They learn about the value of poetry and individualism, and become inspired to lead the lives they have only been dreaming of.īut because this movie takes place in the conformity pressure-cooker of a 1950s prep school, these lessons on scary poetry and scarier individualism don't come easy. When a new and dynamic English teacher arrives on the scene, some of Welton's finest are given a glimpse of the world that exists beyond rituals and test scores. That doesn't mean it's an idyllic existence, though. The students of Welton academy live a super-privileged existence in their prestigious school, where some of the finest future academics, doctors, politicians, and scientists are being groomed.The boys live lives of discipline and tradition, and basically have their Ivy League futures tied up with a bow. But it also gives you the antidote to the aforementioned stifling conformity: meeting a mentor that will encourage you to march to the beat of your own drum.

Remember the stifling conformity and rampant racism on display in Go Set a Watchman? Or hey: the stifling conformity and homophobia apparent in the film Carol? How about the stifling conformity and familial dysfunction going on in Revolutionary Road?ĭead Poets Society gives you a double scoop of stifling conformity: a prep school, circa the 1950s. We've got the stifling conformity and phoniness of the prep school that Holden Caulfield goes to, the stifling conformity and betrayal-happy prep school showcased in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, and the stifling conformity and-gulp-organ harvesting of the prep school in Never Let Me Go.Īnd we'll also admit that the 1950s don't have the best literary rep. We'll admit it: prep schools don't have the best literary rep. Stars: Robin Williams, Ethan Hawke, Josh Charles

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