Jul 15, 2007 12:21 PM
1832 Views
It was a freak coincident when my friend hinted of a hollywood movie which was sort of a so called " inspiration" for the bollywood film " Mohabbatein". I liked the indian version and was hoping for once did the domestic cinema manage to produce a good one on its own. This, at a time when Script Writers were getting inspired too often of their Hollywood counterparts.
Getting back to the coincident, I caught the original version on Star Movies just a couple days after my friend referred it to me. I wasn't aware of the movie's name before witnessing it, so didn't know what to expect while watching it. Halfway through the movie, bells started to ring and I could appreciate the fact that mohabbatein was indeed a remnant of a remarkable masterpiece crafted twelve years ago.
Dead Poet's Society is a film that portrayed the life and aspirations of a group of highly talented upper grade students. "John Keating", played by Robin Williams tries to inspire his pupils to look at the world in a different way. He reiterates the point that it is difficut to sustain ones beliefs in the eyes of the others and one must strive to find his own way, however non-confirmist it may be.
He tries to reach out to the students through several ways which seemed unorthodox and unconventional to the school authorities. It was quite obvious that Mr. Keating, the "Captain" wanted the students to follow their heart and "suck the marrow out of life" but at the same time warned them from time to time not to through caution to the wind. Most of the class did fancy the idea of breaking out but was hesitant as it would mean disobeying the parents and the school's Tradition.
Somehow, driven by desire they muster up the courage to form a Dead Poet's Society initiated by their own teacher many years ago that embarks on a journey to relive the magic of poetry in the old indian cave by the river side.
This escapade leads further to an indiscretion by one of its members, Charles Dalton " Nuwanda"
in front of the whole school. He gets reprimanded and in the process jeopardises the existence of the dead poets society. Now the principal of the school, "Mr. Nolan" gets sniffy and tries to warn the professor to stick to the traditional ways of teaching.
The movie takes a voilent turn when Neil Perry, a lead student uninhibitantly pursues his passion for acting while disregarding his father's wishes. He commits suicide when he realises that his will had no existence. His untimely demise stirs up the already uneasy air around the principal. He orders a thorough enquiry in to the matter. After several discussions and testimonials he arrives at the conclusion that Mr. Keating is to be blamed for the occurences and is ordered to vacate the premises immediately.
In the final scene, Keating enters the class while Nolan is in session to collect his belongings. One of the students feeling miserable about this whole incident gets up on the bench and acknowledges Mr.Keating for being such great inspiration. He cries aloud, "Oh Captain my Captain!". Rest of the students follow suit much to the dislike of the principal. Keating thanks his students and leaves.
The movie is so beautifully picturized that it leaves you spell bound. Making a movie like this itself is "Seizing the Day"; Carpediem.
