In a school where conformity is the rule and the practice and young men are being turned into what passes as fine, refined members of a society that is practiced and proper, things seem pretty boring. The upside is that there’s a band of students that tend to defy the logic and reason the Welton Academy attempts to drill into each and every one of them. These boys do their level best to insure that they still exemplify what the school wants but enjoy their own time when it comes due. There’s nothing quite so liberating however as a teacher that fully enjoys teaching students in a manner that is both traditional and yet still so out of the blue that he inspires them in ways they didn’t think were possible. Mr. Keating is the answer to boredom and the mundane in that he doesn’t conform to the whims of the school, nor does he bother with the curriculum that they want him to teach. He teaches, and he allows his students to experience what life is truly all about.
He shows them what it means to be loud and to be alive in a place where both qualities seem destined to be perpetually muted.
10. All the stars of the film roomed together to get to know each other better.
This was a good way to allow them to become comfortable with one another and learn what to expect.
9. Robin Williams was attracted to the role due to his desire to have a teacher like Mr. Keating.
I think a lot of us would want to have a teacher like Mr. Keating. He’s the type that makes you want to learn with so little effort that you might think it was your idea to pay attention.
8. When Robin Williams died the famous line from the movie was repeated in many obituaries.
“Oh Captain my Captain” is a line that has been used in so many different ways since that it can’t help but bring up memories of Williams.
7. The film was shot in chronological order.
This was done to show the development of the boys and their growing respect for Mr. Keating. It’s a much more natural process that allows for a continual building experience.
6. The director gave the actors materials from the time period so that they knew how to alter their mannerisms.
Try to recall that this film was based in the 1950’s when the term “teenager” was first being used on a wider scope. It helped to understand just how such adolescents would act back in this time.
5. The film was based partly on the writer’s own experience in prep school.
This could be why it seems fairly accurate and doesn’t stray too much from the true experience of being in a prep school.
4. This was one of Robin Williams’ favorite films.
He loved everything about it, especially working with the director.
3. This was one of the only films in which Williams’ did not joke between takes.
He was going through a bad divorce at this time and had a very sober mien throughout the entire shoot.
2. Billy Murray was almost considered for the role of Mr. Keating.
It seems like this would have made for a much different movie. Bill Murray can be serious but it’s not quite the same.
1. This film has been compared to One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest.
If you have to guess, Mr. Keating is the one riling the inmates and the rest of the Welton faculty are the ones attempting to keep him down.
This movie might not look like much but it holds a lot more meaning than can be seen on its cover.
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