Why Do I Do It?

[tarotgal]

Why do I watch 'Dead Poet's Society'? I am repeatedly taken in by the adorable thoughts of young lads jumbled together in idealism and learning. By the thoughts of quotes about why we read and why we write and how to live. By the gorgeous words and the delicate dialogue. By the separate stuggles for the same thing on so many different paths. By that brilliant yalping moment of inspiration of Todd's when he bursts into life- or when they all have their own bursts of inspiration. And I think how wonderful a movie it is and how much I want to watch it, right before I hit play.

Only to sob when Neil dies... or when Todd breaks down in the snow... or when Nuwanda gets expelled... or when the class salutes. I cry my heart out when Mr.Keating crys at Neil's desk. But when they stand on their desks... it is too much. I want to be a teacher! I want to be a writer! I want to move to Waldon's Pond and walk naked with Whitman. I want to lie Byron and Shelly down on a four poster and have at them. I want to suck out every brilliant word that this world contains. I am drained and weak when the credits begin. And all I can do is cry.

Comments

[magictoes11.livejournal.com]

Ohh, I loved that movie! DPS was a defining moment in my life, and one of the reasons I went into writing as a profession. Such a great movie!

In addition to all the spots you pointed out, I get weepy when I see who at the end actually salutes Mr. Keating and who doesn't. It's not just the boys (except Cameron, who I wish Nuwanda had pounded much more thoroughly), but also the jock who scoffed at Mr. Keating and his teaching throughout the movie, and the scared allergic kid with the glasses... I get all sniffly when I realize Mr. Keating didn't touch just the main characters in the movie, but also so many secondary characters that don't seem terribly important in the grand scheme of things. In their own ways, they undergo their own transformations...

Eesh, I'm rambling. But I agree with you. Touching and absolutely heartbreaking at the same time. All movies should be like this.

[tarotgal]

Oh, no worries about the rambling. And EXACTLY!!! There is so much unsaid in the movie, where it just relies on little facial expressions or actions to really convey the true depth. And that scene is such a perfect example. And no, not everyone does stand, but that makes the ones who do stand so much more incredible in my eyes. The fact that it isn't just the main characters is the absolute beauty of the movie- you never know how many people you could reach out to until you try... and you said it much better than I could... exactly. *sigh* :-)