Review of An Education (2009) by Gillian C — 24 Sep 2011

A word of wisdom: Ladies, if a gentleman seems too good to be true, he isn't... Good or true.

For me, this film presented a women far too ahead of her time. She questioned the very idea of the plan laid out ahead of her. That ever smart girl should go to university and become a teacher. In 60's England there were little other options. She is presented with another option, and takes it. I can't blame her. Her only fault is naivete, but this was a different time when that was the norm.

Jenny should serve as a model, in some respect, for every person of her age. Challenge the very fabric of what society expects of you. In the case of the film, it's school and study versus listening to jazz and going to arsty parties. She wants to speak French, smoke cigarrettes, wear black, and listen to music. But you should challenge the idea of your going to school, of your religion, beliefs, ideals, life path, and personality. Don't just do what you're expected to do, because it's safe or obvious.

As Jenny says, "Studying is hard and boring. Teaching is hard and boring. So, what you're telling me is to be bored, and then bored, and finally bored again, but this time for the rest of my life? So my choice is go to Paris and Rome and listen to jazz, and read, and eat good food in nice restaurants, and have fun! It's not enough to educate us anymore Ms. Walters. You've got to tell us why you're doing it.

Education follows Jenny who is on the fast track to Oxford. Until she meets an older man, who sweeps her off her feet. He does fancy things, he's well spoken, he drives a sports car, he listens to jazz, he goes to clubs, and art auctions. Soon Jenny, and her parents who are as taken with him, are leaning toward marriage instead of college. She drops out of school. All a woman needs is someone to take care of her after all, and look how well off he is.

I'm glossing over what is the majority of the movie. It takes the time to really build this relationship. You feel something is wrong though. This is based on a true story, though I still felt the ending to somewhat undermine what the message was for me. You try to blaze your own path, just to fall back into what's expected after it blows up in your face? It's not as bad as Spanglish's ending was, but you're kind of left disenchanted.

The real story is Carey Mulligan. Upon this film's release, she was hailed as the next Audrey Hepburn, and if Hepburn's life is ever turned into a biopice, Mulligan deserves the role. She exudes something so positive, so inherently likable and vulnerable. In moments that could've been awkward her slight smile melts it all away. She is beautiful just like Michelle Williams is, with that cockeyed mouth that always seems to hint at something. On top of this she's 23 playing a 16 year old, and her innocence and enthusiasm sell the youth.

This movie is mostly a tale of love, love lost, innocence, innocence lost, and the folly of youth. I haven't focused on all parts equally, and I think that's a compliment to the movie. It is layered, and you may very well be struck by another component. But it's most important you ask WHY you are...