Take note: Vanity Fair is not an overdone advertisement to boost magazine subscriptions. The movie stars Reese Witherspoon in what some are calling her “breakout role” from teen-geared flicks and has nothing to do with upscale publication.

Witherspoon plays Becky Sharp, a feminist in the 1800s. During the filming of Vanity Fair, Witherspoon, 28, was pregnant, making the scene where she belly dances difficult.

There are a few Indian connections: the director, Mira Nair is Indian; some of it was shot in India; and Witherspoon appears on the back of an elephant.

“India is a golden thread through the book from the beginning to the end,” Nair said at the Venice Film Festival.

There is also a large English influence: it’s based on the 19th century English book; the cast is mostly English, such as Gabriel Byrne and James Purefoy; and it focuses on the British Empire.

But again, “If there is anyone who understands class better than the British, it’s probably the Indians,” said Nair.

Some critics are already complaining that it’s too modern and too Indian.

“Modern audiences need to understand this character,” explained Witherspoon. “We wanted to turn the period film on its ear. We didn’t want bonnets. We didn’t want to make another movie like every other one you’ve seen.”






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