Analysis

The film, Bride and Prejudice embraces on cultural stereotypes of two of the most recognised cultures today, Indian and American. Gurinder Chandha has approached this film with the aim to link the two extremely different cultures, and recognising the impact and harsh reality of prejudice and pre-judgement in our modern society.

William Darcy is “arrogant, rude and irritable” man, who represents the stereotypical rich American man who is ignorant and never ceases to embrace other cultures. He demonstrates his egotism in the first thirty seconds of the movie, stating, “We’re in Hicksville, India” His overconfidence is shown through his pre-judgement of the state of India. India, unlike America is a third world country and suffers from poverty and experiences third-world development. Mr. Darcy, although fully aware through media, looks condescendingly upon it. Mr. Darcy’s conceited personality is also shown in the wedding scene, where he noticeable looks uncomfortable in the traditional Indian dressing and setting. Most people would have taken advantage of this and experienced India in its raw reality, without the authenticity being cloaked by the mass media. I believe that the stretch of the stereotype of an American helps spread the message of how our high living standards has caused us to make pre-judgments without experiencing it first.

Although Lalita is the protagonist character and is the main one, she does not demonstrate an Indian stereotype as she represents a character who is stepping out of the stereotype. In my preference, I believe that Mrs. Bakshi represents the traditional Indian stereotype, in a comical sense. Mrs. Bakshi demonstrates the life of an Indian woman after marriage, whose life aim is to marry her four daughters. We see in the movie, from the first 5 minutes to the end, the constant reminder of arranged marriage demonstrates to us how important it is in Indian tradition to provide a man to their daughter and produce offspring. Gurinder Chandha has expressed the stereotype of Indian culturalism through the high pitched voice and broken English. You see in the movie, how she constantly is dressed in Indian clothing, and has never lost her roots. I believe, just like Mr. Darcy in the American stereotype, although it has been stretched widely, it helps achieve the aim of the director and present an message.

In conclusion, my views on the cultural stereotypes are that they are slightly stretched and abstract then in modernity, but they do achieve the role of creating the link between Indians and Americans through the theme of marriage, whether arranged marriage or love.

The film Bride and Prejudice shows cultural stereotypes that are created from ignorance and misunderstandings to the opposite culture yet seem to be ironically similar to their own. Chadha’s use of high and low angles shows Darcy’s discomfort in a foreign society. Mr Darcy, who represents the western culture, continuously judges the Indian society and considers it to be of a lower standard in comparison to his own. During the after party of the wedding, Darcy criticises the Indian culture when he questions Lalita saying “I find this hole arranged marriage thing a little strange. How can two people get married and not even know each other?” showing his cultural viewpoint, however in Gao we find out that Darcy’s mother is arranging his own marriage. This shows only one way in which Darcy’s culture is ironically similar to Lalita’s.
We also see a cultural stereotype shown through the character of Mr Kholi who represents a migrated Indian. Kholi has a perception of India that is much like Darcy’s. We can see this when he speaks his mind of India compared to America stating that “India is too corrupt”. Ironically, Kholi says this while eating with his hands; a very traditional and peasant-like Indian practise. Kholi also adopts a cultural stereotype of Americans, linking the American lifestyle with money and materialistic belongings, suggesting that this is his idea of being assimilated to their culture. Through these examples, we can see that the cultural stereotypes represented in this film show one’s ability to judge what is unknown to them and think superior of it.

In the film Bride and Prejudice, we see varying cultural stereotypes through many characters. Mr Bakshi is clearly the patriarch of the family and his word is law. However he varies a little from the stereotype as he tends to be more tolerant of his daughters and frequently overrules his wife. Mrs Bakshi is the perfect stereotype of an Indian wife whose sole purpose in life is to ensure that her daughters get married and their future husbands must have wealth or status in society or both. Mr Balraj an interesting stereotype of an Indian who has lived in the UK for some time and has adopted some of the British ways of life but still retains his Indian culture. The daughters are the Bollywood stereotype; beautiful, vivacious and enjoy life in India but remain dutiful and respectful to their father. Will Darcy is a stereotypical rich American who thinks that anybody that lives outside America and particularly places like India is backward and poorly educated. Jonny Wickham is a broader stereotype of a male who has less than honourable intentions towards women and sees Indians as easy pickings. Mr Kholi the stereotype comedy character of an Indian who decides to go to America and believes that he has been assimilated into being an American; however, he still holds the initiative of having a traditional Indian wife, and eating with his fingers.

