On Set: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Director John Madden takes us behind the scenes of his comedy shot in India. Click here to read the article.
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“This is Dev Patel (Sonny) aboard a bus, where he probably had no business being. He’s as expressive with his limbs as any actor I’ve ever worked with.”
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“In the streets of Jaipur, Judi Dench (Evelyn), Celia Imrie (Madge), and Bill Nighy (Douglas) before what was probably their 15th take in a tuk-tuk during the final leg of their journey to the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.”
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“This is Ronald Pickup as Norman at Jantar Mantar, Jaipur’s extraordinary observatory. Norman seems less interested in the astonishing geometric devices than in the gaggle of women who’ve come to see them.”
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“Actors Bill Nighy, Ronald Pickup, Maggie Smith, Penelope Wilton, and Tom Wilkinson await their turn to wrestle with the rush-hour traffic.”
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“The movie’s discovery: the young Indian actress Tena Desai, who plays Sonny’s girlfriend, Sunaina. She’s so talented and beautiful—a complete natural. This is her first big film.”
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“Screenwriter Ol Parker (in black shirt) discusses a tracking shot at the Jantar Mantar Observatory.”
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“Cinematographer Ben Davis (right) and I compare notes on the film’s closing shot while pondering the signifigance of a cow wandering unexpectedly into the frame.”
