According to Ethan Hawke, Todd, this was his first big film. He was so intimidated by Robin and really introverted. Robin really teased him throughout filming. Ethan thought he hated him. However, shortly after filming he gets a call from Robin's agent and he said that Robin called him and told him that he needed to sign this amazing young actor. RIP Robin.❤
it wasn’t because he was introverted (ethan is actually pretty extroverted and silly irl) but because he wanted robin to think of him as a serious actor. robin was a jokester on set and ethan didn’t laugh at his jokes hoping that would make robin think ethan was doing the job with care and conviction, robin kept teasing him every day for being too serious which made ethan think robin hated him. the rest is correct though
"Meeks... another unusual name." In a school that emphasizes so much pressure and conformity, right out of the gate he is making them feel as unique individuals. This theme is present throughout the entire movie. I see this movie every few years and catch something new every time.
The last scene is so powerful. I loved that the director/book didn't have the entire class stand on their desks symbolizing that in any group setting; there will be those who will find the courage to go against conformity and stand up for what they believe. And in contrast there will also be those in that same group setting who are just too afraid and can't or won't stand up for what they believe.
When Robin Williams passed I sought a dvd of this and found a rather expensive copy on Amazon. I noticed with pleasure that there was extras on it, directors commentary etc. and a section whereby they interviewed a lot of the cast 10 years after its making asking what part this movie played in their career. Kurtwood Smith (the actor boys father who represssed him) said he's often asked why he acts. He said he tells them when the premiere came round one of his guests was a male friend who had the same relationship with his son as I did with mine in the movie. The movie played, the lights went up and his male friend was sobbing. He's seen himself and his relationship played out on the screen and from that day he swore he would change the way he treated his son, Smith said thats why I act, this stuff can and does change lives.
This film is maybe my favourite ever. I love how each character expresses their new found creativity in different ways. Newanda through identity, Todd through writing, Neil through acting, and Knox through love. Each character has a unique awakening and I feel that really highlights what “coming of age” really means.
This movie genuinely got me into poetry. Before I saw this, it was just words that I didn’t understand why people cared about so much. But this movie truly changed that for me. It showed me how powerful poetry could be and taught me how to allow myself to feel my emotions loudly and openly. Next time you’re on a hike, standing alone or with a friend before the beauty of the natural world, remember to release a barbaric YAWP! There’s nothing quite like it!
While I loved Robin in Good Will Hunting, and he deserved his Oscar, it is Dead Poet's Society that holds that special Robin WIlliams place in my heart.
Peter Weir is such an under-appreciated director. Witness, Gallipoli, Truman Show, Master and Commander, The Way Back and Dead Poets Society, all amazing films
You're forgetting Harrison Ford in a criminally underrated performance in Weir's "The Mosquito Coast". Ford should've been nominated for an oscar for that film.
When you asked "Is [this film] gonna hit some very real topics?" and later added "Something tells me that father relationship is not done yet" I thought "Just you wait and see..." and I knew you'd both love and hate how it pans out, because of the tragic denouement. The whole film has added poignancy now we know how Williams' life ended, after he'd given us such great and varied performances like this.
this film is such an important one, I can’t sing it’s praises enough! Seeing this when I was younger changed the way I viewed life, Carpe Diem! Hope you enjoyed this one James✌️💓
The impact a great, caring teacher/coach can make on your life is monumental! In this vein, I recommend: Stand and Deliver To Sir, With Love The Corn is Green Dangerous Minds McFarlane, USA Mr. Holland’s Opus October Sky Teachers Hoosiers Coach Carter
Absolutely same. I saw this right around 13 or 14 and this whole film landed hard for me. One of life’s gifts I was lucky to receive at the perfect time.
As a parent, my greatest joy is witnessing my children finding their passions. Neal's father deprived himself of the greatest joy a parent can experience. In the process, he helped bring about the greatest sorrow. This film should be required viewing in order to get your parenting license. If only that was a thing...
I was 15 when i saw this movie in the theater-fully expecting a comedy. I wasn't expecting the life-changing, life-affirming experience i had. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Some people have a hard time with it.
the fact that the framing through the legs in the last shot of Todd makes it almost seem like he's standing under a spotlight on a dark stage is such a powerful image that's always stuck with me, especially considering how neil's monologue at the end of midsummer's night dream is the last time you see him truly standing up to his father before his death. there's always been a beautiful parallel there for me, like Todd (and everyone else) is carrying neil's wishes and dreams on for him
was holding back tears pretty much the entire time I was watching this reaction. Robin Williams was so special. All these young actors and the writing just tells such a meaningful story about life. Thanks for sharing your reaction James
"These kids are going out into the world, to pursue something that they're passionate about. You know, it's a journey. It's filled with both the pleasures of passion but also the realities of life which can be just as grim. But I think the key thing out of all of that is the fact that you are able to craft your verse in this powerful play called life." Wow. Subscribed 👍
In my high school American Literature class, we watched this movie. We also had a poetry book with a terrible introduction. My teacher said we could rip it out like in Dead Poet’s Society. When we read the poem “O Captain! My Captain!” we stood on our desks.
I was the kid in High School who had to take the Hall Pass to dismiss themself to the bathroom so I didn't have to see what happened to Neil. I cry every time I watch this movie because I had friends who had dad's like his. Please be there for your children and let them be/do what they are meant to do❤
The instant I saw this come up, I knew you would feel this movie and I had to watch it immediately! I first saw this in my high school sophomore English class. I'm sure I've seen it a hundred times since. The night that Robin Williams died, I watched this and cried my eyes out harder than maybe ever. I watch it at least once a year in remembrance. One of a kind talent from Mork from Ork to his final days.
Mr. Patrick Ball, my shop teacher. Was a father to me when my father was not yet present, and classes before me. When I joined the army and came home after, he had passed from heart failure. He was a great man 🎉
Dead Poets Society was filmed at St. Andrews school in Middletown, Delaware which is like 15 minutes from my house. It’s very cool to visit the campus and get reminded of the movie and how much I miss Robin Williams. Truly a masterpiece of a film.
If you get a chance, watch Much Ado About Nothing (1993). The actor who played Neil, Robert Sean Leonard, is in it. The cast is all around incredible, and it’s a great adaptation of Shakespeare. Also, Swing Kids (1993) is a really great performance from him. Excellent music, but rough story.
