Representation in Films

 REPRESENTATION IN DEAD POETS SOCIETY

The film Dead Poets Society (1989) is a coming of age film focusing on a boys private school and the hardships of the characters it focuses on. 

The group it focuses on is teenage boys placed in high academic private schools. Many of these boys have high hopes from their parents riding on them from a young age. They struggle to find freedom and a sense of childhood from the pressure their parents give them. 

One particular character is Neil Perry. Despite being enrolled in this prestigious school, he has a desire to be an actor. His father decides thoroughly against it. Due to the time setting of this film, Neil wouldn't dare go against his fathers word originally until he meets Todd and his teacher, Mr. Keating. 

Mr. Keating teaches all these boys, giving them life lessons instead of just English's lessons. He gets them to open up and live a little, which lets the boys grow and mature from their former constricted lives. 

Despite the film not being a queer film, there are many critiques and implications of Neil and Todd showing interest in each other. They find comfort together without actually being together, highlighting their friendship. 

Mr. Keating encourages Neil to find his passion in theatre, so he signs up for a role despite his fathers wishes, his friends all supporting him. As his father finds out he is in the play and comes to see it, he only reprimands Neil, telling him he must follow his fathers path he has carved out for him. This brings it to Neil's attention he will never live his life the way he wants it to, which is sadly a very common thing for children with demanding parents. 

Neil kills himself that night later on in the movie, feeling trapped in life. This representation of mental health and awareness to kids personal needs and dreams in life is amazing. It captures the sadness and harsh reality some people may face, despite others feeling uncomfortable about the fact this happens in the world. 

The rest of the boys, finding out about this news are devasted, seemingly put into shock that this has happened. As Mr. Keating gets fired for supposedly having a hand in this significant event, the students riot. They liked Mr. Keating despite his odd teaching, and all they wanted was for him to come back. He taught them a important lesson in life that must be learned, and this film spreads the lesson. It teaches you to live how you want to live, despite the odds. To try to do what makes you happy despite it all. It also brings attention to young men's struggling lifestyles with the pressure layed upon them in high end schools.