Review of An Education (2009) by Tom W — 10 Jun 2011

'An Education' is a well-crafted and finely represented coming-of-age drama, telling the story of a bright and promising,teenage girl named Jenny, at the beginning of the swinging 60's, who get's involved with an older man, which itself changes her priorities and her outlook on life.

The whole tone of 'An Education' is very low-scale and modest, however the period details are astoundingly accurate. From the hair, to the decor, the clothing, to the music, the atmosphere is awash with vintage realism and charm, without ever being over-extravagant or in your face.

Carey Mulligan takes on the role of Jenny, who could come off as a rather bland and thin character, in the hands of many other actresses, but Mulligan puts meat on her bones by subtly showing her transgression from innocent and sensible school girl, to romantic and ambitious young woman with great vigour and realism, all the while keeping an ongoing vein of girlish naivity throbbing throughout.

All the performances must be praised - from Emma Thompson's hilariously blunt and old-fashioned head mistress, to Jenny's traditional and relatably batty parents, who exhibit the kind of parents many of us knew and grew up with. Peter Sarsgaard instantly creates a character full of overwhelming charm that is more than matched by his mysterious motives, and appropriately suspicious undertone.

The story itself sends a valid message, and is very finely crafted, if somewhat preditable, but this factor is quickly poo-pooed by how well it is presented and polished, and how extremly compelling the tale beomes as it unravels. There is also an extra sense of validity and interest injected by the fact that the film has been adapted from an autobigraphical memoir.

Overall-'An Education' tells a slightly predictable story, but presents it in a very natural and well-made fashion, that will be endearing and relatable in many, particularly to female viewers. It is a word perfect depiction of sixties society, and is crammed packed full of steller performances, particulary by Mulligan, and is sure to make her star shine bright from now on!