Dead Poets Society [DVD] [1989]

Dead Poets Society is set in post-depression 1950's America and is the story of six teenage boys at one of the top high schools in the country as they reach the end of their education. As the saying goes "boys will be boys" but they have never really been allowed an outlet for this boyish spirit and expression. The characters we see at the beginning are self-assured and cocky but underneath they are just insecure little boys who need something to hold onto. This however is before the arrival of Professor John Keating, marvellously portrayed by Robin Williams, who takes the boys as their new English teacher. The boys first, and probably most memorable meeting with Keating is in their first lesson with him as their teacher. He enters the room and tells them to turn to a page in their books before promptly telling them to tear it out because it is nonsense. This has a profound impact on the boys whose usual lessons call for conformity and adherence to all rules and this is all turned on its head and blown away by a figure of authority. By this point the group realise that this man means business and they also realise that they might just be interested. He then tells the boys to gather round him before uttering the immortal line "We are all part of a beautiful play, you will have a chance to contribute a part, what will it be?". Dead Poets Society is full of small carefully thought out touches such as this, which make it the beautifully ambient film that it is. This film really does glow with an almost tangible atmosphere created by the combination of true believability and circumstances so terrible you dread to think that they could really happen.

However the film takes on a rather darker tone towards the end. After all the inspiration and reason for life that Professor Keating has given the boys an event takes place that rocks the foundations of all they have come to learn and believe. This is an excellent choice of plot over the altogether overused and boring route that the film could so easily have taken by keeping the plot unchallenging and open to a "wider audience". Or in other words to able to make more money. It is ironic that the very thing that makes this film appealing is the fact that it wasn't designed to be appealing.

Dead Poets Society is an inspiring and thought provoking film from director Peter Weir. The superb acting of the boys played by Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke and Gale Hansen brings this epic script to life and gives the film the emotional credibility that makes it outstanding. Weirs intimate directing style draws you into the story so that you almost develop a bond with the characters and you really care what happens to them. It is both uplifting and devastating. It is this mixture of emotions that the film conjures that makes it so enjoyable. The artistry of the film in its portrayal of the characters progress from insecure boys with no meaning to their lives to independent and loyal men who have a passion for life is, at worst, magical and at best breathtaking, awe inspiring and brilliant all at once. When watching the film one almost feels like one of Keating's students in the classroom, being enlightened and inspired, discovering a new vigour for life, a new reason for getting out of bed in the morning and seizing the day. I recommend this film to anyone, old or young, who feels that they have lost there way on the path of life and needs setting straight again. Carpe Diem - seize the day and go and see this film and I guarantee you will be crying and laughing and making magnificent plans for doing things that you've always wanted to do but never really saw a reason for, and now you will know that reason, simply that you have the day so go out and seize it!