"Awakenings" with Robert De Niro was the first film I saw starring Robin Williams that strayed from his comedic persona. It was the first time I saw his range as a dramatic actor. Because I first saw him as "Popeye" with Shelley Duvall as a kid. When I later saw "Dead Poets Society"(on VHS), it confirmed his chops as a good dramatic actor for me.
When you said he wished he'd stood up more to the father, my mind went "he did, in Good Will Hunting..." and now my head cannon is after Welton mr. Keating changed his name to Sean Maguire and he went to get a PhD in psychology from MIT and was able to help Will the way he couldn't help Neal.
This is such a great and underrated film! Peter Weir is a director with only 31 credits since his debut in 1977. He chooses his projects carefully, and he tapped into something special with Dead Poets Society. Just in the context of the coming of age genre, there's so much to think about in this film, it goes far beyond the nostalgia that drives the genre. This should come up in more conversations when people talk about 80s movies. People tend to talk about The Breakfast Club and Ferris Bueller's Day Off a lot more, but I've always always thought Dead Poet's Society was better than both of those.
I watched this film when I was 20. It had a profound impact on me. The idea of "free thinking" was liberating. I am 33 now. I am glad that I watched this film at such a young age. It was a monumental event of my life.
Such an incredible film! I’ve watched this so many times, and cry each time. Robin Williams gives a beautiful performance. The boys give great performances, too. It’s a top-tier coming-of-age movie! O Captain! My Captain! 😭
James, just want to say thank you for this community and space you've created. Always brightens my day when I can spend a little time vibing to good movies and shows with you. Much love, my guy
Another Robin Williams gem. I highly recommend "The World According to Gary" - John Irvine has said that he thought society would have moverd on from the issues lain astrue in his book.
I was so happy when I saw you watched this movie!! Dead Poets Society is my favorite film of all time. I'm young and it has impacted me so much. I can now basically recite the whole of the dialogue and I still cry every single time. You're my favorite James!! Thank you so much for sharing this!!
16:00 This scene, right here, always gives me chills. The awakening of true creativity and passion in a person should be celebrated. So few I feel have ever visited such a place. Although I enjoy reading but was never a writer, seeing this movie when I was younger made me ask very important questions that helped me find my passions and happiness in what I do every day. This movie should be required viewing in high school, although now a days I think there are some individuals or groups that would want the opposite.
The fact you said you found yourself not talking or reacting to scenes I think is the best most powerful reaction to this movie. What a great film to study a script to…. The language and intimacy in this film are amazing as well as the silences
Its one of those movies I think all parents should watch with their teens. Its a good opening for some serious talk that can be very important to talk about & its not always easy to find a way to talk about them but thats why I feel, this is a good point to get those talk started.
I recommended this movie for your patreon screenwriting poll and I’m so glad you put it in the poll…and it won!!! This is one of my all time favorite films. It came out when I was 13 and I watched it often during my high school and college years. It had a major impact on me…the script and the performances. It’s brilliant, and I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the video.
This fllm is so amazing ... I went to a Jesuit High School and they highly recommended everyone go see this when it came out. In fact, they even rented a theatre for us to watch it.
That’s pretty amazing for a religious school to want kids to think for themselves…but Jesuits have always been an outlier in that area among other Christian sects.
i'm sooo happy you finally watched this movie, because it's message is SO YOU! i love this movie so much, i cried just from watching your video haha this is such an special movie
I’ve heard a movie critic and an author say about setting and conflict: “The more specific it is, the more universally it will resonate with the audience. “
15:43 That type of shot always reminds me of Akira Kurosawa. Magic hour or color corrected in post, with the very high contrast and monotone color palette. The specific scene I am thinking of from Kurosawa may be from Seven Samurai, and was a scene of soldiers walking in silhoutte form against a plain sunset background. My apologies if I have the wrong movie. Kurosawa loved that style of cinema and used the form dozens of times, as have many others.
The musical score by Maurice Jarr was brilliant, too. He also worked with Peter Weir on Witness. My reaction at the end when I saw the film in the theater was, "He has shepherded these boys into men." Young men now standing in their true power. Not power over, but power coming from within. Loved the movie! I saw an interview with Ethan Hawke a while back, and the host asked him if his kids had seen the movie. He said, yes, but partway through they asked, "When are you going to come on?" They did not recognize his young self at all.
Haven't seen a reaction to this movie since about a year ago. This just reminded me of how it ranks top 5 for favorite movies. It's definitely an essential watch
Getting a mentor moment or being one (sometimes unknowing) is a rare event and all the more precious for that. I had a book or two that hit me like that, but only a few moments from schoolteachers - but those moments count. This movie got me into Whitman and allowed me to begin enjoying what I liked even if it wasn’t popular. Heartbreaking, but also heart building.
This film highlights how important it is that people aren't just their profession. We really need to push the idea of the Renaissance man and woman. A person needs more than just a 9 to 5 job to survive and thrive in life.
This is definitely one of my favorite movies. I am very much a large Robin Williams fan and admirer. It was only after I started collecting his movies after his passing when I really found his range. When he is playing the bad guy, you still feel for him. And even that is a little uncomfortable because you just normally want somebody who’s bad just to be bad and you can hate him without guilt. But with his bad guys, you really can’t. I’m sure you got this comment somewhere in these comments, but just in case you didn’t… The scene after Neil‘s passing, where all the guys were out in the snow, that scene was originally supposed to be shot inside. And they HAD shot it inside. But after the scene was done, they noticed it had started snowing outside and they thought, “what the heck, let’s try it outside and see what we get.“ So they did it again outside and we got what we got. Luckily, they were able to do it in one take because just moments after they yelled cut, it stopped snowing. I have no proof of this, but I am assuming that after Todd threw up, the other kid shoving the snow into Todd’s mouth was an ad lib. Also, the red head that justifiably got punched at the end, it was in a script that he was supposed to stand on the desk, too. But on the day of shooting, he told the Director that he really didn’t think it would be in his character’s character to stand on the desk. The Director said he was right, which is why he stayed seated. The Director also had all the boys live together for a couple of weeks prior to filming so they could get a true bond going. And also gave them movies and music to listen to from that time period to help them get into character. I thought that was pretty cool. I’m glad you enjoyed it. It’s definitely the top of my list. #RestInPeaceRobinWilliams #WeAreMoreAlikeThanWeAreDifferent 💙💙💙
I recently discovered your show and rated it 9.99999 out of 10. I will definitely be returning to watch more episodes soon. As a 76-year-old white man, I want to assure you that not all of us are bad. 😊 appreciate your insightful analysis and the fact that you don't talk too much, which is a great quality in a host.😊
James: I don't have a beef with these kind of places... The movie: This place is THE WORST So happy to see this reacttion. This movie really helped inspire me as a young person to be myself and it's such a beautiful performance from Robin Williams.
