I loved being a teacher. I always considered myself one of the lucky ones who knew at an early age what I wanted to do in my life. I was even a card-carrying member of Future Teachers of America at the age of fourteen. No matter how hard my day turned out to be, I felt blessed to be a teacher. I spoke the word “teacher” with reverence and respect. Teaching was my passion. I got a kick out of molding young minds. It was a fantastic honor to be someone’s guide. It was humbling to watch young people stretch their wings and discover new and bolder ways to find themselves. It was so satisfying and exhilarating. Sometimes it even left me breathless thinking about all the infinite and magical possibilities each day could and would bring.
I was born to be a teacher. The best teachers know this in their gut. It is a career choice driven and fueled by a deep desire to help others, putting their needs before your own. It is then imperative to stand back and let them sometimes sink or soar. It is, however, spectacular to witness a student’s lightbulb click on. It is such a yin/yang connection that can’t be forced. Teachers are nurturers. They can’t be taught this skill. You either have it or you don’t. Over the years, teachers can hone their innate skills, but it is impossible to teach anyone how to be a great teacher. This is a calling from the depths of your soul.
There are very few films that can inspire both teachers and students. Most don’t use the proper or necessary words to hook such a diverse audience truly. DEAD POETS SOCIETY was one of the rare exceptions. This was a cinematic masterclass, filled with perfect words, actors, characters, story arcs, locations, a strong, insightful director, and moments of laughter, tears, and awe, all entwined since it premiered in 1989. Yet, it is brilliantly timeless.
DEAD POETS SOCIETY scored at the box office. It has grossed over $285 million worldwide on a $16-million budget. Oddly enough, it was never number one on the charts. It flourished through word of mouth and behind-the-scenes popularity. DPS did make its mark during the awards season. It won a BAFTA for Best Film and Best Original Film Score, and also nabbed an Oscar for Best Screenplay. It received three additional Oscar nominations for Best Picture, Actor (Robin Williams), and Director (Peter Weir). Tom Schulman wrote the script with one draft. Pretty impressive.
Weir (THE TRUMAN STORY, GREEN CARD, WITNESS) filmed DEAD POETS SOCIETY in chronological order. He had the students room together to help the young actors bond. He encouraged about 15% of improv within each scene, as long as the actors stayed true to the author’s intent. He modeled John Keating’s (Robin Williams) role after his experiences at a childhood boarding school. He was very collaborative on his methodology and used many of the students from the school where they filmed on location in Delaware. His approach was often spontaneous, as seen in the exceptional, heartbreaking moment when Todd (Ethan Hawke) ran out into the snow upon hearing of a classmate’s suicide. They got the shot in one take because the snow had stopped falling, and time was of the essence. Superbly and heart-wrenchingly captured.
Williams was phenomenal in his teaching role. His facial expressions and eye contact captured my heart and imagination. He personified the essence of what it took to be a teacher. William’s physicality seemed smaller than his usual stance. He held back when necessary and infused strength and power when required. His control of knowing when to stay silent and when to bust through with humor and empathy was genius. He was the perfect leader…the perfect master of poetry. He was “Oh Captain! My Captain!” I would stand on my desk for him any day or time. What a loss that he no longer walks among us. I miss his wisdom while hilariously cutting to the chase.
The young men who portrayed Keating’s students were exceptional. They were not yet well-known actors, but most were destined for fame. This was especially true of Hawke, who provided the emotional ties that bound the pack of boys together through their discovery of friendship and poetry. Watching them explore the pitfalls of conformity was profound. Becoming a part of their individual journeys was joyous and painful.
Non-conformity was one of the major themes of DPS. It was reinforced by the talents of the entire ensemble, including Knox, Neil, Charlie, Cam, Meeks, and Pitts. Through their teenage angst, audiences learned the highs and lows of becoming a man. We watched them struggle to find their inner voice, which was necessary when trying to stand up to their overbearing, controlling parents. There were lessons to be learned at every level. It was continually made clear how each of us must find our own way in life. “Carpe diem. Seize the day. Make your lives extraordinary.” Huge concepts are exceptionally presented within simple life choices.
Poetry was also the foundation for DEAD POETS SOCIETY. Audiences were given the gift of hearing the words of the poetry masters such as Yeats, Frost, Byron, Shakespeare, Keating, Whitman, and Thoreau. “We must suck the narrow out of life.” We dance to the beat and rhythm of THE CONGO. “We rip out the excrement. Rip…rip…rip.” There were so many highly charged, magnificently created scenes for the screen.
DEAD POETS SOCIETY is a teacher’s classic. It is filled with rich prose that sparkles when lifted off the written page. It offers glimpses into true, honest friendships forged in school settings. It showcases what teachers wish for their students. It opens memory boxes filled with tears, laughter, and true learning. It will reinforce why we as humans read and write poetry. It will create free thinkers and help us strive to find our own voice. “Oh, Captain! My Captain! Thank you. Thank you.”
Dead POETS SOCIETY is streaming on Disney+.