The 2004 Bollywood Film Bride and Prejudice directed by Gurinda Chadha explores cultural stereotypes evident in western American and British culture as well as eastern Indian culture. The Western world is presented mainly through William Darcy, one of the main characters of the film. I think that his character epitomises the typical western stereotype - an arrogant and judgemental man, interested in wealth and materials for happiness; and not interested in any type of assimilation with the differing Indian culture. In almost every scene in India, Darcy’s reluctance and discomfort is seen through Chadha’s clever use of close up camera angles which show his facial expressions and costuming where Darcy fails at an attempt to wear traditional Indian clothes. Darcy’s character is also very hypocritical – he criticises Indian arranged marriages, yet fails to disclose that his own mother is trying to arrange his marriage, which I think highlights his ignorance as a stereotypical westernised character.
Eastern cultural stereotypes are evident through the characters of Mrs Bakshi and Mr Kholi. Mrs Bakshi is a traditional Indian mother. She possesses the desire to marry off her daughters into wealth by arranging their marriages – so that they can live a comfortable life. I think that her character is an excellent example of a stereotypical Indian as she leads a simple lifestyle, upholding the customs of her culture throughout her life. Although Mr Kholi also demonstrates Indian culture, he also characterises a person who has not assimilated. He believes that he has assimilated into American culture, because in his own personal opinion, material goods and wealth means he is ‘Amrican’. However, I believe he only contradicts his opinions, with the way he eats and speaks and his desire for a traditional Indian bride. Thus, I believe that the use of characters in Bride and Prejudice which demonstrate different cultural stereotypes effectively shows how misguided hypocritical judgement between differing cultures – such as the eastern and western worlds - can be.

In the film, Bride and Prejudice from Director Gurinder Chadha there are two main types of society represented, an American Western society who believe themselves to be sophisticated and the most advanced culture, and an Indian society which is viewed by many of the Western characters as uncivilised and undeveloped. If we further explore the characters in these two groups the audience can see the portrayal of many cultural stereotypes. For example, in the character Mr William Darcy we see the cultural stereotype of a Western man who looks upon the Indian tradition with disdain and does not accept it or even consider it to be a different way of life. He represents those who are incapable of tolerating other cultures and his ignorance in regards to other cultures is evident through the dialogue throughout the film. An Indian stereotype is highlighted through the character of Mrs Bakshi who makes it clear that her sole intention for her daughters is to get them married to a rich husband as Indian daughters do not receive an inheritance. Mrs Bakshi shows the audience the role of women in Indian society and how they are seen as possessions rather than people. Another character who believes this idea is Mr Kohli, an Indian who believes he has assimilated into American culture even though he really hasn't, at one point in the film he says "I am spoilt for choice in this house" referring to the Bakshi daughters. Mr Kohli represents the cultural stereotype of Indians who have tried to hide their cultural identity even though it is still evident. I believe that the Director, Gurinder Chadha has represented a diverse range of cultural stereotypes in the film, Bride and Prejudice. In viewing this film, I have more closely understood cultural stereotypes in these two cultures while realising that they have been exaggerated. Through numerous film techniques and especially the use of comedy, Chadha has shown a true reflection of certain stereotypes and cultural prejudice, applicable to not only the Indian/Western cultures. I believe that it is important to maintain cultural identity, keep an open mind towards other cultures and also to realise when it is time to let go of certain traditions.

Gurinder Chadha strongly represents cultural stereotypes through the use of her characters Darcy, Mr. Kholi/Kiran and Mrs. Bakshi. Darcy represents the type of people who are not tolerant of other cultures and has developed the mentality that they are, and in his case, America is more superior to other cultural societies including India. His arrogance is shown when on the subject of Indian marriage he questions, “It’s a little backward, don’t you think?” Similar to this, Mr. Kholi and Kiran are two examples of people who have become dismissive towards their own ethnicity and background by also thinking that they are above India, the country that is and will always be a part of them. Kiran and especially Mr. Kholi can be considered to be worse than Darcy due to their hypocrisy and pretentiousness. Kholi is highlighted more in this statement because despite being westernised, he has not assimilated forcing him to pretend to be someone he is not and constantly offering unintelligent thoughts, saying that being American means to acquire large amounts of money and own a great house. He also sees India as a country living backwards although he is in search for a born and bred Indian wife. Mrs. Bakshi is the stereotype of an Indian mother who simply focuses on having her daughters married to affluent men as it is the only way for Indian women to achieve a decent life. Chadha ensures this is referred to in the film by Lalita when saying, “All mothers think any guys from England with big bucks are looking for a wife!” Chadha demonstrates cultural stereotypes in the film thoroughly and in clarity throughout the characters, allowing viewers to understand culture in greater lengths.

