'Dead Poets Society' Film Review

The Oscar-winning movie, 'Dead Poets Society,' is beautifully written and evokes the forever controversial idea of thinking for ones self. The 1989 film directed by Peter Weir, tells a story of camaraderie and tragedy among private-school boys. Set in 1959 at the fictional boarding school of Welton Academy in Vermont, the movie depicts the story of a group of teenaged boys and their encounter with a new and 'different-thinking' English professor, John Keating (played by Robin Williams). Through the study of poetry, Mr. Keating encourages his students to think differently and form opinions for themselves. The strict and tradition-oriented boarding school does not appreciate Mr. Keating's different way of teaching, for some of his students disobey school rules, their parents' wishes and consequently even commit suicide. 'Dead Poets Society' is a tale of strict-thinking and the consequences of conformity.

 

The beginning of the movie sets the tone for how the boys must act. As the dean of the school recites, there are four pillars in which the students' actions must be based off of: Tradition, Honor, Discipline, and Excellence. The students' parents also reflect this requirement as Mr. Perry is called 'Sir' by his own son Neil (played by Robert Leonard) and demands respect in the form of unquestionable faith towards his son's future. Soon Mr. Keating is introduced into the scene and immediately asks his students to not follow directions; as he tells them to rip-out the whole introduction of their English textbook which tells them how to properly 'measure' poetry. Mr. Keating makes the students laugh, stand-up on their desks, play soccer, and walk around a courtyard all to enhance the idea of thinking for one's self. He elicits the boys to come out of their comfort zone and in doing so, gains their respect as they call him 'Captain' from the quote, "Oh Captain, my Captain" by Walt Whitman. He encourages the concept of 'Carpe Diem' or Latin for 'seize the day' in which the students resonate greatly with. For example, Neil Perry takes this idea to heart and thankfully contradicts his father's inconsiderate wishes by secretly reinstating Mr. Keating's club called 'Dead Poets Society' and most importantly, auditioning for the play, A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Throughout the movie, the boys continue to 'Carpe Diem' and end up encountering new experiences. Although, some of the boys' confidence becomes sloppy, so to speak, and they have to face consequences. For example, Charlie Dalton asks the dean to allow girls at Welton. That does not go-down easily for Mr. Dalton receives five slaps on the ass with a wooden paddle. In correlation with the boys' uprising, Mr. Keating's professionalism is questioned. The turning point of the movie occurs when Neil commits suicide.
Following Neil's outstanding performance in the play, his father, who greatly dislikes his son's choices and disobedience, instructs him that he is going to military school and becoming a doctor. Feeling trapped and helpless, Neil takes his father's gun, opens the windows, and shoots himself.
Instead of taking any form of responsibility, Mr. Perry instructs the dean to fire Mr. Keating and an in-depth review of the 'Dead Poets Society' resulting in multiple expulsions. The movie concludes with the students standing up on their desks saying, "Oh Captain, my Captain" to their beloved English teacher, Mr. Keating.

 

'Dead Poets Society' is an extraordinary film for it tells a tragic yet heartwarming story. Despite this, there are parts of the movie I would have liked more detail with. One of the main reasons why this movie is tragic is because of the unjust treatment of parents to their sons. This is highlighted in Neil's relationship with his father. Before Neil committed suicide he had the chance to tell his father what HE wants out life instead, he said nothing. I was extremely frustrated with that scene and would have appreciated more drama. Although, I do see the point. Right before Neil's death, he opened the windows and put on his crown from his play, this scene in particular seemed more romanticized than others. There was something about it that seemed unjointed compared to the rest of the movie. My speculation is because I have a hard time believing that someone would be that metaphorical before they commit suicide. Another part of Neil's death was the movie did not reveal he was in that much distress before. He did not seem as though he needed as much help as he was secretly and desperately needed. He did come to Mr. Keating for advice one time and that encounter did help Neil, although, when Mr. Keating saw the inconsiderate way Mr. Perry was treating Neil, he did nothing. This makes me question about how much a teacher has  influence in a student's life. Who has the right judgement over a person's life? Is it just that person?

Overall, I would rate this movie very high, four out of five stars and absolutely recommend others to watch. There are outstanding messages in 'Dead Poets Society' and captures the difficult time of growing up in a controlling environment. I resonated greatly with the idea of not being afraid to be different and not conforming to expectations. My father was very similar to the boys depicted in this film for he too went to an all-boys private boarding school on the east coast and eventually attended Yale University. I recall him telling me stories about his classmates and how they were only concerned about their grades, the families they came from and where they were going. My dad did not like the strict and competitive life-style he was forced to be in. He eventually dropped out of Yale and moved to New Mexico to live in the desert. I appreciate how this movie encouraged the students to find their own voices. That is a message I have been told many times from my parents; do what you think is best for you, we are here to help you along the way.