Dead Poets Society (1989)

Document Type

Miscellaneous

Publication Date

5-2017

Abstract

Peter Weir's 1989 masterpiece, Dead Poets Society, was critically acclaimed for it's masterful screenplay and it's overall message of Carpe Diem or "Seize the Day." While this film did not influence any opinions racially (as the cast was 100% white and 95% male), it focused more on the independent man, and how he should live and view his own life.

The story portrays a teacher named Mr. Keating who has come to all-boys school that is steeped in tradition with boys who are expected to follow the rigid and unyielding expectations of their parents regarding their education. Keating's unconventional methods use poetry to help the boys regard their individual identity and desires with his lessons from literature and poetry.

The film won Best Original Screenplay, thanks to it's writer Tom Schulman, who had little reputation until he wrote Dead Poets Society. This script was based on pieces of his own real life experience. The screenplay was nominated for two similar awards from different organizations. Dead Poets Society also was awarded Best Foreign Film from France and Italy and also Best Film and Best Film Score from the United Kingdom's BAFTA awards. Robin Williams, whom plays John Keating, was nominated for three awards for Best Actor in a Lead Role, along with an Academy Award nomination for Best Director for Peter Weir.

At first, it was received well by general audiences, but only became a box office novelty as it became more and more of a topic of conversation. With the end of Cold War aligning with the release of the film, Dead Poets Society carried a deeper and significant meaning, making it not only appeal to audiences, but the nation as a whole.

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