Robin Williams-starrer ‘Dead Poets Society’ has often been noted as one of the most intricately beautiful movies made in the late 80s. A treat for cinephiles and literature lovers, this masterpiece has remained to be one of the most impactful films Hollywood has ever produced, thanks to its efficacious message and stellar cast.
Fans of the film have often looked for the same beauty in other pieces of cinema, old and new. Even though Williams’ brilliance and Peter Weir’s wonderful storytelling know no equal, here’s a curated list of five films that give off the same energy as this masterpiece.
1. Good Will Hunting
Another classic from Robin Williams, ‘Good Will Hunting’ stars the actor as a watered-down but similar version of John Keating. His character is put in charge of counseling a brilliant but troubled boy, played by Matt Damon. By the end of the film, Williams’ character turns out to be the pushing factor of Damon’s life.
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With a brilliant music score by Elliott Smith, the film is a heartwarming and eye-opening take on the personal struggles Matt Damon’s character faces. Damon has brought his best to the screen, playing Will, an aloof character who prefers to put on a facade to save himself from vulnerability. He refuses intimacy of any sort and pushes people away from his life. A mathematical genius, he is found by a professor from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, who saves him from getting into prison, under the condition that he will receive counseling.
He slowly navigates what he wants with his life while also trying to make something out of his romantic relationship with Skylar, played by Minnie Driver. Will chooses his path in life as an impact of everything Williams’s character Sean teaches him. The film is directed by Ben Affleck.
2. The Perks Of Being A Wallflower
Possibly one of the best book adaptations made in the 2010s, ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’ adapted from Stephen Chbosky’s book of the same name. The film explores Charlie’s character played by Logan Lerman, and his life as he starts high school and meets Patrick, played by Ezra Miller, and Sam, played by Emma Watson.
The film brilliantly portrays Charlie’s PTSD, as he continues to deal with his aunt’s death and a few more deeper-rooted issues he had with her. He parallelly struggles with an almost dysfunctional social life and his best friend’s recent suicide.
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The film stands as one of the best coming-of-age films with a lot of effort put into the portrayal of mental disorders. Chbosky himself has clarified that the film is inspired by his own high school years and the people he grew up with.
3. The Edge Of Seventeen
‘The Edge of Seventeen‘ revolves around Nadine Franklin, played by Hailee Steinfeld, her friends and family, and the highs and lows of coming of age and figuring out her own identity. The film is a refreshingly modern take on a classic coming-of-age tale, with a spin on the main character realizing she’s actually not the center of the world.
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The movie’s careful examination of Nadine’s life is one of its best features of ‘The Edge Of Seventeen’. Hailee Steinfeld portrays the intensity of teenage emotions with a performance that is full of depth and tenderness. It’s a film that many can relate to and is full of relatable moments including a wonderful monologue that has now found a place in many cinephiles’ list of best dialogues.
4. Lady Bird
‘Lady Bird‘, Greta Gerwig‘s directorial debut has been one of the best films of the coming-of-age genre, topped by Saoirse Ronan’s terrific performance. The film went on to get nominated for five Oscars, with nods for Ronan and Gerwig along with the film’s production as a whole. Although it didn’t win any awards, the film was still one of the most impactful releases of the decade.
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Coming-of-age and everything that comes with it is delicately and nuancedly portrayed in the film as it navigates the difficulties of self-discovery, family dynamics, and identity creation with the lead character’s experiences.
The film brilliantly depicts the turbulent passage from childhood to adulthood through the eyes of Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson, who struggles with her relationship with her mother and creating an identity for herself. Ronan’s performance makes it easy to identify with Lady Bird’s struggles to balance her need for direction and support with her yearning for freedom.
5. Aftersun
‘Aftersun’ is one of Paul Mescal’s best performances to date, earning him his first ever Oscar nomination. The film is a moving and thoughtful piece, that explores the nuances of human connection, memory, and family ties.
The timeline of the film alternates between the past and the present, effectively conveying the fluidity of memory through Frankie Corlo’s character Sophie. The film skilfully explores the complex relationship between Sophie and her father Calum, played by Paul Mescal, characterizing the poignant moments and understated conflicts the two have, with its primal focus on their relationship.
Director Charlotte Wells skilfully captures the difficulties of being a single parent, emphasizing Calum’s difficulties making a connection with Sophie in the midst of his own emotional upheaval. The film went down as one of the best-made films of 2022, with Mescal earning heavy praise for his role.
