After I saw the movie, a friend of mine quipped that mohabbatein was inspired by this movie. I think partially it was. Only that the movie in question encouraged pupils to be nonconformist .. to stand up for one’s own self... but mohabbatein preached about making a stand for one’s love.... any ways lets get it over with.
This movie was released in 1989, it was nominated for 4 oscars ( Best screenplay intended for screen, best director, best actor and best picture) It won the oscar for best screenplay. The movie stars Robin williams as the lead man or the intended lead man Mr. Keating. He is a new teacher of literature at Vermont’s exclusive Welton Academy in the fall of 1959. He had passed out from there. He has a unique way of teaching .... and I found it very good. The method he used to gain the students respect and attention were very unique and might be effective too. What he used to do was he analyzed his students until he can determine their needs and see through their defenses. Keating sizes up the boy’s attitudes and problems and then openly teases the kids about them. In the process, he disarms them, helps defuse their hang-ups and in turn gets their confidence and respect.
But one thing to note about the movie. It isnt about the institution, it isnt about the teacher Keating.... it is about the boys and their dreams. The only powerful character I found in the movie was that of Neal Perry (played by Robert Sean Leonard), he plays the role of a boy who wants to be an actor. He is deeply influenced by keating. He revives the Dead Poets Society, a secret cult of sort who truly loved literature. However there is a teeny weeny problem in the form of Perry’s Darth Vader inspired dad. He plays the role of a complete rigid psychopathic dad. When Perry reveals his love for acting, his dad tells him,
’’ After you finish medical school and you’re on your own you can do as you damn well please!’’
Well what do you do?? you are watching a movie, where there is a cuddly character in John Keating and his opposing forces are couple of old fashioned fascists pigs, Mr. Nolan( the fossil of a headmaster) and Mr. Perry. This is one aspect of the movie I didnt like. The screen play was written in a way, it decided for you from the onset who to like and who to dislike. I would have liked it if they had shown the other facet of the story. As to show about the ideologies of Mr. Nolan and Mr. Perry. That would have put more weight and credibility on the story.
I think the director deserves a pat on his back on the way he handled Robin williams. Robin is a good actor, but we have seen him ruin more than one role, it is because he is inside him a stand up comedian, when given much screen time, he tries to grab the attention of the audience, when he already has it. He takes away the focus of audience from the main theme. Any ways in this movie I found that Robin was well placed in his scenes. He was no longer there than they needed him. So I think this can count as one of the best performance by Robin williams and I would credit the director for this.
So rounding up the review, of course there are other characters highlighted too, there is this character played by Ethan Hawke, I dont remember the name but I think he was Perry’s roommate. Ethan wants to be a writer but he is too shy to let his feelings known to anybody.There is this another guy who has a crush on a girl. The movie takes an abrupt turn when, Neal perry takes part in a play against his father’s wish. Every one congratulates him on his effort, but his dad thinks otherwise. So he decides to take his life rather than live the life planned out by his father. So he shoots himself in his father’s study. You would want now to sympathize with the character of Mr. Perry but I bet you couldnot bring yourself to it. Any ways, now there is an investigation and Robin Williams is fired. The boys initially act afraid and turn their backs on Robin Williams. However they unite to confront their headmaster, who is replacing Robin Williams. They all stand up on the bench and the movie ends....
The best scene was the introductory class of Keating. He encourages his pupils to RIP out the pages of an introductory essay on literature. I aggree with him when he points out that no mathematical equation can be used to measure literature.... from then on you would always side with robin williams. Bottom line... movie is worth atleast one watch.