I.

Movie Review

“The storyline is captivating, the characters are endearing, the concepts are profound, and
the cinematography is delightful. In the end, this movie shatters you.” Luca Hinesman October
2023

The film causes a profound impact on its audience. The inspirational teaching of Mr.
Keating that urges the students to seize the day and embrace their passions captures the
vulnerability of of our young minds. It encourages us to reflect on our lives and to discover the
ideals that we choose to embrace.With its poignant storytelling and emotional impact, it leaves a
lasting impression to us. It taught us deeply the significance of following our passions, living
authentically and being responsible for our actions.

II Movie Analysis

Ralph Waldo Emerson’s version of Transcendentalism form the philosophical foundation

of the “Dead Poets Society”. It revolves around the notion that individuals have fundamental
right and responsibility to live according to their own terms, free from societal restrictions and
expectations of conformity. The freedom of self expression shown in this movie run in variance
from Jean Paul Sartre’s existentialism, that is, “existence precedes essence”. He believes that
man exists and must create his essence and values for himself because he has freedom that is
tied up to responsibility.

In this movie, a group of students showed the traits of transcendentalism through the
influence of Mr. Keating. He himself is an outcast and nonconformist because he does not
adhere to the traditional teaching style implemented by Welton. He made it clear that in his
class, they will learn to think for themselves and to form their own ideas and opinions. As he
teaches his students to look at poetry and life in a whole new way, he introduces the
opportunities of freedom and the consequences of conformity.

One of the transcendental principles manifested in the Dead Poets Society is spirituality in
nature wherein the characters are reciting poetry in a cave at night. Secondly, they embrace the
principles of brotherhood through the Dead Poets Society manifested by their bonding together
as former friends from their previous study group in a light which suggests that they are doing
something Welton academy would disapprove of. The characters were made to believe that
rather than being told what to do, people should make their own decisions. The film promotes
pursuing one’s authentic self and realizing one’s potential while challenging social norms and
authorities otherwise known as civil disobedience.

Neil Perry embodies a transcendental realist. From Mr Keating and the Dead Poets society,
he learns all about “carpe diem”or to seize the day and to think for himself and differently for the
first time in his life. He is seen trying to embrace his decisions against his father in pursuing his
own dream rather than what his father wanted him to pursue. Tom Perry, his father, represents
the conformity in his life. His dream of becoming an actor and his membership in the Dead
Poets Society represent his struggle for individuality. When he acted in the play, he incorporated
the concept of “carpe diem”. Neil’s death is a manifestation of the depthness of a
transcendentalist belief that one should only live for what he believes in. So when Neil’s father
punished him for acting against his will, Neil felt that he could never live for what he believes in
and there is no point in living at all. His character laid down the overarching message of
individualism and realism. He refuses to go where his father and his school leads him and the
traditions embedded in him by his school and environment.

Knoxx Overstreet and Charles Dalton also displayed transcendental realism. Knoxx goes
against the norms by pursuing the girl he loves who was engaged to the son of their family
friend. He continues despite the threats and humiliation he might suffer as a consequence.
Charles on the other end, literally goes against the norms and policies of the school. Despite the
punishments he gets, he never revealed the secrets of their club. He risks his chance to stay at
Welton Academy to stand up for what he believes.

The notable Todd Anderson portrays an existential romanticist hero. He learns to open
up, express his feelings and create impressive poems through the encouragement of his
teacher Mr. Keating and the friendship of his roommate Neil. Towards the end, Todd is able to
find his voice and his courage to stand up for Mr. Keating. His existentialist nature was
manifested when he maintained his stand that he is not like Neil and that he cannot change into
someone he is not comfortable with just to be like the other members of the club who are
becoming daring and outspoken. He is portrayed as someone who is cautious of his actions and
he steps back and thinks first before deciding.When he finally takes action, he has full
determination to do it, leading the whole class to be with him in fighting for what they believe is
right.

Mr. Keating becomes an existentialist when he said “sucking all the marrow of life does
not mean choking on the bones”. He meant that in the pursuit of happiness, we must not be
reckless and we should take responsibility for all our actions.

III. Conclusion:

The concept of the Dead Poets Society reflects the idea that people should make the most
of their lives by taking charge of their own destinies rather than following the pathways set out
for them by others. The” Carpe Diem “ concept of Mr. Keating celebrates life over death. The
movie promotes the value of individual freedom and self-expression as necessary elements of a
happy and meaningful existence. Most importantly, the movie teaches us to be conscious of not
only our individual freedom but those of others too. It exposed the limits of individuality in the
midst of rules, regulations and traditions. Just as Sartre puts it, “we have unlimited freedom to
choose but we are simultaneously responsible for all the repercussions of our choices”.