Review of Dead Poets Society (1989) by Amanda C — 14 Jan 2014

I'm sure Peter Weir was trying to get at something profound with The Dead Poets Society, but it somehow misses the mark. It's not that there is anything that is particularly wrong with the film, it's just kind of dull and somewhat less than the sum of its parts.

There's some good stuff here. Robin Williams proves that he has dramatic chops and the rest of the young cast all turn in solid performances. The problem is that the film doesn't quite live up to its motto: Carpe Diem, Seize the Day.

Unfortunately it never does, hovering just shy of creating something that is as free and revolutionary as what Williams's Keating is trying to impart on his students. Instead it's a film that plays it a little too safe, counteracting the message that it is attempting to impart.