways and shanties.
        
        A literal metaphorical 'collide' between the local and global can be seen when Jamal and Salim run into slum-lord Javed Kahn's luxurious car as they are getting away from authorities.
      - The education in the 'local' slums is rich and divers. Thus, through their experience growing up in the 'local' world, Jamal acquires skills and knowledge that enables him to win a television whereby many former educated (westernised) contestants have lost. "Professors, doctors, lawyers, general knowledge wallahs never get beyond 16,000 rupees. He's on 10 million. What the hell can a slum dog possibly know?" Jamal's 'local' education proves to be helpful in the 'globalised' world.
      - Tourism is presently a major market throughout India as a result of globalisation, benefiting the locals in various ways. For instance, Jamal and Salim are able to earn money through their tourism whilst in the Taj Mahal.
        
        Salim adopts Western habits quickly, rejecting past Indian values. The close up shot of his hands taking the wads of cash, smoking a pipe, drinking alcohol, etc. are all indicative of the negative influence Western (global) culture has on the local. Furthermore, his use of the revolver (Western) to shoot Maman and Javed highlights how the Western influence can empower local individuals
        
        Globalisation has enabled the boys to economically prosper through guiding tourists on informal tours, taking their photos and stealing their shoots to sell on the streets. The close-up shot of Salim's dirty feet slipping into the white Converse shoes highlights their exposure to Westernisation.
- - - - Jamal later 'adopts' Latika as part of their 'family', highlighting his innate desire for family and meaningful connection.
  - - - Contrastingly, their exposure to the globalised world causes separation and alienation.
- - - - Despite the infiltration of western culture and values through globalisation, patriarchal values remain deeply ingrained within Indian society. The concept of the "Other" stems from phenomenological theory, and are applied to the females of Slumdog Millionaire. Females are viewed as the "Other" from males; they are commodities that can be bought, sold and stolen. An example of this is when Javed forces Latika to make her a sandwich, and when unsatisfied by it, harasses her.
        
        Latika's repression and abuse due to her vulnerability as a woman is demonstrated through her bruised eye and cut face, symbolising her physical, emotional and economic repression as a subordinate woman. Latika is 'owned' by the millionaire Javed, who uses his economic power to abuse and exploit her. Thus, globalisation has failed to educate individuals of the flaws of traditional patriarchal values, resulting in a continuation of abuse and subordination.
        
        "You really thought you could just walk in a take m prize away? Have you any idea how much this little virgin is worth?" (Maman)
        
        The rhetorical questions posed by Maman highlights how women are viewed as objects and have economic value, further reinforcing globalisation's failure to alter the patriarchal ideals of Indian society.
        
        The traditional values that subordinate women as sexual objects - created to fulfil male desires - are seen through Salim's use of prostitues and lack of consideration for Latika. This represents his rejection of traditional Indian religious/moral beliefs and values, and a continuation of the belief in women's inferiority to males.
        
        "I don't give a shit about her. Plenty of pussy in Bombay for Salim. You should come back to the Cages with us on Saturday nights."
    - - Globalisation has caused a loss of cultural identity and traditional values (religious and filial) and instils in its place values supporting the obtainment of money and economic prosperity. This sought for money and prosperity has shaped the lives of the individuals, young and old, in the slums. This is seen through the little kids working as beggars, Latika is forced into work by Maman and Javed as a result of her vulnerability and lack of money, and Salim becomes Javed's henchman and participates in dirty and shady work to gain economic stability.
        
        This universal value of money is a Western trait, indicating India's rejection of tradition and continuity for 'individualistic' global values. In Indian history however, it was viewed as arrogant/classless to flaunt one's wealth. Thus, the film highlights the clashing values and beliefs of modern Indian society.
        
        The universal desire for economic gain can be seen through the hoards of telephone centre employees who ring desperately for the chance to get into the 'Who wants to be a millionaire?' game show. Furthermore, the huge crowds in the streets that come to watch Jamal further emphasises the national desire for wealth and prosperity