dead poets society!

a ramble and dump of my appreciation for it (a tame version ;)

Picture this: You are absentmindedly flicking through options on Disney+ for a movie to watch. You see a vibrant yellow cover with a group of teenagers carrying a man, the words ‘Dead Poets Society’ near it. You click, because you swear you’ve seen countless clips from it and decided to watch it.

That was me about a year ago and after watching that beautiful piece of media, my life was changed. I don’t put that statement to many things, but this movie truly means a lot to me. For three main reasons. The story, the characters and the message.

If you’re not already familiar with the story of the Dead Poets Society, let me briefly summarise. We follow a group of teenage boys in a New England private school, Welton Academy. Life there is average, as well as their educators. Until they have the privilege of being taught by a Professor Keating (Robin Williams), a quirky and inspiring role model who encourages his students to challenge societal norms and make the most of their time on Earth—or more eloquently put, “Carpe Diem.”

When I watched this movie, I was deep in a state of complete and utter hopelessness. I still have no idea the path I wish to take, or the career I wish to pursue, but after watching this movie (which I revisit times a week) I feel okay with that uncertainty because of one line (of many), spoken by none other than the brilliant Robin Williams, a quote by Uncle Walt Whitman.

He gathers a group of teenage boys to huddle around, drawing them in as he kneels to their level, and delivers the line:

“The powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse,” he says, with complete passion in his stance and tone. He adds a question, “What will your verse be?”

Like Niel, I was enamoured by him. I asked myself what my verse would be, yet to this day I have no sufficient reply. Perhaps it’s because I see this movie more than I see my family, but it stuck with me and hasn’t escaped.

Since watching this movie, my appreciation for literature and poetry has doubled in size. Though I may not write profoundly, I write nonetheless. Many scenes from this film could be included in this reflection, but I will refrain from overindulging. Still, if my fingers never grew tired and my words never failed me, I could, and would, go on forever.

Since seeing this movie I have managed to collect it in as many forms as I can get my hands on. I have two copies on DVD, I have the book, which I have annotated heavily, even copying the poem from the book into my own copy, marking it off as if I was part of the Dead Poets Society. I have drawn scenes in my book, on paper and stuck them to my wall. I’ve stuck stickers of quotes on all my belongings, compiled playlists, and defaced my English book with quotes much to my teacher’s dismay. I have let it consume me in the best way.

My friends and I have connected and spoken tirelessly about it, asking each other which character we all are and connecting deeply to all of them in one way or another (apart from Richard Cameron. We do not like him, rightly so). Even as I was picking out the writing from my year 12 jumper, I knew it would be related to this movie in the same way. Dead Poets Society is an integral part of my identity.

“But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.”

And indeed, I do. Even at the lowest points of my life, when it all feels heavy, I say this quote or hear Robin Williams deliver it, and imagine myself huddling with the students around him. This is the beauty of literature, film, music, or art in any form: no matter how lonely you feel, a piece of media will always be there to remind you that you are not alone, that someone out there understands and has created art from their experience.

Seeing Ethan Hawke’s portrayal of the anxious and awkward Todd Anderson was comforting. Watching him draw inspiration from Mr Keating and break out of his shell, even just a little, was both relatable and inspiring. His moment of courage at the end, standing on the desk despite his anxiety was profoundly moving. Of course, I cried, as one does when something so deeply personal reaches into your heart and squeezes both painfully and beautifully.

Or seeing Robert Sean Leonard as Neil, oh Neil… do something so daring and end up losing his life trying to be himself, being tied by and restricted by the people who are supposed to love you and let you thrive.

Gale Hanson as Charlie Dalton is daring and defying the rigid environment of Welton Academy, though it ultimately leads to his expulsion. And Mr Keating? He is fired for simply doing his job—for teaching his students to think freely.

Dead Poets Society is an illustration of trying to embrace individuality and live authentically in a world that often stifles self-expression. Despite their efforts to inspire change and ‘seize the day’, the rigid structures around building them ultimately impose harsh consequences, reminding us that while pursuing our true selves is essential, it often comes with challenges, restrictions and sacrifices.

So, I adore it.
Carpe Diem!
F.B <3