Review of The Paper Chase (1973) by Inna B — 29 Dec 2007

I can see how this movie became a law school classic, though I am sure glad I didn't watch it before starting law school (I just graduated, in fact). It would have made me far too paranoid and competitive in the first year, which is in fact high-pressure, but nowhere near how this movie portrays it. What this movie is missing is a certain sense of humor about the whole situation, at least until the very very end - sure, the prof is an egomaniacal jerk to the students, and grades are important (though not as much for Harvard students), but really, intellectual taunting in class shouldn't drive one to insanity or suicidal attempts. First year of law school is a chance to reformat your brain and learn more in one year than you've learned in your lifetime. If there's a professor that is particularly cruel, take it as a challenge (like this leading character ultimately does), and really, don't stress it. First year, and then law school will pass, and whether or not you'll wind up on law review will have very little bearing on how happy you'll be the rest of your life. I guess Mr. Hart learns that as well....

As a movie, however, I think it's pretty weak, so I wouldn't recommend it unless you're thinking of law school or are curious about what law school experience could be like (at least at Harvard in the 70s).