Wow! Every once in a while a small independent film takes hold. And when it comes to classy drama few filmmakers do it as well as those from the U.K. Let’s go back to swinging 60s London not to reacquaint ourselves with James Bond 007 or the fab four Beatles or even the flaky Austin Powers. Instead in An Education we get to meet a few otherwise “normal” families who embark on a rather tumultuous course. Witness all the fun in one of the freshest films of the year thanks to Mongrel Media.
Modern Day Lolita Sure to Shock and Impress
Sparks fly often in this tale of love, lust and education. Right from the opening montage credits you feel the zest of what it’s like to be back at school. Our pupil in training is Jenny. Smart beyond her years Jenny lives with parents who only want the best for their dear girl. Sound familiar? Cultures everywhere try to attain higher goals and parents normally want their offspring to better themselves. What better way than a good education for future success and a life of happiness free of worries? That at least is how it’s supposed to be. Ask any person whether everything comes off exactly as planned and you know there’s ample room for detours.
Education means everything to Jenny’s parents, especially her father Jack. Old school in the extreme, this family is made up of workaholics with Jenny being the toast of the class. Giddy girlfriends aside, Jenny seems already a student of the world. Little does this straight A student realize that some things are unplanned and unexpected.
Young girls live out a lot of fantasies, as do boys. When quite by chance Jenny meets a good Samaritan her rather cloistered life takes on a new dimension. Despite an age difference new friend David begins a rather tepid relationship with this 16 year old. Shades of Lolita come to mind in the telling of a love affair steeped in mystery and danger. Shot beautifully by Scandinavian director Lone Scherfig 95 minutes wraps you in the lives of a family on the brink of untold catastrophe.
Cast as man of the moment David is Peter Sarsgaard (Kinsey). Undeniably one of the best actors in Hollywood Sarsgaard is perfectly captivating as the older gent who takes a fancy to this bright young girl. But Sarsgaard’s work is only one of a series of excellent performances given off in an unforgettable tale of coming of age. A series of problems that confront Jenny are tactfully managed in this well honed story that explores family relationships.
Newcomer Carey Mulligan turns in an impressive Star Making Debut
Oscar consideration should rightfully be given to Carey Mulligan who is nothing short of phenomenal in the tricky role of Jenny, a school girl clearly smitten by an older pursuer. And perhaps the biggest scene stealer of them all in a film rife with great acting is Alfred Molina (Spider-Man) who can do no wrong as a doting dad. Or can he?
Plenty of second-guessing pops up in An Education that further makes this one of the best movie experiences of the year. And a focus contrasting the haves and have nots will surely open up more debates in a movie that turns out to be a real learning experience for all involved.
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