Learning to Drive: Sir Ben Kingsley on Decency, Mentorship, and Cultural Bridges
Sir Ben Kingsley, a versatile actor known for his ability to embody diverse characters with gravitas and authenticity, stars in the film "Learning to Drive." In this film, he portrays Darwan, a Sikh driving instructor living in New York City, exiled from his homeland where he was once a university professor. Through his work as a taxi driver, Darwan encounters Wendy (Patricia Clarkson), a book critic reeling from a divorce who seeks driving lessons. This encounter leads to an unlikely friendship and mutual learning experience.
The Genesis of Darwan: An Uncluttered Decency
Kingsley was drawn to the role of Darwan because of the character's "uncluttered decency." He saw Darwan as a portrait of goodness, made even more compelling by the challenges he faces: exile, the loss of his brother, and the torture of his family. Despite this adversity, Darwan remains open, loving, kind, and disciplined. Kingsley emphasizes that Darwan's resilience and positive nature, in the face of such a difficult past, make him a particularly interesting and inspiring character to portray. He is a warrior who embodies decency.
Darwan's Code: Work Ethic, Respect, and Avoidance of Confrontation
Even before Darwan interacts with Wendy, his code of conduct is evident in his work ethic, his treatment of others, and his avoidance of confrontation. He approaches women with respect, though it becomes clear that he is somewhat awkward and unsure of how to act around them. This is highlighted when he seeks advice from his sister and others on how to connect with his arranged-marriage wife. These subtle details, which Kingsley credits director Isabel Coixet for including, create a well-rounded portrait of Darwan as a man of integrity and principle.
The Temple and the Car: Sanctuaries of Quiet and Reflection
In the bustling backdrop of New York City, the film finds quiet moments in two specific locations: the Sikh temple and the car where Darwan teaches Wendy to drive. These spaces serve as sanctuaries where the characters can reflect and connect. The temple represents Darwan's spiritual foundation, while the car becomes a space for him to impart his wisdom and for Wendy to observe and learn from the world around her. The car and the temple are their churches in a sense.
Teaching and Learning: A Two-Way Street
Darwan, a former university professor, is a natural teacher. He can't help but share his knowledge and insights with others. However, he also recognizes his own limitations and seeks advice from Wendy on how to communicate with his wife. This highlights the film's theme of mutual learning, where both characters grow and evolve through their interactions. Darwan is not a teacher hungry for power over his pupils. He’s much more democratic. He treats everyone as an equal.
Read also: Traditional Values in Ghanaian Law
Cultural Differences and Separate Worlds
The characters of Darwan and Wendy come from vastly different cultural backgrounds. The film does not focus on one inviting the other into their world, but rather on how they maintain their individual identities while finding common ground. Patricia Clarkson and Ben Kingsley deliberately maintained a distance between takes to enhance this sense of separation, allowing their connection at the end of the film to feel more genuine and impactful. They have to live in their own worlds and then come together every so often for this to work.
The Ferryman: A Metaphor for Transformation
Kingsley describes Darwan as a "ferryman," a figure who guides people from one state to another. By the end of their journey with him, passengers disembark feeling transformed, as if their molecules have been rearranged. Darwan's influence extends beyond driving lessons, imparting knowledge, help, and a new perspective on life. He’s incapable of being in someone else’s company without telling, giving or imparting some knowledge or some help.
The Immigrant Experience in New York
"Learning to Drive" explores the immigrant experience in New York City, showcasing the unique ways in which individuals acclimate to a new environment. Director Isabel Coixet expresses her fascination with the lives of those who often go unnoticed - waiters, hotel workers, and cleaning staff - emphasizing that they often possess rich backgrounds and experiences. The film treats these characters with respect, portraying them as normal individuals navigating their lives in a new world.
The Humor and Pathos of Life
Clarkson emphasizes the film's blend of humor and pathos, noting that it addresses meaningful subjects with a light touch. She connects with her character, Wendy, understanding her struggles and finding humor in her journey. Coixet was cautious about not making a parody or a caricature. These Indian accents, it’s like my accent. Some people make fun of it but Indian characters, they would always be eager to please, and that’s something I wanted to avoid. Everything was treated with a lots of respect. They are normal guys doing their stuff and not so different. There are more things that unite people than that separate them.
Working with Isabel Coixet: A Director's Vision
Kingsley praises director Isabel Coixet's ability to position actors perfectly within the frame, creating a supportive environment for them to fully express themselves. He appreciates her attention to detail and her ability to capture even the smallest gestures, allowing him to be economical in his performance. Clarkson echoes this sentiment, emphasizing Coixet's skill in telling the story and nurturing the actors' performances. She has the ability to place the actor perfectly on the screen. You feel held by the situation and where she’s placed you, and you’re given a place from which you can really jump as an actor. Some directors lack that ability. I think you can release a lot of good energy from an actor by placing him or her perfectly and then the camera capturing him perfectly.
Read also: Understanding PLCs
The Role of Faith and Openness to Change
Ultimately, "Learning to Drive" is a story about faith - not necessarily in a religious sense, but in the goodness of humanity and the possibility of change. Wendy, initially bitter and distrustful, undergoes a transformation through her relationship with Darwan, ultimately declaring him to be her faith. This reflects the film's message that by opening ourselves to new experiences and perspectives, we can find healing, connection, and a renewed sense of hope. With [her] scream to the heavens, of “I loathe men!”, to “You’re my faith.” Amazing.
Read also: Learning Resources Near You
tags: #Ben #Kingsley #learning #to #drive #interview
