Directed by: Peter Weir
Distributed by: Buena Vista Pictures Distribution
Written by Livvy O’Brien
100/100
Every once in a while, I come across a film that genuinely resonates with me and leaves a lasting impact. When I was 15, I watched “Dead Poets Society” for the first time. As the film opened with that painting and then panned to the schoolboy, illustrating the high expectations placed on Welton Academy students, I knew I was in for something unique. It was clear from the start that this film is more than just mere entertainment; it offers insights that stayed with me long after the credits rolled.
Set in 1959, “Dead Poets Society” takes place at the prestigious Welton Boys Academy. The film centres around the enigmatic English teacher John Keating (Robin Williams) and his students, particularly Neil Perry (Robert Sean Leonard) and Todd Anderson (Ethan Hawke). Mr. Keating’s unorthodox approach to teaching becomes evident about ten minutes in when he captures his students’ attention with a whistle from the hall. His charismatic smile fills the screen as he leads them outside for their lesson, marking the beginning of his journey to open their minds and help them harness the power of literature.
It is clear from the very start that Neil and Todd share a deeper connection with each other than that of the other boys. As roommates, it was obvious that their friendship would only be amplified. Neil and Todd are two of the most compelling characters I have seen on screen. Though they couldn’t be more different, they both represent the human experience within the context of youth and self-discovery. Neil is confident and charming, filled with ambition and is exceptionally bright, but he is weighed down by his father’s (Kurtwood Smith) overbearing control and expectations. As Neil becomes more in touch with his true self, his father’s suffocating influence grows stronger, creating a disastrous game of push and pull that ends tragically. Todd, on the other hand, is timid and shrouded in self-doubt. He feels immense pressure to live up to his family’s legacy, but his introverted nature holds him back. He struggles with confidence and anxiety, making him an easy target in the competitive environment of Welton. Neil and Todd’s dynamic is something special, elevating their character arcs. Despite their hardships and conflicts with their families, there’s never any doubt about their care for each other. Their stories are a testament to the delicate balance between individual aspiration and societal expectation.
This film is truly a visual feast. John Seale’s masterful cinematography doesn’t just capture scenes; it evokes a profound sense of nostalgia for a place I have no physical connection to. The gothic architecture serves as a fitting backdrop, symbolising the school’s conservative and traditional values. Set predominantly during Autumn, the film immerses viewers in a palette of rich reds, oranges, and browns, evoking warmth and cosiness with every frame of the surrounding landscape. As Autumn transitions into Winter, the change in seasons are not just a thematic choice, but a significant motif to the film. The starkness of Winter becomes a visual representation of Todd’s inner turmoil, where comfort seems elusive and the world appears devoid of colour.
“Dead Poets Society” is not just a viewing experience, but a call to action. The themes of self-discovery, courage and the power of words are explored with such nuance and sensitivity that they leave a persisting mark. Though it was made 35 years ago, its values and themes are still as, if not, moreso relevant today. It orders the audience to reflect and resonate, creating a riveting watch that compels viewers to live authentically.
“Dead Poets Society” Trailer
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