The Browning Version (1994)
Andrew Crocker-Harris is an embittered and disliked teacher of Greek and Latin at a British prep school. After nearly 20 years of service, he is being forced to retire for 'health reasons', and perhaps may not even be given a pension. The boys regard him as a Hitler, with some justification. His unfaithful wife Laura tries to hurt him in any way she can. Andrew must come to terms with his failed life and at least regain his own self-esteem.
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A Masterpiece!
It's not great by any means, but it's a pretty good movie that didn't leave me filled with regret for investing time in it.
I really wanted to like this movie. I feel terribly cynical trashing it, and that's why I'm giving it a middling 5. Actually, I'm giving it a 5 because there were some superb performances.
it is easy to say than the performance of Albert Finney is brilliant. or, as teacher, the reality after decades in classes is not different nu the story from the film. in fact, the admirable details are the ways to build the atmosphere of an universal case. because, it reminds Ilya Ilich story. but could not be reduced at it. it is a simple story about the meaning of life . clear, precise, far to be comfortable. that is all.
1bilbo seems confused. The original is set in a public school (not a grammar school) and there is therefore a subliminal gay message in the pedagogue/pupil relationship (Playwright, director, and lead were all gay/bi) but also the resolution (arguably) of the cruel wife being abandoned by her lover in favour of manly friendship. Having been to a public school (in the 70s) I can also say that the study of Classics inevitably meant one became aware of homosexuality in a way that didn't happen with other subjects (Greeks, Romans, let it all hang loose and all that). I presume this is why 1bilbo favours the original as a paean to old-fashioned public school values.I don't like remakes and haven't seen this one, but the one thing of which I am certain is that Rattigan did not mean his play to be seen as a critique of widening of the education system to all classes (or alternatively the supremacy of private education). I am equally certain that 1bilbo has no idea of whether the comprehensive system has provided better or worse educated people as he (I am pretty certain he is a he) has never looked this up. What I am sure he cannot argue with is that having a large proportion of the country considering themselves rejects at 11 and being sent to sub-standard secondary moderns that didn't even teach the same exams (the almost worthless CSE anyone?) is not a good education system.
This is not, perhaps, the most moving or emotional film you are likely to see. However it is my opinion that The Browning Version displays some of the finest acting ever to be seen by Albert Finney and his supporting cast. The story itself is very well written and sets an example for other British films to follow. So if you are fed up with action packed, no-brainer movies and would like something to sit back, watch and enjoy then The Browning Version is the film you need.
Albert Finney gives a classic portrayal of a teacher of the times. This movie shows so clearly the invisible gap which existed between teacher and pupil. It was extremely difficult if not impossible to come close to teachers in those days. The innocence of Taplow played brilliantly by Ben Silverstone and his genuine regard and respect for the aging Crocker=Harris, provides the viewer with an intimate encounter in which this teacher who is in a failed marriage, has not accomplished his ambitions to be head of the school, suddenly realises in the form of "Taplow", that he is genuinely loved for what he is, a good teacher who showed his love for the boys by, discipline and teaching. Little wonder that Crocker-Harris weeps when the truth dawns on him. Watch this movie and weep too. Absolutely first class.