Amazon.com essential video: This film is a moody and evocative portrait of a physically and emotionally isolated man who is mourning the death of his only son, his wife, and his formerly lavish way of life. The distinguished Bengali actor Chhabi Biswas gives an outstanding performance as Huzar Biswambhar Roy, a once-happy and prosperous landowner who used to spend his evenings in the music room (or jalsaghar) of his magnificent palace. There he would sit on priceless carpets under magnificent chandeliers and admire himself in a large ornate mirror as he watched the best Bengali dancers and musicians perform.
Huzur is reminded of this opulent past by a tendril of music emanating from the house of his annoying nouveau riche neighbor, Mahim Ganguly (Gangapanda Basu) who likes to throw his good fortune in Huzar's face. Ganguly hosts the kind of lavish parties Huzar used to host, while Huzar's music room sits as empty and cold as his wounded heart.
Finally, unable to stop Ganguly's taunting, Huzar uses his last 500 rupees to reopen the jalsaghar for one more glorious performance. The loyal manager of his estate, Taraprasanna (Tulsi Lahiri) tries to stop him, but it's hopeless.
This film, made in 1958, is an excellent example of Satyajit Ray's ability to evoke mood. The desolation of the crumbling palace is the perfect visual metaphor for Huzar's inner state. For fans of Ray's work, this is a must-see example. --Luanne Brown
Simply another great classic by movies' finest If you have not been introduced to the cinematic world of Satyajit Ray, this 1958 may not be your best film to start out. Instead, try his last movie 1991, Agantuk, (The Stranger) or begin with the world classic mid 50's Apu Trilogy. The Music Room features lengthy Indian music and singing that may be difficult to endure, but it is essential to listen, because it is the essence of the film, the love of music.
Jalsaghar (The Music Room) takes place in the 30's in a huge deteriorating palace as the soil slowly erodes too. The theme is a contrast between decadence and wealth. All he has now is two loyal servants, a few gold coins, a horse, and an elephant. As the movie opens, we are in the present time, when Biswambhar Roy, a feudal landlord is depressed, he has lost his wife and son and his love for the grand music room, where he entertained traditional concerts, drinking, and dancing.
Biswambhar Roy is annoyed by the lights going off from his neighbor's new generator. The neighbor is wealthy and he is modernizing, while Roy is not. Soon, we are taken into flashback where evidence shows he was already beginning to lose wealth, but he said he would spend his last on his love of music.
His wife and son have gone to visit family, and in preparation of another concert in the music room, upon return, he learns they are dead from a whirlpool accident. Now begins the death of the cherished music room.
Satyajit Ray is one of the world's greatest directors, he writes, produces, and directs. He is also a short story writer, and was a graphic artist. He is multi-talented and uses motifs, symbolism, themes, imagery, wide landscape shots. The mirrors, chandeliers, lights, and candles represent wealth and life. You will see an enormous views, especially one that depicts the size of the decaying palace. See how Ray sets the mood and slowly pans the dying, cold, deteriorating music room that was once had musical life. Ray's films offer great insight into human relationships, cultural life, hardships and triumph.
If you have seen Ray's films, you may be aware of the unique faces of his characters. He has said, he chooses people with interesting faces, and it is true with one of his bearded singers. He also doesn't focus on heavy dialogue as he once said that peak moments of a film should be wordless.
Enjoy this wonderful classic and don't see it while sleepy!! Satyajit Ray's movies are exceptional! As another great director, Kurosawa, said, " Not to have seen the cinema of Ray means existing in the world without seeing the sun or the moon."
MzRizz.
Brilliant... I would love the opportunity to buy this music on CD. It is unlike anything I've heard, and I am a long-time fan of Indian music. A musical journey through time. More, more, more!
A Beautiful film with some of the best music i've ever heard Satyajit Ray is a genius, I love his films and so far this is my favorite, it blends drama and music like salt in the ocean, This is a film that every film addict must inject into their viens.
One of Ray's Best See how Ray amazingly exhibits human pride and the emotions that are involved with it in one of Tarashankar Bandyopadhyay's finest works of literature: Jalsaghar. [...]
From hate to attraction One of about 10 Ray films we saw at The Greenway during a Houston foreign film festival some years ago. I hated the contnet of the film after leaving the theater, but somehow the acting had an effect that I couldn't forget. For one thing, the 'knowing', implicitly arrogant looks that the two men exchange with each other in the music rooms. Nothing like it, one of the best films ever....
Four other hard to forget films: both the older and newer versions of The Charge of the Light Brigade, and both (Jack Palance and Stacy Keach) versions of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. But while you're at it, don't miss Polanski's The Fearless Vampire Hunters either!
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