One foot in Tomorrow Today has the rest of Me Yesterday is Fantasy -me For a poet I've surprisingly only seen this film once, thanks for the reaction 💚
My high school offered a outdoor leadership program in lieu of traditional gym class, and this movie was part of the curriculum. Such an amazing classic. I miss Robin.
Robert Sean Leonard was fantastic with Hugh Laurie in the TV series House. I cant help but weep when he is acting in the play...because I know what's about to happen.
This is, was, and always will be a Top 5 greatest movie. It is sheer brilliance, and has impacted my life so beautifully. I'm eternally grateful to have experienced it many times over.
When I was in college...I was a lifegaurd at the college pool and would work early mornings. Every day an older man would swim and we'd make small talk once in a while. Come to find out it was THE GUY from this movie!! The professor Robin Williams played was a routine swimmer every morning! Never knew!! Nice guy!!
Robin was brilliant. His comedy and his acting had a way of being very human. He never seemed to be performing. I highly recommend One Hour Photo or Insomnia for a dark Robin in film. They are both very interesting works
After Robin Williams died, a lot of tributes to him online led with that line - "O Captain, my Captain." Which is a poem about the death of Abraham Lincoln. The second stanza breaks my heart when I think about Robin Williams and how beloved he was: O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells; Rise up-for you the flag is flung-for you the bugle trills, For you bouquets and ribbon’d wreaths-for you the shores a-crowding, For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning; Here Captain! dear father! This arm beneath your head! It is some dream that on the deck, You’ve fallen cold and dead. Beautiful, heartbreaking film. That ending never ceases to make me tear up.
Such a beautiful message, in this film and in your comments at the end. No matter how many times I see this, when they stand on their desks in solidarity with Keating at the end, brings such a swelling emotion to my heart. Carpe Diem!
The father was wrong but he truly loved his son. He probably had passions and gave them up to give his son everything he could and wanted him to thrive and succeed he just did not understand what he really needed.
Personally I think the thing Keating should have *actually* done was being realistic and told him "suck it up for one year more, then you're 18 and you can tell your father to go fuck himself and earn your own living". He fucks it up by being too half assed and still instilling hope in a compromise that just isn't going to happen.
@@HaganeNoGijutsushiI don’t think that’s really realistic either, his father likely would’ve kicked him out if he stood up to him and didn’t follow the plan after he turned 18, and sure some people move out at 18 but they have to work and becoming an actor is a hard long process, and so either way his dream wouldn’t be persuable. The only way it would’ve worked was for his father the listen and be understanding and give him room to pursue acting while supporting him. So once it’s clear that won’t happen, he essentially gives up
@@heathern8043 yeah, it's a given that he'll be kicked out, but that doesn't mean all is lost. He's got a hope, and hey, even if he DOESN'T succeed, at least he's out of that abusive house. I think that's actually a more realistic take than "talk it out with your father and I'm sure he'll understand". Some people don't understand.
Great reaction as always. This is why I love your channel. Watching you read the film language ahead of the story is always so enlightening. Keep up the great work
Ayyy thank you!! Love educating myself and learning the art form. It’s like a music sheet haha. Even more happy at the fact you guys are learning too!!
The greatest message of the movie is never let someone else control your mind, think for yourself. And always be willing to be wrong, I think that's a problem today too many people aren't willing to be wrong.
This was filmed near where I grew up at The St Andrews School when I was a kid and my classmate’s older brother was a student and an extra. When it came out a bunch of us went to see it as a community and of course was devastated at the end. Such a good movie and I certainly took it with me when it was my turn to head to boarding school a few years later. Also LOL at calling the Head Master John McCain, who while he did not go to St Andrews he did go to Episcopal, another boarding prep school not far away.
This is one of the movies I actually have seen and was great to see your reaction for it! I love Robin Williams, I miss him a lot. You had a great assumption though! Robin William movies definitely make you feel 😭😭
Wonderful film! I first watched it with my dad when i was about 10 and i remember sitting through the opening and being unbearably bored, but i got so drawn in by the characters and the whimsical soundtrack. I also wanted to be an actor (my father was supportive) but it was one of those dreams that kinda just faded, but not before i acted in a high school play and it was a blast. Neil's passion was always so inspiring. Loved your reaction the the ending. It always makes me want to stand up and cheer!
8:23 Kurt Vonnegut can say the same thing about the Shape of Stories...yet with far more bullshit lol. Seriously. That 5-ish minute video lecture is as good as any Vonnegut sentence or idea or plot device. Bruv was a genius.
Oh,. James, watching this with you brought me to tears...again. I saw it when it came out and rewatched it last year, beautiful, important movie. And beautiful reaction too
I have an appreciation for film, but I know little of filmmaking. I learn so much from hearing your comments on the technical aspects of how a scene is shot, how sound is recorded, and other details I never would have even noticed. But as much as I like to learn these things from you, I also appreciate how you get "lost in the sauce." I know it must be hard for someone to watch a film to identify the craftsmanship without being drawn into a great story such as this. Excellent reaction, looking forward to many more.
This film hit me so hard. It came out when I was a freshman in college, at a tough engineering school. Engineering was my passion, so I was ok, but without going into details, this just felt so familiar. In my third year I was asked if I'd like to be an extra in a ballet and I instantly said "yes". Carpe effin Diem.
I'm thankful to my father for having shown me this movie. This movie just has such an amazing message and delivers on that in an incredibly powerful way.
