Review of Detachment (2011) by Garry T — 05 Sep 2012

Some will argue that 'Detachment' is too artsy, too over-the-top, or just a plethora of noise simply strung together to imitate the chaotic and impetuous hell that is today's dwindling public education system. Is the film over dramatic? Maybe. Is it painful? It can be. Is it real? It'd be a bit ridiculous to say that it's not.

'Detachment' details a substitute teacher, Henry Barthes (Adrien Brody), who works from school to school within the Greater New York area. As he is highly regarded, he also carries a heavy weight on his back. He soon realizes that he isn't the only one with similar problems where he is. Henry befriends a teenage prostitute (Sami Gayle) in an effort to save her from the streets, fellow teacher Sarah Madison (Christina Hendricks), lonely but genuinely talented student Meredith (Betty Kaye) and others, learning about their lives and troubles during his temporary tenure at the school.

The film is, for lack of a better word, intense. It doesn't sugar-coat the issues that are present in American schools today, nor does it pride itself on being forward about the issues. Instead, it gathers some well-known names, utilizes whatever skills they have, and produce small but striking tales that are not drummed up by a fantasy writer, but are harsh realities that are told in a visceral way. Granted, there were a few parts (probably a handful of them) that were rather artsy and not needed, but they didn't take away from the point that was trying to be crossed.

While the film has a wide cast, the film circumvents Brody and his life. He tells the story in an off-camera style monologue, which also acts as a narrative. He tries to bring his ideals and good-hearted support to those who are willing to embrace it. While doing so, he hides his demons as best as he can to avoid bringing out what he has been trying to separate himself from for years.

Apart from Brody, other well-known actors make brief appearances in the film such as Marcia Gay Harden, the school's soon-to-be expunged principal, James Caan, the school Psychiatrist, Lucy Liu, the Guidance Counsellor, Tim Blake Nelson, a passionate teacher with no passion on the other end, and more. Whether they be personal or work-related, they all share their common problems with the audience. Teaching, especially during this time, is not easy. While many might say that it wasn't easy 30-40 years ago, it certainly isn't when the respect you are giving isn't reciprocated. The hard work and dedication that goes in to a lot of what teachers do for their students should be noted. Granted, there are some who just don't care and have lost whatever passion that they had for the work. However, there will still be a teacher out there who will love to educate and instil.

Expect to chuckle for a few seconds at some parts: James Caan trying to stand up to a threatening student, an appearance from Isiah Whitlock Jr. (Senator Clay Davis from 'The Wire'). A tiny bit of feel-good feels emotions is present in 'Detachment,' but don't expect to feel wonderful when the film is over.

Our schools are becoming larger and students are caring less and less. Teachers have less & less time to prepare for classes and to assist students in need of reaching the level of the masses. One day, it might get to the point where "the masses" level might not be the level that you will want your kid to be at. Not because we want our kids to be better than everyone as the level will supposedly rise, but because the level just might fall to the point where we won't have a mark to hit that matters. From creation, to growth, to expansion, to progression, to surplus, to management, to reduction, to cutting the fat, to losing the weak, and to letting them drown.