Friday 9 December 2022

A classic review: Dead Poet’s Society(1989)

"Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.”


Quite impossible to not say it aloud while I write about the movie. This quote has been etched in

my heart ever since I heard it. Being the most famous Mr. John Keating quote

from the film, it means to seize the day and take advantage of any opportunity that might

come our way. Dead Poets Society, a film based on Nancy H Kleinbaum’s novel of the same

name is very carefully crafted with spectacular screenplay, skillful direction and a smart

script. It purports to be about the unconventional English teacher at Welton Academy,

who, with his unorthodox ways of teaching literature, inspires the students to put individuality

before norms, challenge the status quo wh
ile also using wisdom in decision making process

as “There is a time for daring, and there is a time for caution. And a wise man understands

which is called for.”


The film, although inspiring, at times can be emotionally manipulative, yet stirs young

hearts and dare us to dream urgently and live fervently. It won’t be wrong to say the movie

was ahead of its time considering the fact it was made at a time when people were not given

the much taken for granted ideal of thinking about themselves. Another reason for the film to

be considered a classic as we still live in a society where we are expected to think less about

us and more about the sentiments and desires of others.


Keating's unusual ways of teaching at Welton Academy included telling his students to rip

out the introduction of their poetry books and inviting them to make up their own style of

walking in a courtyard to encourage them to be individuals. Even, the Bollywood hit,

Mohabbatein can be seen drawing much from the Hollywood masterpiece. Raj Aryan(

played by Shahrukh Khan) embodying Mr Keating under the disguise of a compassionate,

brave and free-spirited teacher. It’s noteworthy that Robin Williams did more than mere

portrayal of Mr Keating. We all, in real, yearn for a teacher like him. All the actors lived life of

the premium characters they played in the film leaving a deep lasting impact especially from

the young casts, which is, indeed, astounding. Furthermore, this was the movie that puts

Williams into the belief that he can act apart from being hilarious as he was predominantly

known for his jaunty sense of humour. Not too dramatic, not too monotonous, Dead poets

society is a movie with such impactful characters the cinephiles will keep in their hearts

forever.


 Ajanita kalita, 1st Sem

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