Movie "The History Boys"

[arthur]

Saw this movie today and was really impressed by all the cast members--both the boys as well as the teachers. This excellent cast was brought over from the original London stage production. The acting is wonderful and the quality of the dialogue rare in films these days. Obviously there are many aspects of this story of considerable interest to gay people.

 

http://www.nt-online.org/files/HB_Film-Image_390x250g9xqzo.jpg

ag

[Bilbo]

I just saw this movie yesterday and must say that I agree with you. Not only the cast, the screenplay. It is excellent at making you think all the time. I laughed a lot, but the one time that I started crying, it quickly and on purpose undercut itself to keep me on the right track.

One important plot point Maverick missed when it happened, so the use of it plotwise surprised him later. When the boys are all in the Headmaster's office celebrating, keep an eye on the young girl. Well, half an eye.

(And I left the theater fully intending to find out IMDB, I suppose, the lady teacher's ouvre and thowing myself a monthlong celebration of her sometime. Francis de la Tour? You know me and names, unfortunately.)

[Karl-G]

I also enjoyed the film very much. The three teachers are all superb, and the actors playing the boys are excellent, especially Posner (Sam Barnett) and Dakin (Dominic Cooper). There is quite a bit of information about them on the web and lots of pictures.

 

Frances de la Tour, surprising to me, is 62 and has done only a few movies, including one of the Harry Potters. She seems to be primarily a tv actress, and has appeared in many episodes of long running British series, especially mysteries. (She does have a Diana Riggs demeanor and low voice. She has played Miss Marple, among others.) She has won many acting awards, beginning in 1980 and continuing through this year when she won several major awards for her work in "History Boys."

 

There are a number of reviews of the movie on the internet, but I disagree with many of them. They fault the movie because Sam Barnett's character was not harassed, or because Frances mentions feminism in her major monologue, or because Hector is a likable figure. "I have been teaching 500 years of history of inept males!" I don't think they (the criticisms) have validity. I agree with those who find it a very enjoyable, witty, intelligent, thought-provoking movie which is acted and directed extremely well. The use of language is delightful.

 

The scene of the French class is hilarious, and Sam Barnett's singing in French is amazing, beautiful and moving. The references to movies and plays and books and ideas and songs are many and apt and fun. I recommend it highly.

[Bilbo]

Yes! I remember her from Potter now! At the Triwizard Tournament, she played the giantess who was the headmistress of the girl's school and obviously had some really hot romantic history with Hagrid.

[+ purplekow]

Yes, Hagrid takes her out to see the dinosaurs and later, they have a dance in which she moves his hand up from her rear to the middle of the back much as a school girl would.

[Bilbo]

I don't remember any dinosaurs. (But, then, I don't remember Paris. Ah, well, we'll always have Wichita ... heheheh) I think you're recalling dragon. If I'm wrong, well, just ignore the dragon in the corner...

No apologies to Casa in Winter starring Katherine Bogart.

 

Just one more example why I should leave the wittiness to others, I suppose. As Blanche said, I have always been dependent on the wittiness of others. Sometimes there is God so suddenly....