Dead Poets Society (1989)

Dead Poets Society

Call No: TEMP 1091

The first time I saw Dead Poets Society was in my grade twelve English class (which, in a vague attempt not to date myself, was a number of years ago). This seems to be a recurring theme, as most of the people who I’ve met and have seen the film saw it in the same way: in a classroom. At first viewing I can understand the hype. It’s easy to get caught up in the film. But the reason you watch the film can definitely have an impact on what you get out of it.

The film opens at Welton Academy, an all boys private school. Neil and his friends Knox, Charlie and others are ready for whatever the new school year brings, including new arrival and roommate Todd and charismatic and inspiring new English teacher Mr. Keating. Though considered unorthodox by the school’s standards, Mr. Keating captures the attention of the boys and begins to help them appreciate the world around them by taking risks and living life to the fullest. Between the stresses of life and the influences of Mr. Keating, the lives of the boys in this English class are about to be changed forever.

Let me start out by saying that Robin Williams is beyond enjoyable in this film. For me, Williams had always been a comedic talent, always entertaining with humour. This was the first film of his I saw where he managed to successfully balance humour with seriousness, comedy with tragedy. Williams brings Mr. Keating off the scripted page and onto the screen as a living human being, complete with hopes and aspirations, faults and failings. He is not just a comedy great. In this film, Robin Williams is the master and commander of the human spirit, both of his own character and others.

Mr. Keating teaches the boys about how to look at
the world from a new perspective.

 

The intertwining and differing lives of the boys were other things I enjoyed about the film. When I watch any film I listen to the main characters, but I give special attention to the supporting cast. In my mind the supporting cast is the most important part of the film. They not only have to be strong enough and interesting enough to help enhance the story, they have to make the main characters look good in the process (and they have to do it without outshining the star players). The supporting case of boys, of Knox and Charlie, Pitts and Meeks, all do an amazing job. I love the admirable talents of Robert Sean Leonard who plays Neil (and who is successfully holding his own against equally talented Hugh Laurie on House). I enjoy Ethan Hawke’s portrayal of Todd. But it is those minor characters, the other boys we come to embrace without excessive amounts of introduction or backstory that make the film for me. They provide the foundation of the podium on which the main stars shine.

If you enjoy the film for what it is, you won’t be disappointed. Bringing too narrow a reality to the film, saying how there are no teachers like Mr. Keating in the world and refusing to allow yourself to be caught up in the potential power of “Carpe Diem”... Well then, the only person who will be missing out is you, O Captain My Captain.