Dead Poets Society (1989)

 

Most of us know and love Robin Williams as the frenetic comedian who could do things on the cuff and always land a joke or remark. However, the man did try several times to make people notice his dramatic chops and sometimes, like in this instance, people truly noticed. 

Was Williams a wonderful actor? Hell yes, as he isn't even in this film a whole lot yet steals the show with his incredibly magnetic personality. 

It's the start of a new schoolyear at Welton, a very posh school that prides itself on tradition and has numerous alumni that go on to only the finest universities. It's also a fresh start for extremely shy Todd Anderson, who has to follow in his brother's footsteps yet doesn't find this all too enthralling. He soon finds a group of students who take him in, courtesy of Neil, a charismatic youngster who nevertheless suffers from an overbearing father who insists Neil become a doctor. Pretty much to make up for everything the father never achieved. Yes, that kind of horrendous parent who only wants his own goal to happen and doesn't give a shit about what the kid wants or what's best. 

Good thing they got Kurtwood Smith to play this father, as the man excels at playing this sort of horrible person. I'm also sure mister Smith is a wonderful being in real life, but he has the face to portray a bastard. 

In walks mister Keating (Williams), the new professor of poetry and literature who has rather new and exciting views on the subject, something which the school doesn't take too kindly too, being rusted solid in their classic and narrowminded ways. Yet, he ignites a spark with the kids and they decide to restart a group called the Dead Poets' Society, something Keating started when he was a student. It is all about enjoying poetry and also about finding your own way in life instead of simply following suit. 

Neil takes this most to heart, as his passion is acting and he is accepted into a play without his father knowing. He is brilliant, but of course his dad finds out and thinks all this artistic stuff is a load of bull and can't see the passion his son has for the arts. Hence, Neil commits suicide, sending shockwaves through the group of friends and of course the school simply lays the blame squarely on Keating and his 'abhorrent' new methods. 

In case you missed it, this is all about the characters and they are nearly all sublime. Ethan Hawke is great as the very shy Todd, but Robert Sean Leonard is the heart as Neil. The kid is good in this one. The others a a bit on the side, even if we do follow the romantic escapades of Knox Overstreet a bit, yet they aren't really a driving force of the story. And then there's Robin Williams, who only shows glimpses of his comedic exuberance, but who portrays a teacher we all wished we had: someone who inspires and truly feels for his students. 

So yes, even if the final shots are a bit schmalzy, this is one heartbreaking feature that showcases the grim points of boring life and the hardships when one tries to follow one's dreams. It's never easy. This film is absolutely wonderful, but be sure to bring enough handkerchiefs.