The Stranger

The Stranger (1991) is the last film in the Eclipse Series 40: Late Ray as well as Satyajit Ray's final film. I found it to be the most satisfying film, artistically, in the series as well, as it was written by the director as well. Manomohan Mitra (Utpal Dutt) returns to Calcutta after 35 years traveling abroad and want sot reunite with his remaining family. however, his last remaining relative Anila Bose (Dipankar Day) and her husband are suspect about this man who left when Anila was only two years old. He is charming man and easily makes friends with their young son and his friends. It ends in an uplifting and positive manner. Most of the action takes place in the house and resembles the other films in this series in that it is essentially a talking heads sort of film that would also be effective as a play. that being said this one feels more cinematic in the camera angles, framing, and effective use of close ups and other aspects such as vibrant colors and music, which Ray also composed. It is clear that even in Ray's late period he was making important films that were philosophical and thought provoking.