Bride and Prejudice is a film which was created as a stereotypical Bollywood remake of the Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. It incorporates many cultural stereotypes both from Indian culture and western culture. Characters such as Mr. Kholi and Mrs. Bakshi reinforce the stereotypical life of Indians. On the other hand, characters such as Darcy focus on the stereotypical views of western culture towards Indian culture. Mr. Kholi is an Indian who migrated to America and equates being American to his material goods. He thinks he is westernised and calls India corrupt, however he wants to marry a traditional Indian. He is ultimately contradicting who he is as he has not assimilated to western customs. Additionally, Mrs. Bakshi has similar stereotypes about how Indian women should behave. She tries to get Lalita married to Mr. Kholi because he was successful and could give her daughter a better life, match-making, which is a prominent feature of a stereotypical Indian mother. She also tells her daughters to behave, “and don’t say anything too intelligent”. This in my opinion reflects the traditional, stereotypical idea that women are below men and shouldn’t voice their opinions or form any argument against men, especially if they want to impress them. Moreover, Darcy, a wealthy business man, believes his way is the right way and thinks that India and Indians are backwards. Without knowing the country or the people, he has misconception of the traditions. He judged India in a stereotypical way, the way that it is portrayed overseas, and not the ‘real India’. The well-known quote “it looks like you are screwing a light bulb with one hand and petting the dog with the other” by Darcy shows his cultural ignorance and his western judgment. Therefore, it can be seen throughout Bride and Prejudice the continuous cultural stereotypes represented by various characters, which I believe creates a statement about acceptance and awareness.

The film Bride and Prejudice has a range of stereotypes that are represented and explored from both the American and Indian cultures. The protagonist of the film representing the American culture is William Darcy. He is the typical stereotypical American, as he is wealthy, owning many hotels and comes from a wealthy family. At the beginning of the film, he is shown as an arrogant and disrespectful man as he does not embrace the Indian culture, or India itself, with ease and finds it difficult to fit into this world as many outsiders would experience. He is also very, stereotypically, judgmental of the Indian culture as not only is it different to what he is used to, but he also makes cultural judgments, comparing the luxuries of America to the standards of India which doesn’t seem to meet his.
In the film, we explore the traditional Indian culture, and with a character that is very close to following tradition, is Mrs Bakshi. Mrs Bakshi is the typical, stereotypical Indian mother and fits the category perfectly. All she wants is for her daughters to get married [from order of age that is] and to be with a wealthy man to look after her daughter, so she is not a burden for her family as the women typically receives no wealth. From this film we can also see that the daughters are very respective of their mother, and obedient, understanding her wishes and their culture and this is very stereotypical. There is also Mr Kholi which we are introduced to which is your typical Indian born male who decides to go to America and believes that he has been assimilated into being an American, however, he still holds the initiative of having a traditional Indian wife, and eating with his fingers. It is stereotypical for Mr Kholi to feel that he needs to relate to being American from meeting material needs and support America and also bring down India at the same time. In conclusion, I believe that the Indian culture and its people still cling to traditions, especially with the women and that Americans and other cultures don’t fully understand the Indian culture and stereotypically compare it to their own culture, and find it hard to take anything new on board.

The film Bride and the Prejudice shows a chain of different techniques which present cultural stereotypes through different characters. Mr. Darcy the American illustrates a stereotypical wealthy businessman. As owning many hotels worldwide and living a life with high standards, his ignorance and pride get in the way of him accepting Indian culture. I see Mr. Darcy as an arrogant character that is so caught up with his own life and traditions that he cannot even take a second look and accept another culture. Especially because the Indian culture differs dramatically from the American. I find it unbelievably ironic that when Mr. Darcy complains and puts a judgmental comment towards the ideals of an arranged marriage when his mother is practically arranging his marriage as well. In the film, Mrs. Bakshi the mother of Lalita and her sisters, demonstrates again, another stereotypical figure. It is clearly shown that Mrs. Bakshi still believes and follows thoroughly the Indian traditions. An example she fixes on through the film is marriage. She wants her daughters to be married happily but also believes in the whole "married first, then fall in love". The film illustrates a traditional Indian family settled with following Indian traditions, however I find Lalita's intelligence and opinions far more interesting. My views stand that throughout the world there are many cultures that are just so different and perhaps opposite from our own, that it's hard to actually learn and accept something different.

Through the duration of the film, the responder experiences a variety of varying cultural stereotypes in the film Bride and Prejudice, however the most evident is portrayed through the character of William Darcy. A wealthy business man who somewhat looks down upon people who fail to meet his subjective and hypocritical outlooks on life. It is through his hypocrisy and stereotypical outlooks in which he manages to establish himself as the protagonist character. Which ultimately through his actions will result in a significant downfall or demise. As the film progresses however an evident Eastern and Western cultural clash begins to evolve through the constant insurgent comments, actions and opinions made by both Darcy and Lalita throughout their ongoing quarrels to prove one another wrong. Through the use of the following dialogue “I find this little arranged marriage thing a little strange. How can two people get married when they don’t even know each other? It’s a little backward don’t you think.” Through the following quote Darcy not only manages to create cultural prejudice and judgement against the traditional Eastern Indian customs, specifically arranged marriages. But also manages to emphasize his own cultural misdemeanours and stereotypical personality as he too contradicts a factor which occurs in his own Western family.