An incredible movie throughout, but that final scene when he see these boys stand as men to express their own feelings for the first time ever.. Brilliant, just brilliant
This has been my favorite film since when I was the age of those students. It showcases Robin’s wit, his comedic genius and he ability to just NAIL the dramatic aspects of it. I cry when I think about how much the world sucks without him in it
Peter Weir is one of my all-time favorite film-makers. A great Australian artist. His biggest strength is in his endings - no one ends films as perfectly as he does. The key is that they are not endings to the story, they are endings to the film. In this film, the boys all stand on their desks and say "Oh captain, my captain." to indicate that their journey is not over, they will be taking Mr Keating's lessons with them through their life, they will continue to seize the day. The film is over, but their story will continue. It's the same with The Truman Show and Master and Commander - I won't say what happens in case you've still not gotten to them, but it's that same thing of the film is over but the story *will* continue. Masterful endings. The only other director I rate for endings to the same extent is David Cronenberg, but for very different reasons. Cronenberg's films always end at the exact right moment, the story is entirely told, there's no wasted seconds at the end. Story done, roll credits, so mucking about with unnecessary scenes showing stuff that has no bearing. Cronenberg would never do a mid-credits scene because he never needs to.
Say what you will, I've always thought standing on the desks at the end is an empty gesture, given that each of the boys has signed a statement falsely implicating Keating. It would have meant so much more, and provided a much stronger ending, if even one of them had refused to sign.
@@oliverbrownlow5615 I'll take "Didn't get the movie" for $500, thanks Alex. They didn't falsely implicate Keating. The man clearly and deliberately encouraged them to start the Dead Poets Society up again, and he encouraged Neil to pursue acting, all of it. He was totally guilty of everything they accused him of. There was no intent to any of it, he didn't deliberately create a situation which led to Neil's death, but he *did* create the situation. Besides, why would one of them refusing to sign be a better ending? That doesn't make any sense, it would be identical. For one thing, Charlie *didn't* sign, and there's no way he would have. He got expelled. If another one of the boys had refused to sign, they too would have been expelled and then wouldn't have been in the final scene, thus not changing anything. The point of the film is to encourage you to think for yourself, to live according to your own dictates. The point is not pointless rebellion against authority. Charlie was a pointless rebel, he got expelled and will miss out on many opportunities because of it ("sucking the marrow out of life doesn't mean choking on the splinters"). Neil killed himself, which is also not living deliberately. Cameron of course bowed to pressure and did what authority told him. The only character who listened to Keating's message and properly understood it was Todd. Forget the rest of the boys, they are copying Todd, all still being sheep, that ending is about Todd. He is telling Keating that, despite his infrequent external expressions of deliberation, he had heard Keating and would continue to seize his day. What on earth do you think that film is about? Why would refusing to sign the document make the desk standing not an "empty gesture"?
This film is such a gem. And getting lost in the sauce is the best way to describe it. Everyone should indulge and pay attention, at least once. Much Love James! 🤌🏼🤌🏼
This is my favorite robin Williams role. I watched this movie in class and was happy to not have to do work, 2 hours later me and my class mates who wanted to goof off all class were all crying. Super good script and really honed in performances. Thanks for being the consistent king that you are!
I love this movie. Saw it when it first came out and it was so powerful to me. Love the story, the messages. Robin Williams was so amazing in it. What a brilliant and beautiful soul he was and gone way too soon. As an aside… I always felt Neil was queer coded. His story, the relationship and rejection by his father of his truth, some of their conversations. It’s not explicit, but I think it can certainly be read that way.
I love this movie. My English teacher in High School would show this before we started the poetry section of the year. Really amped me up to learn about poetry
‘Getting “kilt” by these bagpipes right now’… I see what you did there laddie. Powerful movie and powerful reaction. Some themes are just universal; beyond upbringing and experience.
We watched this movie for a songwriting class I was taking to learn how to write songs with honesty and to be true to ourselves and how each individual person writes instead of just trying to replicate others. Such a powerful movie and I’ll never forget the first time I saw it.
According to Ethan Hawke, Todd, this was his first big film. He was so intimidated by Robin and really introverted. Robin really teased him throughout filming. Ethan thought he hated him. However, shortly after filming he gets a call from Robin's agent and he said that Robin called him and told him that he needed to sign this amazing young actor. RIP Robin.❤
Explorers was a big one he did before this
@@bandlover341he wasn't an introvert either. He auditioned for the role of Neil because he was an extrovert, but was cast as Todd.
it wasn’t because he was introverted (ethan is actually pretty extroverted and silly irl) but because he wanted robin to think of him as a serious actor. robin was a jokester on set and ethan didn’t laugh at his jokes hoping that would make robin think ethan was doing the job with care and conviction, robin kept teasing him every day for being too serious which made ethan think robin hated him. the rest is correct though
"Meeks... another unusual name." In a school that emphasizes so much pressure and conformity, right out of the gate he is making them feel as unique individuals. This theme is present throughout the entire movie. I see this movie every few years and catch something new every time.
I appreciate this comment, I never saw it that way.
Beautiful catch!
The last scene is so powerful. I loved that the director/book didn't have the entire class stand on their desks symbolizing that in any group setting; there will be those who will find the courage to go against conformity and stand up for what they believe. And in contrast there will also be those in that same group setting who are just too afraid and can't or won't stand up for what they believe.
And if everyone did the action, that would be conformity, too.
And I'm pretty sure Dylan Kussman (Cameron) suggested that as well.
Let me just pour one out for the late great legend, Robin Williams!
I’ll spark one up too!
A shot and a pour for a truly beautiful soul and an amazing man RIP
Oh Captain my captain!
@@chriskola3822...oh captain, my captain! 🫡
@@chriskola3822 Oh Captain,my captain!
When Robin Williams passed I sought a dvd of this and found a rather expensive copy on Amazon. I noticed with pleasure that there was extras on it, directors commentary etc. and a section whereby they interviewed a lot of the cast 10 years after its making asking what part this movie played in their career. Kurtwood Smith (the actor boys father who represssed him) said he's often asked why he acts. He said he tells them when the premiere came round one of his guests was a male friend who had the same relationship with his son as I did with mine in the movie. The movie played, the lights went up and his male friend was sobbing. He's seen himself and his relationship played out on the screen and from that day he swore he would change the way he treated his son, Smith said thats why I act, this stuff can and does change lives.
that was lovely, thank you for sharing
beautiful
This film is maybe my favourite ever. I love how each character expresses their new found creativity in different ways. Newanda through identity, Todd through writing, Neil through acting, and Knox through love. Each character has a unique awakening and I feel that really highlights what “coming of age” really means.
