Three Films about Education

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that the Hollywood films "Dead Poets Society" (1989), "Renaissance Man" (1994) and "Dangerous Minds" (1995) represent distinct educational environments with different cultures in different eras. The author points out that, despite these differences, a common assumption of all three films is that education, whether in the 1950s or in the 1990s and in any society, is radically flawed. The paper argues that, while this assumption may be shaped primarily by the narrative need of all films for a dramatic "protagonist" whose intervention propels the plot, the fact that all three films depict cultures of teaching to be flawed and excessively institutionalized is reflective of the American belief in individualism.

From the Paper:

"As such, it is not surprising to note a very similar structural motif in "Renaissance Man". The flawed educational institution in this film is the U.S. army, which is shown to have failed in teaching a group of recruits who are placed in the charge of outside teacher Bill Rago. This is evident in the scene when the teacher learns of the nickname his students have been given: "The whole fort calls us Double Ds. Dumb as dog shit." In many ways, the educational strategies in "Renaissance Man" are a midpoint between "Dead Poets Society" and "Dangerous Minds".

Sample of Sources Used:

• Marshall, P. (Director). (1994). Renaissance Man. [Feature Film] Los Angeles: Touchstone Pictures.
• Smith, J. (Director). (1995). Dangerous Minds. [Feature Film]. Los Angeles: Don Simpson/Jerry Bruckheimer Films and Beuna Vista Pictures.
• Weir, P. (Director). (1989). Dead Poets Society. [Feature Film]. Los Angeles: Touchstone Pictures.

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