Review of An Education (2009) by Remote G — 31 Jan 2011

By Clive Rozario for remotegoat on 23/11/09.

2009 has been a fantastic year for British cinema, and 'An Education' slots nicely into the year's top five; just in front of 'In The Loop' and 'Looking For Eric,' but just behind 'Fish Tank' and 'Moon.'.

The year is 1962 and the location, the suburbs of London. Jenny (Mulligan) is a bright, beautiful and classy 16-year-old schoolgirl who looks destined to further her education at Oxford. Her father (played expertly by Alfred Molina), a kind-hearted but 'know-it-all' character, ensures Jenny's education stays on the right track. What's more, he's boring. Full of endless reading and tedious cello recitals, Jenny's whole life is boring. Along comes David, a charming older gentlemen who 'educates' Jenny in life outside the classroom ('An Education,' get it?). David whisks her away into his hedonistic world; the live music, the art, and Paris (not to mention plenty of wine) all make Jenny doubt her future in education. Of course, David turns out to be a lot more troublesome than Jenny (and her father) first thought.

'An Education' looks the part; skillfully directed by Lone Scherfig, a Danish director who's seems to be able to portray Britain more accurately and with more heart than most British director (check out her previous 'Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself,' which was set in Scotland). A special mention must be made for the costume design/makeup, which look just the part. Based on the memoir of Lynn Barber, Nick Hornby's screenplay is brilliant and is the driving force behind the whole movie; I'm convinced it's his touch which makes such a well-worn premise so appealing. Hornby may be most recognised as a novel writer ('High Fidelity' and 'About a Boy') but he could easily go on to become one of Britain's top screenwriters.

It is the top-rate acting, however, that is the film's most memorable attribute. David is played out finely by Peter Sarsgaard (perhaps best known for his Golden Globe-nominated performance in 'Shattered Glass'), and his 'English gentleman' is so convincing you never would have guessed is actually American. Dominic Cooper is perfectly watchable as David's best friend Danny, and is a better fit for the role than Orlando Bloom would have been (who was originally cast in the part). Rosamund Pike is absolutely hilarious as the vain, airheaded bimbo Danny is seeing, and Emma Thompson does what she can with her few scenes as Jenny's headmistress. But this is Carey Mulligan's film, and 'An Education' mark the start of what is sure to be a fine acting career. Mulligan is captivating and you won't be able to forget her performance anytime soon. The Oscar rumours following her around at the moment are not in the least bit surprising.

This movie maybe a touching and, in parts, humorous drama about love, but it is served up in a genuinely refreshing way. With superb turns from Sarsgaard and Molina, and a knockout performance from newcomer Mulligan, 'An Education' is well worth a trip to the cinema.