Well said! 👏🏻👏🏻
This movie genuinely got me into poetry. Before I saw this, it was just words that I didn’t understand why people cared about so much. But this movie truly changed that for me. It showed me how powerful poetry could be and taught me how to allow myself to feel my emotions loudly and openly.
Next time you’re on a hike, standing alone or with a friend before the beauty of the natural world, remember to release a barbaric YAWP! There’s nothing quite like it!
Ditto. This movie, Amadeus, and Il Postino completely altered the course of my young life.
Nominated for 4 Oscars including Best Picture.
Carpe Diem "Seize The Day "
Well deserved!
should've won tbh
While I loved Robin in Good Will Hunting, and he deserved his Oscar, it is Dead Poet's Society that holds that special Robin WIlliams place in my heart.
Although i do think Robert Sean Leonard deserved an Oscar nom for lead as well. Robin was good but i believe Robert was slightly better..
Peter Weir is such an under-appreciated director. Witness, Gallipoli, Truman Show, Master and Commander, The Way Back and Dead Poets Society, all amazing films
You're forgetting Harrison Ford in a criminally underrated performance in Weir's "The Mosquito Coast". Ford should've been nominated for an oscar for that film.
So skilled across many genres, and with a real humane touch.
Love that Witness was Viggo Mortensens first movie
Also The Year of Living Dangerously
And Fearless.
When you asked "Is [this film] gonna hit some very real topics?" and later added "Something tells me that father relationship is not done yet" I thought "Just you wait and see..." and I knew you'd both love and hate how it pans out, because of the tragic denouement. The whole film has added poignancy now we know how Williams' life ended, after he'd given us such great and varied performances like this.
this film is such an important one, I can’t sing it’s praises enough! Seeing this when I was younger changed the way I viewed life, Carpe Diem! Hope you enjoyed this one James✌️💓
I can sense that! Especially with seeing this at a young age, or the age intended..great film!
The impact a great, caring teacher/coach can make on your life is monumental!
In this vein, I recommend:
Stand and Deliver
To Sir, With Love
The Corn is Green
Dangerous Minds
McFarlane, USA
Mr. Holland’s Opus
October Sky
Teachers
Hoosiers
Coach Carter
@@Divamarja_CA wow, thank you for these recommendations!♥️
Absolutely same. I saw this right around 13 or 14 and this whole film landed hard for me. One of life’s gifts I was lucky to receive at the perfect time.
As a parent, my greatest joy is witnessing my children finding their passions.
Neal's father deprived himself of the greatest joy a parent can experience. In the process, he helped bring about the greatest sorrow.
This film should be required viewing in order to get your parenting license. If only that was a thing...
I was 15 when i saw this movie in the theater-fully expecting a comedy. I wasn't expecting the life-changing, life-affirming experience i had. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Some people have a hard time with it.
the fact that the framing through the legs in the last shot of Todd makes it almost seem like he's standing under a spotlight on a dark stage is such a powerful image that's always stuck with me, especially considering how neil's monologue at the end of midsummer's night dream is the last time you see him truly standing up to his father before his death. there's always been a beautiful parallel there for me, like Todd (and everyone else) is carrying neil's wishes and dreams on for him
was holding back tears pretty much the entire time I was watching this reaction. Robin Williams was so special. All these young actors and the writing just tells such a meaningful story about life. Thanks for sharing your reaction James
"These kids are going out into the world, to pursue something that they're passionate about. You know, it's a journey. It's filled with both the pleasures of passion but also the realities of life which can be just as grim. But I think the key thing out of all of that is the fact that you are able to craft your verse in this powerful play called life." Wow. Subscribed 👍
🙏🏽♥️
In my high school American Literature class, we watched this movie. We also had a poetry book with a terrible introduction. My teacher said we could rip it out like in Dead Poet’s Society. When we read the poem “O Captain! My Captain!” we stood on our desks.
love that, wish i had teachers like that
I have cried over this movie so many times. A great one.
I was the kid in High School who had to take the Hall Pass to dismiss themself to the bathroom so I didn't have to see what happened to Neil. I cry every time I watch this movie because I had friends who had dad's like his. Please be there for your children and let them be/do what they are meant to do❤
The instant I saw this come up, I knew you would feel this movie and I had to watch it immediately! I first saw this in my high school sophomore English class. I'm sure I've seen it a hundred times since. The night that Robin Williams died, I watched this and cried my eyes out harder than maybe ever. I watch it at least once a year in remembrance. One of a kind talent from Mork from Ork to his final days.
Mr. Patrick Ball, my shop teacher. Was a father to me when my father was not yet present, and classes before me. When I joined the army and came home after, he had passed from heart failure. He was a great man 🎉
Congrats on making it through that final scene without breaking down!
I still haven’t been able to.
I was CLOSE!
Dead Poets Society was filmed at St. Andrews school in Middletown, Delaware which is like 15 minutes from my house. It’s very cool to visit the campus and get reminded of the movie and how much I miss Robin Williams. Truly a masterpiece of a film.
If you get a chance, watch Much Ado About Nothing (1993). The actor who played Neil, Robert Sean Leonard, is in it. The cast is all around incredible, and it’s a great adaptation of Shakespeare.
Also, Swing Kids (1993) is a really great performance from him. Excellent music, but rough story.
Yes, Swing kids with Robert Sean Leonard and Christian Bale( WOW👍❤️😢)
Such a fantastic film The Fisher King would also be a great addition to the poll.
Absolutely. This and Fisher King and Patch Adams and What Dreams May Come were the dramatic display of Robin Williams for me. All solid films.
Big fan of the Fisher King here. That was a cool movie.
"Awakenings" with Robert De Niro was the first film I saw starring Robin Williams that strayed from his comedic persona. It was the first time I saw his range as a dramatic actor. Because I first saw him as "Popeye" with Shelley Duvall as a kid. When I later saw "Dead Poets Society"(on VHS), it confirmed his chops as a good dramatic actor for me.
