The Namesake

The Namesake wasn’t the first movie I’ve seen since my best friend, Matt, passed away, but it was the first Cinema Society screening. The last screening we went to was Hollywoodland and it was tough on us both (and not just because of the movie). Matt, physically, and me, emotionally. This was our thing and he’s gone. So, it was with a heavy heart that I pressed on to see a movie before opening day. Someone has to, people! These movies don’t watch themselves!  Big thanks to Roger for the screening.
The Namesake, based on the novel of the same name, is about the Ganguli family. No, nerds, not Jar Jar Binks’ people, a Bengali family who’s mom and dad (Ashima & Ashoke) move to America from India. The kids are born in the States and a major theme here is the tension between the two cultures in one family. The son’s name (Gogol) is the focus of much of his angst. His father named him after a favorite author. He changes it and it symbolizes his denial of his parents ways.

I could relate to this film on many levels. While my parents aren’t from India, my dad is 32/256ths American Indian. See? Same diff! And I changed my name too! I was born Hopi Aumal Mundell. Round about 3rd grade I decided I wanted a “normal” name. I chose Chris. My mom was, like, “OK” and my dad was, like, gone.

Although the film covers many years, director, Mira Nair, always keeps things moving and it never feels too long. She took the story back and forth between NYC and Calcutta which did much to show the duality (BIG WORD!!! You’re lucky I didn’t use bifurcation) of this family’s life. They never quite belonged where they happened to be.
This film felt authentic and never goofy or over the top. It was NOT My Big Fat Monsoon Wedding, thank Vishnu.
The cast was incredible. Kal Penn, no relation to the writing instrument or the Sean, was great as Gogol. Irfan Khan was my favorite as the father, Ashoke, and Tabu, was so compelling as the mother, Ashima, that I want her to be MY mom and quietly disapprove of MY choices! Even the bit parts were outstanding! Like Stuart Rudin as Crazy Wino. I mean, just look at a sampling of his body of work…
The Sopranos …. Jabberer
Fortunes (2005) …. Streetmen
Sex and the City …. Man
The Accident (2001) …. Homeless Man
Little Nicky (2000) …. Bushelter Bum
Daybreak (1993) (TV) …. Wino
What About Bob? (1991) …. Crazy Man in New York Street
Rooftops (1989) …. Wino
Sticky Fingers (1988) …. Hippie
Stuart really made the role his own just like the guy that played the priest, Krishna Dikshit who’s name roughly translates Chris PeepeePoopoo. He should really consider changing his name like Gogol and I did. How about Hopi Dikshit?
The point is that names have meanings. For instance, my dad chose Hopi because the Hopi tribe is peaceful, Frank means “One who buys me Taco Bell”, I believe. And I’m pretty sure Kevin is Gaelic for “Flush twice”. Sometimes we choose nicknames to make things easier. I’ll try to keep that in mind when I call tech support and hear the nice Indian man say “Hello, my name is Keith. How can I help you today?”
I did NOT hate this movie! Go see it!