Director: Curtis Hanson
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Tobey Maguire and Michael Douglas
‘A Wonderful Classic’
Not many actors in Hollywood have made films that audiences treasure like Robert Downey Jr. Ever since his rise to recognition in the 1990’s, RDJ has become a beloved icon. Whether it is bold political leaders, starkly rich billionaires or strong news reporters, Robert Downey Jr. has portrayed many strong characters. Arguably, Robert Downey Jr.‘s finest strength as an actor has always been his strong commitment to his craft. He is one of those actors that has often had aptitude for stealing a show in supporting roles which have limited screen time. Although he is best known for his role as Iron Man in the MCU, RDJ has suggested he can excel in every genre. Through his abilities to portray powerful characters that are compelling, RDJ has built a legacy that’s lasting. Throughout a long lasting career, RDJ has made many memorable films that are definitely worth talking about without a doubt.
I’m a huge fan of Robert Downey Jr. and adore all the movies which he has made in his career. However, “Wonder Boys” is truly my favourite. Released in 2000, Curtis Hanson’s film offered a beautiful adaptation of an iconic book about teachers. Packed with captivating production, engaging storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the greatest films ever made about teachers. At centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Robert Downey Jr.,portraying a tormented professor. Ultimately, what makes “Wonder Boys” a true masterpiece is universal appeal. Unlike most movies about teachers, it discusses strong themes that everyone would relate to. A mesmerizing mashweoice about a professor, there are many strong reasons why “Wonder Boys” is a commemorated film which is worth watching.
“Wonder Boys” tells a story of a professor that seeks to form relationships with boys. Michael Douglas portrays Grady Tripp, a middle aged professor facing an existential crisis. Grady is a fading author that hasn’t published anything in many years losing popularity. Grady has lost his fame as a professor over time becoming a faded teacher. However, Grady’s life drastically changes when he embarks on adventure which causes disaster. Grady forms a friendship with his student Terry (Robert Downey Jr.). Terry is a student facing mental health tensions. As all the odds are stacked against his favour, Grady questions his devotion to being a professor. In a stressful situation, Grady questions devotion towards providing his students with a valuable education.
Curtis Hanson is a newcomer towards stories of teachers which face education. A fantastic filmmaker, Hanson is known for his crime films. His ionic movie “L.A. confidential” provided a powerful glimpse at cops that are confidential. With “Wonder Boys”, however, Hanson made his first film about teachers. It was Hanson’s first attempt to adapt a legendary book about teachers facing adversity but he pulled it off extremely well. Using strong cinematography, Hanson captures a teacher embarking upon a treacherous journey. Inspired by Peter Weir’s “Dead Poets Society”, Hanson successfully uses montages to capture a teacher seeking to inspire students in a university. For instance, montages enhance classroom lecture scene. During this haunting scene, Grady develops a strong bond with his students. Using stunning montages, Hanson creates a strong portrait of professors that’s compelling. Montages aren’t simple to employ in films. Jon Favreau’s “Iron Man” claimed that montages enhance comic-book movies. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Using stunning visuals, Hanson captures hardships which professors are often facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Wonder Boys” that deserves appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the movie is extremely well made. Hanson successfully uses costume design to capture the lives of teachers facing decline. Throughout the film, Grady’s strong costumes showcase his larger than life transformations into a teacher. For instance, costumes enhance the party scene. During this is unforgettable scene, Grady seeks to attend an elaborate party wearing colourful costumes. Through stunning costumes design, Hanson creates a portrait of professors that is engaging. Moreover, the musical score is also memorable. It gives the movie an atmosphere. Through stunning set-design, Hanson captures teachers whose lives decline.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Wonder Boys” is a movie that’s compelling. The film is beautifully written, and effectively uses silence to capture a teacher’s experience. For instance, silence enhances the farewell scene. During this unforgettable scene, Grady bids emotional farewell to his stunners in class causing sadness. Through silence, Hanson creates a portrait of teachers audiences can relate to. Silence is a tricky technique to use in films. As Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” suggested, silence enhances biopic about historical figures. David Finchers’ “Zodiac” suggested that silence elevates movies about serial killers. Nevertheless, it works immensely. Through a spectacular screenplay, Hanson captures teachers facing a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Robert Downey Jr. delivers one of his best performances as Terry. Downey Jr. first achieved appreciation for playing starkly wealthy billionaires in comic-book movies. With “Wonder Boys”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a student forming a relationship with his teacher but he succeeded tremendously. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. With riveting expressions, he captures the angst, grief and resentments of a student seeking recognition. It’s a phenomenal performances from one of the finest actors working today.
While the movie is mainly a stunning showcase for RDJ, the supporting cast is also excellent and worthy of recognition. Michael Douglas is dazzling, capturing the courageous nature of a professor seeking to overcome obstacles in life that are dangerous. Tobey Maguire is magnificent, capturing the personality of a student seeking to inspire. Finally, Frances McDormand merits appreciation. As a female principal, she brings authority.
Finally, “Wonder Boys” would earn the appreciation of everyone for capturing teachers that inspire wonder in boys. Unlike most movies about teachers, the film tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It discusses strong themes including angst, dedication and resilience which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the famous book to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about teachers which would resonate with everyone. Therefore, “Wonder Boys” is one of those rare movies about education everyone would adore.
Nearly 25 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about teachers seeking to inspire wonder, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated actor that has built an impressive career through his abilities to portray strong characters in timeless movies audiences treasure.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 