When you said he wished he'd stood up more to the father, my mind went "he did, in Good Will Hunting..." and now my head cannon is after Welton mr. Keating changed his name to Sean Maguire and he went to get a PhD in psychology from MIT and was able to help Will the way he couldn't help Neal.
This is such a great and underrated film! Peter Weir is a director with only 31 credits since his debut in 1977. He chooses his projects carefully, and he tapped into something special with Dead Poets Society. Just in the context of the coming of age genre, there's so much to think about in this film, it goes far beyond the nostalgia that drives the genre. This should come up in more conversations when people talk about 80s movies. People tend to talk about The Breakfast Club and Ferris Bueller's Day Off a lot more, but I've always always thought Dead Poet's Society was better than both of those.
One of the most iconic closing scenes of all time for me
I watched this film when I was 20. It had a profound impact on me. The idea of "free thinking" was liberating. I am 33 now. I am glad that I watched this film at such a young age. It was a monumental event of my life.
Such an incredible film! I’ve watched this so many times, and cry each time. Robin Williams gives a beautiful performance. The boys give great performances, too. It’s a top-tier coming-of-age movie! O Captain! My Captain! 😭
James, just want to say thank you for this community and space you've created. Always brightens my day when I can spend a little time vibing to good movies and shows with you. Much love, my guy
This made my entire day. Seriously, thank you so much for these words!
Got me tearing up again. Truly a wonderful movie. Rest In Peace Robin Williams
Peter Weir is such an under-appreciated director. He hasn’t made a bad film.
Yup. This was a damn joy to watch!
Want to vote on what I should watch next? Click here! www.patreon.com/jamesvscinema
Have a great day!
I forgot how powerful Dead Poet's Society is! Thanks for the view, and you have a great day as well, bud!
Another Robin Williams gem. I highly recommend "The World According to Gary" - John Irvine has said that he thought society would have moverd on from the issues lain astrue in his book.
If you liked Brazil and like Williams, you’ll like Fisher King. All i’ll say about the film.😊
Before praising this movie too much and for the wrong things...
TH-cam: "The Dead Poets Society Why we (don't) study the humanities"
“The mass of men live lives of quiet desperation”
I was so happy when I saw you watched this movie!! Dead Poets Society is my favorite film of all time. I'm young and it has impacted me so much. I can now basically recite the whole of the dialogue and I still cry every single time. You're my favorite James!! Thank you so much for sharing this!!
16:00 This scene, right here, always gives me chills. The awakening of true creativity and passion in a person should be celebrated. So few I feel have ever visited such a place. Although I enjoy reading but was never a writer, seeing this movie when I was younger made me ask very important questions that helped me find my passions and happiness in what I do every day. This movie should be required viewing in high school, although now a days I think there are some individuals or groups that would want the opposite.
The fact you said you found yourself not talking or reacting to scenes I think is the best most powerful reaction to this movie. What a great film to study a script to…. The language and intimacy in this film are amazing as well as the silences
Its one of those movies I think all parents should watch with their teens. Its a good opening for some serious talk that can be very important to talk about & its not always easy to find a way to talk about them but thats why I feel, this is a good point to get those talk started.
I recommended this movie for your patreon screenwriting poll and I’m so glad you put it in the poll…and it won!!!
This is one of my all time favorite films. It came out when I was 13 and I watched it often during my high school and college years. It had a major impact on me…the script and the performances. It’s brilliant, and I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the video.
Great recommendation!!
The writer/creator of this went to my high school in Nashville and based it on a teacher he had there. Classic
Wow that's amazing 🥹🫶🏽
Some movies are life changing, Dead Poets Society is one of them. It's almost cliché how many movies with Robin this applies to.
This fllm is so amazing ... I went to a Jesuit High School and they highly recommended everyone go see this when it came out. In fact, they even rented a theatre for us to watch it.
That’s pretty amazing for a religious school to want kids to think for themselves…but Jesuits have always been an outlier in that area among other Christian sects.
@@roems6396 Jesuits have always been about education and finding new ways to learn
i'm sooo happy you finally watched this movie, because it's message is SO YOU! i love this movie so much, i cried just from watching your video haha this is such an special movie
I’ve heard a movie critic and an author say about setting and conflict:
“The more specific it is, the more universally it will resonate with the audience. “
15:43 That type of shot always reminds me of Akira Kurosawa. Magic hour or color corrected in post, with the very high contrast and monotone color palette.
The specific scene I am thinking of from Kurosawa may be from Seven Samurai, and was a scene of soldiers walking in silhoutte form against a plain sunset background. My apologies if I have the wrong movie. Kurosawa loved that style of cinema and used the form dozens of times, as have many others.
Never thought that I'd hear anyone say that they forgot that Robin Williams had done comedy.
The musical score by Maurice Jarr was brilliant, too. He also worked with Peter Weir on Witness. My reaction at the end when I saw the film in the theater was, "He has shepherded these boys into men." Young men now standing in their true power. Not power over, but power coming from within. Loved the movie!
I saw an interview with Ethan Hawke a while back, and the host asked him if his kids had seen the movie. He said, yes, but partway through they asked, "When are you going to come on?" They did not recognize his young self at all.
Haven't seen a reaction to this movie since about a year ago. This just reminded me of how it ranks top 5 for favorite movies. It's definitely an essential watch
Getting a mentor moment or being one (sometimes unknowing) is a rare event and all the more precious for that. I had a book or two that hit me like that, but only a few moments from schoolteachers - but those moments count.
This movie got me into Whitman and allowed me to begin enjoying what I liked even if it wasn’t popular. Heartbreaking, but also heart building.
This film highlights how important it is that people aren't just their profession. We really need to push the idea of the Renaissance man and woman. A person needs more than just a 9 to 5 job to survive and thrive in life.
