Boyle: “Slumdog” Wouldn’t Be Made Today

British filmmaker Danny Boyle has made plenty of critically acclaimed fare over his career, starting with his first film “Shallow Grave” through “Trainspotting,” “28 Days Later,” “Sunshine,” “127 Hours,” “Steve Jobs”, and more.

But no film of his has been more awarded than 2008’s “Slumdog Millionaire,” the India-set title landing eight Oscar wins including Best Picture and director for Boyle.

With his “28 Years Later” in cinemas this weekend, and on track for a franchise best opening of $30 million domestically, Boyle has been out doing press and tells The Guardian that ‘Slumdog’ is the kind of film he would never make today.

Concerned over issues of cultural appropriation, Boyle says if the film were in development today he’d be keen to get a young Indian filmmaker to take the helm:

“We wouldn’t be able to make that now. And that’s how it should be. It’s time to reflect on all that. We have to look at the cultural baggage we carry and the mark that we’ve left on the world…

At the time it felt radical. We made the decision that only a handful of us would go to Mumbai. We’d work with a big Indian crew and try to make a film within the culture. But you’re still an outsider. It’s still a flawed method.

That kind of cultural appropriation might be sanctioned at certain times. But at other times it cannot be. I mean, I’m proud of the film, but you wouldn’t even contemplate doing something like that today. It wouldn’t even get financed. Even if I was involved, I’d be looking for a young Indian filmmaker to shoot it.”

The film was a massive box-office hit with $378 million worldwide on a $15 million budget. along with many awards and high placement on critical lists as well as boosting the careers of its stars like Dev Patel and Freida Pinto.

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