Have you ever wondered about the private lives of your
teachers, about their hopes, dreams, fears, frustrations? This is a glimpse
into their existence.
Adrian Brody essays the role of a substitute English
teacher, Mr. Barthes (the ‘s’ is silent). He has come to teach for a month in a
school whose students are not exactly crème de la crème. He practices the
principle of keeping an emotional distance from the happenings and this gives
the movie its title.
Barthes’ character is very well developed. As he says, he
has got used to the emotional turmoil and hence is stolid. He has a grandfather
who is practically one heartbeat away from death. The memories of his mother’s
demise haunt him. He befriends a teenage prostitute and tries to guide her. One
of his students develops a crush on him.
Like every great drama, this too has its share of memorable
personalities. Marcia Gay Harden is perfect in her small role of the school
principal who is being booted out of the job. James Caan is a faculty with
trenchant wit. There is a scene wherein he verbatim repeats the threat of one
of his students in different tones, obviously enjoying himself which perfectly
sums him up.
Lucy Liu as the counselor gets a real meaty scene wherein
she loses her composure and takes out her frustrations on a foul mouthed girl.
Then there is a teacher who somehow loves standing under the sun, clenching the
chains. The reason behind the same is revealed in a funny yet poignant moment.
Brody finally finds a role worth his mettle. He has been doing
shitty roles for the better part of a decade. He has tried his hands at mystery
(The Jacket), action/adventure (Predators/King Kong) and thrillers (Wrecked).
It was clear after the iconic The Pianist that drama was his forte. He really
sinks his teeth into the character and gives a memorable performance. His eyes
drip with unsaid pain. He spews venom at the care taker of the old age home and
his anger thrills the viewer because it is righteous. This is his second best
role after his Oscar winning portrayal of the pianist Szpilman and he carries
the film ably.
Not that this needs being carried. The screenplay by Carl
Lund is the actual hero. It is intelligent, deep and thought provoking.
However, he disappoints slightly in the final act when no feasible solution is
offered.
I only wish I had seen this an year back. I would have loved
to screen it for the teachers of my institute on the Teachers’ Day.
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