This is definitely one of my favorite movies. I am very much a large Robin Williams fan and admirer. It was only after I started collecting his movies after his passing when I really found his range. When he is playing the bad guy, you still feel for him. And even that is a little uncomfortable because you just normally want somebody who’s bad just to be bad and you can hate him without guilt. But with his bad guys, you really can’t. I’m sure you got this comment somewhere in these comments, but just in case you didn’t… The scene after Neil‘s passing, where all the guys were out in the snow, that scene was originally supposed to be shot inside. And they HAD shot it inside. But after the scene was done, they noticed it had started snowing outside and they thought, “what the heck, let’s try it outside and see what we get.“ So they did it again outside and we got what we got. Luckily, they were able to do it in one take because just moments after they yelled cut, it stopped snowing. I have no proof of this, but I am assuming that after Todd threw up, the other kid shoving the snow into Todd’s mouth was an ad lib. Also, the red head that justifiably got punched at the end, it was in a script that he was supposed to stand on the desk, too. But on the day of shooting, he told the Director that he really didn’t think it would be in his character’s character to stand on the desk. The Director said he was right, which is why he stayed seated. The Director also had all the boys live together for a couple of weeks prior to filming so they could get a true bond going. And also gave them movies and music to listen to from that time period to help them get into character. I thought that was pretty cool. I’m glad you enjoyed it. It’s definitely the top of my list. #RestInPeaceRobinWilliams #WeAreMoreAlikeThanWeAreDifferent 💙💙💙
I recently discovered your show and rated it 9.99999 out of 10. I will definitely be returning to watch more episodes soon. As a 76-year-old white man, I want to assure you that not all of us are bad. 😊 appreciate your insightful analysis and the fact that you don't talk too much, which is a great quality in a host.😊
James: I don't have a beef with these kind of places...
The movie: This place is THE WORST
So happy to see this reacttion. This movie really helped inspire me as a young person to be myself and it's such a beautiful performance from Robin Williams.
I love how at the very end the big bad figure of authority looked so small and powerless with a shift in perspective.
One foot in Tomorrow
Today has the rest of Me
Yesterday is Fantasy
-me
For a poet I've surprisingly only seen this film once, thanks for the reaction 💚
My high school offered a outdoor leadership program in lieu of traditional gym class, and this movie was part of the curriculum. Such an amazing classic. I miss Robin.
I first saw this when I was 12; first film that I ever cried at. Definitely holds a special place in my heart.
Robert Sean Leonard was fantastic with Hugh Laurie in the TV series House. I cant help but weep when he is acting in the play...because I know what's about to happen.
This is, was, and always will be a Top 5 greatest movie. It is sheer brilliance, and has impacted my life so beautifully. I'm eternally grateful to have experienced it many times over.
When I was in college...I was a lifegaurd at the college pool and would work early mornings. Every day an older man would swim and we'd make small talk once in a while. Come to find out it was THE GUY from this movie!! The professor Robin Williams played was a routine swimmer every morning! Never knew!! Nice guy!!
Robin was brilliant. His comedy and his acting had a way of being very human. He never seemed to be performing. I highly recommend One Hour Photo or Insomnia for a dark Robin in film. They are both very interesting works
After Robin Williams died, a lot of tributes to him online led with that line - "O Captain, my Captain." Which is a poem about the death of Abraham Lincoln.
The second stanza breaks my heart when I think about Robin Williams and how beloved he was:
O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells;
Rise up-for you the flag is flung-for you the bugle trills,
For you bouquets and ribbon’d wreaths-for you the shores a-crowding,
For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning;
Here Captain! dear father!
This arm beneath your head!
It is some dream that on the deck,
You’ve fallen cold and dead.
Beautiful, heartbreaking film. That ending never ceases to make me tear up.
Bravo!
Such a beautiful message, in this film and in your comments at the end. No matter how many times I see this, when they stand on their desks in solidarity with Keating at the end, brings such a swelling emotion to my heart. Carpe Diem!
The father was wrong but he truly loved his son. He probably had passions and gave them up to give his son everything he could and wanted him to thrive and succeed he just did not understand what he really needed.
Personally I think the thing Keating should have *actually* done was being realistic and told him "suck it up for one year more, then you're 18 and you can tell your father to go fuck himself and earn your own living". He fucks it up by being too half assed and still instilling hope in a compromise that just isn't going to happen.
@@HaganeNoGijutsushiI don’t think that’s really realistic either, his father likely would’ve kicked him out if he stood up to him and didn’t follow the plan after he turned 18, and sure some people move out at 18 but they have to work and becoming an actor is a hard long process, and so either way his dream wouldn’t be persuable. The only way it would’ve worked was for his father the listen and be understanding and give him room to pursue acting while supporting him. So once it’s clear that won’t happen, he essentially gives up
@@heathern8043 yeah, it's a given that he'll be kicked out, but that doesn't mean all is lost. He's got a hope, and hey, even if he DOESN'T succeed, at least he's out of that abusive house. I think that's actually a more realistic take than "talk it out with your father and I'm sure he'll understand". Some people don't understand.
@@HaganeNoGijutsushi yeah that’s true I get what you mean
I was so stoked when I saw this thumbnail pop up, I knew you would absolutely love and appreciate this work.
Great reaction as always. This is why I love your channel. Watching you read the film language ahead of the story is always so enlightening. Keep up the great work
Ayyy thank you!! Love educating myself and learning the art form. It’s like a music sheet haha. Even more happy at the fact you guys are learning too!!
The greatest message of the movie is never let someone else control your mind, think for yourself. And always be willing to be wrong, I think that's a problem today too many people aren't willing to be wrong.
This was filmed near where I grew up at The St Andrews School when I was a kid and my classmate’s older brother was a student and an extra. When it came out a bunch of us went to see it as a community and of course was devastated at the end. Such a good movie and I certainly took it with me when it was my turn to head to boarding school a few years later. Also LOL at calling the Head Master John McCain, who while he did not go to St Andrews he did go to Episcopal, another boarding prep school not far away.
This is one of the movies I actually have seen and was great to see your reaction for it! I love Robin Williams, I miss him a lot. You had a great assumption though! Robin William movies definitely make you feel 😭😭
I miss him so much!! One of the people I’d love to have met!
Wonderful film! I first watched it with my dad when i was about 10 and i remember sitting through the opening and being unbearably bored, but i got so drawn in by the characters and the whimsical soundtrack. I also wanted to be an actor (my father was supportive) but it was one of those dreams that kinda just faded, but not before i acted in a high school play and it was a blast. Neil's passion was always so inspiring. Loved your reaction the the ending. It always makes me want to stand up and cheer!
8:23 Kurt Vonnegut can say the same thing about the Shape of Stories...yet with far more bullshit lol.
Seriously. That 5-ish minute video lecture is as good as any Vonnegut sentence or idea or plot device. Bruv was a genius.
