Review of Dead Poets Society (1989) by Kallie S — 10 Aug 2014

To celebrate the life of the great Robin Williams, I decided it would be best to explore a performance of his that I had never seen. 'Dead Poets Society' seemed at times an all too real account of the life of Robin Williams.

As John Keating, an English teacher with an unconventional style but love for his work, Williams teaches his students and viewers that life is short and that we should seize the day (carpe diem). His students are inspired to form a dead poets society, a function that Keating himself was involved in when he was a student.

The students begin to explore more about themselves and their existence through poetry. This includes Neil Perry (Robert Sean Leonard), who wants to explore acting and Todd Anderson (Ethan Hawke), who needs to get out of his shell in the first place.

While this film may have some rushed drama and a degree of melodramatic, you cannot help but feel for Keating and his young students. Oh Captain, my Captain... You have left us far too soon but you leave us with a treasure trove of good memories and unadulterated joy.

Thank you for everything. RIP.