Review of An Education (2009) by Léyla R — 30 Dec 2012

Based upon Lynn Barber's memoir, adapted for film by novelist Nick Hornby and directed by Lone Scherfig (Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself (2002) and One Day (2011)), this is a touching and entertaining coming-of-age drama, set at a time when the old guard and traditions of England were dying out and when the Swinging Sixties started.

It's got a brilliant cast, with a brilliant lead too. In 1961, 16 year old Jenny Mellor (Carey Mulligan) is in her final year at school, and is on track to enrol at Oxford University, her parents Jack (Alfred Molina) and Marjorie (Cara Seymour) are very protective of her, and are very dubious of all things modern.

But, Jenny is introduced to a world of nightclubs and concerts by Jewish conman David Goldman (Peter Sarsgaard). Jenny discovers he's a con man but turns a blind eye to it, and he even sweet-talks his way into making her parents approve of him.

All seems well, and David takes Jenny to Paris for her birthday, and he proposes to Jenny. It's a big decision, meaning Jenny might have to give up her education, but then she learns a horrible truth.

It's a well made film done on a lowish budget, and capturing the era well. Mulligan is brilliant as Jenny, going from innocent schoolgirl to wannabe socialite. It has good support from Rosamund Pike, Dominic Cooper, Olivia Williams and Emma Thompson.