The History Boys (2006) - 83%
Nicholas Hytners’ screen adaptation of Alan Bennett’s ‘The History Boys’, containing all of the stage show’s original cast, is a magnificent film of undoubted depth. It concerns the fortunes of a group of charmingly gifted schoolboys from Yorkshire and their efforts to get into Oxford, and deals in academia, sexuality, causality and love. Stirring performances from, among others, Richard Griffiths, Stephen Campbell Moore (who I’ve praised in this blog before) and Madame Maxime make it a thoroughly endearing and thoughtful viewing experience.
Foregoing my own reservations about making this too personal, I’d like to say just a quick word on why this film had such a particular impact on me. I’m currently out of work and looking to move into teaching, with all the usual uncertainties and misgivings that come with planning a move into unchartered territory. When all of a sudden I get a recommendation for this film I’ve only heard of, by a fella who my idols have idolised, yet who’s work I’m pretty unfamiliar with. So I download the film, and hey presto it reaffirms my adoration for teachers, teaching and the fundamental beauty of schools as a concept. I find my ambition vindicated, validated and, to coin a new word, vociferated.
Going back to the dispassionate movie recommendation thing, contradiction in terms though that must be (I will cut out these midsentence caveats and interruptions soon I promise - be assured about your words, Sam), Bennett’s understanding of interpersonal relationships and sense of humour are so complete as to make action movies seem obselete. The witty dialogue is also interspersed with so many literary and philosophical references so as to make the film rewatchable ad nauseum. The sheer pace of their to-and-fro’s make it necessary for multiple viewings to fully appreciate, and this is an obligation I fully intend to see through over the years, preferably after having more than a passing acquaintance with Wittgenstein and Keats.
I enjoyed the film so much in fact that I have decided to reinstate my blog, on a much more restricted scale at least. A couple of weeks ago I watched Lars von Trier’s ‘Dancer in the Dark’ and was very nearly moved to do this then, but held out. Perhaps that will be my next recommendation.
83%
