“Dead Poets Society” is a masterpiece directed by Peter Weir, which has captivated audiences for generations with its magic and art. This iconic movie was released in 1989, the movie is about an elite all-boys old-fashioned prep school, Welton Academy. The 4 pillars of the Welton (a.k.a. Hellton by students) are Tradition, Honor, Discipline and Excellence. In the conservative atmosphere of Welton Academy, there was an unorthodox English teacher, Mr. John Keating, played by Robin Williams. He overall encouraged and challenged students to break free from all the social norms and embrace their inner self through poetry. This review examines the film’s plot summary, theme and message while reflecting some of my observation and criticism. “Dead Poets Society” is a classic inspiration in our lives that showcases the importance and significance of free thinking and impact of art and literature.
PLOT SUMMARY
The story begins at Welton Academy of New England, with Neil Perry, a passionate enthusiast student who struggles to keep up with his father’s expectation and his roommate newcomer Todd Anderson, a rather too shy, introvert and oddly reserved. Then enter the Mr. John Keating, their new English teacher, who was different from everyone else in the school. He was an unorthodox thinker who inspires his students by asking them to call his as “Oh, Caption, my Caption” and quoting “CARPE DIEM” a Latin term meaning “SEIZE THE DAY” and challenges every student to find their own voice. With the help of Mr. Keating’s passionate lessons, the boys discover the power of literature and learnt to express their emotions and desires. Later on in the movie, the students found out about “Dead Poets Society”, a secret poetry society, where they read the words of Thoreau, Whitman, Shelley, the biggies and others and they share their own writings. The boys revive the long-forgotten “Dead Poets Society” that forges bonds of friendship and loyalty between them. Although, the boys found freedom of thought and their new passion, but things starts to get difficult when they started applying the lesson of Mr. Keating in their lives and tension sparks with school’s administration and their families, it all leads to a tragic that changes the lives of Neil, Todd and their classmates.
THEME + MESSAGE
At the core of movie, the very first thing that was explored was difference between conformity and individuality, the tension between societal expectations and individual desires. The film’s central theme revolves around embracing one’s inner self and challenging societal norms. John Keating’s iconic phrase “CARPE DIEM” (Seize the Day) fuel’s students spirit to take control of their lives. Through lives of Todd, Neil, Charlie, Knox, Meeks and their classmates, movie highlights how poetry and literature can be a gateways to people’s heart, soul and emotion. The verses of Walt, Frost, and Thoreau encourage students to see the world through passion and creativity. The most powerful message the film conveys is that embracing inner self – the true self is true freedom, by seizing the day and forging one’s own path, individual can break free from all those societal expectations and norms and be at their full potential.
PERSONAL REFLECTION
As I watched “Dead Poets Society”, the first thing that draws my attention was the courage and unorthodox thinking of John Keating, the teaching method and his passion towards literature and poetry moved me. He was an inspiring mentor who was helping young people to find their own paths in between all those societal expectations and pressure. “No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world” -24:55 said by Mr. Keating film made me think about the power of words and ideas in the world, the possibilities of future and many other things. But what really moved my heart and changed me in some way or other was this quote said by Mr. Keating “You must strive to find your own voice, because the longer you wait to begin, the less likely you are to find it at all.” -43:47 , this line pushed me to be a little more confident and giving voice to my thoughts.
As movie reached to the end I was heartbroken for Neil Perry, his death -1:47:22, it was a tragedy that left a little suffocating impression on me and made me think about all these societal norms which we all are following, that breaks an individual’s spirit to grow, to speak up and force them to isolate themselves. These fake prestigious luxury and demands of society makes people struggle to survive in real life. I feel empathy for Neil, the tragic end was a harsh reminder that what society does to those who tries to follow their dreams.
However, I found Todd Anderson’s character development rather encouraging, at first he struggled to find his voice, he was shy and reserved and at the end he transformed into someone who begins to find his voice. He taught me that journey may be long but the courage and right guidance can turn impossible into possible. The last act of Todd was most impressive thing he did, standing on the desk and saying “Oh, Captain, my Caption” -2:3:30. While the core message of the film might be the seizing the day, I believe that looking out from all the potential dangers and risks from individuals action is important too. Even following all the societal norms are not right but acting rebellion is something one must not do recklessly.
CONCLUSION
“Dead Poets Society” is a reminder of embracing individuality and creativity, challenging societal norms and expectations but with caution. Even non-conformity is something which most of us feels is the right thing to do, the rebellion inside us makes us believe it but the consequences of it is really tragic that is clearly shown in film through the death of Neil Perry. But in conclusion, the importance of freedom, creativity and courage to stand up for oneself is very much relevant today. So let’s encourages everyone around us, embrace our uniqueness and let’s seize the day.
By: HRISHIKA KUMARI LAL
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