The first day of fall is on Sunday, which brings no better time to rewatch and review one of my favorite fall movies: Peter Weir’s 1989 classic “Dead Poets Society.”
Starring Robin Williams, Ethan Hawke and Robert Sean Leonard, the film follows Professor John Keating (Williams) as he and his students embark on a journey of self-discovery and reflection through poetry. Weir’s elegant, yet subtle direction and Tom Schulman’s brilliant screenplay make “Dead Poets Society” a timeless masterpiece, its themes of self-discovery and individuality resonating as strongly today as they did in 1989.
Peter Weir is one of Hollywood’s most fascinating and underrated directors. He has had countless critical and commercial successes, such as “The Truman Show” (1998), “Picnic at Hanging Rock” (1975) and, a personal favorite of mine, “Witness” (1985). However, even with those successes, Weir is still often overlooked and overshadowed by his competition. But rewatching “Dead Poets Society” today in 2024 firmly reminds me that Weir is one of the finest filmmakers of his generation.
Weir and cinematographer John Seale expertly craft gorgeous and emotional shots, using the school where they shot, St. Andrew’s in Delaware, to its full effect. Composer Maurice Jarre and Editor William M. Anderson also contribute heavily to this emotional and poetic atmosphere within the film.
“Dead Poets Society” perfectly fits the idea of a fall movie for many reasons. For starters, most of the film takes place at a school, following young men as they move in, take classes and navigate the hardships and realities of life. Furthermore, they struggle with finding their forms of self-expression and charting their own path forward, something made even more difficult by constant reminders from society about where they’re meant to be. This is something almost every college student can relate to.
Also, the school itself and the surrounding environment allow this fall atmosphere to sink in even more, with frequent establishing shots of naturalistic landscapes. Furthermore, the color grading of the film adds to this feeling.
The performances in “Dead Poets Society” are all tender and authentic, allowing the viewer to connect deeply with this cast of characters. Robin Williams, who, up to this point, was still primarily acting in comedic roles, steps into the role of the mentor seamlessly, bringing his fantastic wit, humor and endearing charm to John Keating’s character. Leonard and Hawke both give layered and moving performances. Josh Charles and Gale Hansen are also strong in their respective roles, adding to the depth and authenticity of the film.
“Dead Poets Society” is a fall movie because it perfectly embodies the season’s atmosphere and themes of change and discovery. Its blend of beauty, melancholy and personal growth makes it particularly fitting for autumn viewing.
