"O Captain, my captain!"
There are some masterpieces written; then there is this movie. As I have said earlier, I have no right words to explain the peakness this movie beholds in it. Maybe I am biased; maybe it is true. But there is no doubt that almost every idea in this movie, especially Mr.Keating's ideas, beholds an ocean in itself.
Peak Fiction; Peak Reality.
The Storyline.
So boys are in the cave for the first time. And this is the moment boys begin to revive the Dead Poets Society, following the tradition that John Keating and his friends once established. They gather there at night to read poetry aloud, share their thoughts and enjoy a freedom that Welton Academy and their parents do not allow. Just away from the expectations, the boy begins exploring their "own" identities, discovering the power of words and questioning the lives that have already been planned for them.
I will continue, but these are Neil's words; and those aware of his fate will see the depthness of these words. His fate totally heartbreaking and unexpected. WOW!
Back to the story.
As Keating's - our Captain - lessons continues, his influence on students becomes increasingly apparent. He encourages them to think independently, challenge conventional ways and find their own voices rather than just following the herd. The way he taught "Todd" is exceptional. And the way he delivers poetry is like experiencing it.
In the meanwhile, Neil's passion for acting begins to take solid form when he discovers an opportunity to audition for a local production. Despite his father's expectations that he pursue a career in medicine, Neil finds himself drawn towards something that genuinely excites him. Acting gives him a chance to explore a side of himself that has little room to exist under his father's strict control. However, his growing enthusiasm also brings him closer to a conflict between his own desires and the future his father has chosen for him.
Todd Anderson, on the other hand, continues to struggle with his lack of confidence. Surrounded by outspoken friends and constantly burdened by comparisons with his older brother (it sucks), he finds it difficult to express himself. Yet Keating recognises that Todd's silence does not mean he lacks imagination or originality. As said earlier: through his unusual teaching methods, Keating gradually pushes Todd to move beyond his fear of judgement and discover the voice he has kept hidden. And he is really good at it, I mean Todd.
Everyone discovers their own ways. Knox develops feelings for a girl named Chris, while Charlie - the Nuwanda - grows increasingly enthusiastic about challenging the school's authority. GOD's call, really. Each of them begins exploring freedom in a different way, whether through romance, rebellion, artistic expression, radio or the simple freewill.
However, as expected, the more the boys embrace Keating's philosophy, the more complicated their lives become. The freedom they discover through poetry and friendship exists alongside an institution that values absurd discipline, conformity and obedience.
But hey, Keating ask Todd's to explain "Henry David Thoreau" without thinking, and he calls him "Madman." So, in order to be real and free you, be prepared to be named - the madman. Nothing comes free.
"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." - Henry David Thoreau.
Cinematic and Dressing.
I have said that I prefer the old dressing style more. The formal get up they usually wear and all that stuff. And talk about cinematic? In order to impress they do not have to use technology. All natural: serene environment, flock of birds, the bell sound, the snow etc. Ah everything about it looks so simple and lovely. Maybe I am biased about it. Maybe I would love to live that slow life. But hey, I am saying all this because I am not living that life. So who knows?
The Analysis.
I would love to go for the characters, but they are too many, and missing out single one is injustice to all. Moreover, I rarely know a single one of them.
Mr. Keating and O Captain.
The metaphor between these two figures excited me the most. Just like in Whitman's poem, the Captain has died. The crew has reached, so a successful voyage. However, the Captain failed to live upto the moments. Same is the case with Mr. Keating, he may have been expelled; but his students will carry on the ignition ahead.
The captain leaves the ship, but the spirit of his voyage lives on.
"Why do I stand on this desk? To see the things differently."
What is up there? Like come on, the roof will be the same, the pictures same, the faces same. But hey, remember there is another dimension, there is another perception for almost everything. Usually we call it - imagiantion. All you have to do is to move a bit, physically or metaphorically; and then, see the magic happen.
"Just don't let your poems be ordinary."
A beautiful message delivered as it is a piece of cake. He means even a simple theme can behold a universe in it. All you have to do is to try. Do not think that simple means nothing. And the term "ordinary" does not mean the literal ordinary. He is trying to explain to his students, to not let your imagination or yourself think that this is simple. Go find something even behind that simple thought, and you will surely have a lot to say about not-so-ordinary-stuff.
In the end, there are still many things to talk about. But, I would love to do that in a separate piece, in philosophical manner. Not as a movie analysis.
To end it with Mr. Keatings words:
"Because, believe it or not, each and every one of us in this room is one day going to stop breathing, turn cold, and die."
We are mere food for the worms at the end of the day. So Sieze the day, make your lives exceptional.
Ratings as of now
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| IMDb | 8.1/10 |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 85% |
| Personal Rating | 95/100 |
Peace 🕊️
Rating: 95/100