Oh,. James, watching this with you brought me to tears...again. I saw it when it came out and rewatched it last year, beautiful, important movie. And beautiful reaction too
I have an appreciation for film, but I know little of filmmaking. I learn so much from hearing your comments on the technical aspects of how a scene is shot, how sound is recorded, and other details I never would have even noticed. But as much as I like to learn these things from you, I also appreciate how you get "lost in the sauce." I know it must be hard for someone to watch a film to identify the craftsmanship without being drawn into a great story such as this. Excellent reaction, looking forward to many more.
I've been waiting on this one, my man! Thanks for the upload!
Oh man, I saw this come up on my feed and I was so glad! i knew you were going to love the script, the story, the moments. ❤
The "O Captain, My Captain" scene still makes me cry every time
I’ve been waiting on this one from you. I knew you would really appreciate it.
This film hit me so hard. It came out when I was a freshman in college, at a tough engineering school. Engineering was my passion, so I was ok, but without going into details, this just felt so familiar. In my third year I was asked if I'd like to be an extra in a ballet and I instantly said "yes". Carpe effin Diem.
this and "stand and deliver" are a staple in my high school. you're guaranteed to watch it in freshman English class.
definitely a comfort film of mine - there’s definitely some small dated issues but as a whole, such a fantastic movie.
23: 54 - I love how when he walks into the room he sniffs, smelling the gun going off. That is a nice tiny detail.
Loved your reaction!!! You’re so talented…so genuine. Thank you for sharing yourself with me.
Thank you for the kind words!!
I'm thankful to my father for having shown me this movie. This movie just has such an amazing message and delivers on that in an incredibly powerful way.
Now I need to watch it in its entirety. Been a while, by far one of my faves. Always fun watching a great film through a filmmaker’s perspective.
An incredible movie throughout, but that final scene when he see these boys stand as men to express their own feelings for the first time ever.. Brilliant, just brilliant
If you haven't seen it, I'd love to see a reaction to Dr Horrible's Sing-along Blog ;) I think you'll appreaciate the writing in that one.
This has been my favorite film since when I was the age of those students. It showcases Robin’s wit, his comedic genius and he ability to just NAIL the dramatic aspects of it. I cry when I think about how much the world sucks without him in it
Loved your reaction to this great movie. Great message and one of the all-time great endings.
Peter Weir is one of my all-time favorite film-makers. A great Australian artist. His biggest strength is in his endings - no one ends films as perfectly as he does. The key is that they are not endings to the story, they are endings to the film. In this film, the boys all stand on their desks and say "Oh captain, my captain." to indicate that their journey is not over, they will be taking Mr Keating's lessons with them through their life, they will continue to seize the day. The film is over, but their story will continue. It's the same with The Truman Show and Master and Commander - I won't say what happens in case you've still not gotten to them, but it's that same thing of the film is over but the story *will* continue. Masterful endings.
The only other director I rate for endings to the same extent is David Cronenberg, but for very different reasons. Cronenberg's films always end at the exact right moment, the story is entirely told, there's no wasted seconds at the end. Story done, roll credits, so mucking about with unnecessary scenes showing stuff that has no bearing. Cronenberg would never do a mid-credits scene because he never needs to.
P.S. Fincher is a close third for endings.
Say what you will, I've always thought standing on the desks at the end is an empty gesture, given that each of the boys has signed a statement falsely implicating Keating. It would have meant so much more, and provided a much stronger ending, if even one of them had refused to sign.
@@oliverbrownlow5615 I'll take "Didn't get the movie" for $500, thanks Alex.
They didn't falsely implicate Keating. The man clearly and deliberately encouraged them to start the Dead Poets Society up again, and he encouraged Neil to pursue acting, all of it. He was totally guilty of everything they accused him of. There was no intent to any of it, he didn't deliberately create a situation which led to Neil's death, but he *did* create the situation.
Besides, why would one of them refusing to sign be a better ending? That doesn't make any sense, it would be identical. For one thing, Charlie *didn't* sign, and there's no way he would have. He got expelled. If another one of the boys had refused to sign, they too would have been expelled and then wouldn't have been in the final scene, thus not changing anything.
The point of the film is to encourage you to think for yourself, to live according to your own dictates. The point is not pointless rebellion against authority. Charlie was a pointless rebel, he got expelled and will miss out on many opportunities because of it ("sucking the marrow out of life doesn't mean choking on the splinters"). Neil killed himself, which is also not living deliberately. Cameron of course bowed to pressure and did what authority told him. The only character who listened to Keating's message and properly understood it was Todd. Forget the rest of the boys, they are copying Todd, all still being sheep, that ending is about Todd. He is telling Keating that, despite his infrequent external expressions of deliberation, he had heard Keating and would continue to seize his day.
What on earth do you think that film is about? Why would refusing to sign the document make the desk standing not an "empty gesture"?
This film is such a gem. And getting lost in the sauce is the best way to describe it. Everyone should indulge and pay attention, at least once. Much Love James! 🤌🏼🤌🏼
This is my favorite robin Williams role. I watched this movie in class and was happy to not have to do work, 2 hours later me and my class mates who wanted to goof off all class were all crying. Super good script and really honed in performances. Thanks for being the consistent king that you are!
I love this movie. Saw it when it first came out and it was so powerful to me. Love the story, the messages. Robin Williams was so amazing in it. What a brilliant and beautiful soul he was and gone way too soon.
As an aside… I always felt Neil was queer coded. His story, the relationship and rejection by his father of his truth, some of their conversations. It’s not explicit, but I think it can certainly be read that way.
Such an amazing film with all the feelings. I miss Robin Williams so much.
the entire world became darker when we lost him. he will forever be missed
Whoa, I am shocked you hadn't seen this one before. What a great film.
I love this movie. My English teacher in High School would show this before we started the poetry section of the year. Really amped me up to learn about poetry
‘Getting “kilt” by these bagpipes right now’… I see what you did there laddie. Powerful movie and powerful reaction. Some themes are just universal; beyond upbringing and experience.
My man! ;)
We watched this movie for a songwriting class I was taking to learn how to write songs with honesty and to be true to ourselves and how each individual person writes instead of just trying to replicate others. Such a powerful movie and I’ll never forget the first time I saw it.