I mainly wanted to see "An Education" because of lead actress Carey Mulligan. Partly because of all the awards season buzz she's been getting off of this, but mainly due to her brilliant performance in the classic episode "Blink" in BBC's science fiction drama Doctor Who.
Having seen the movie now, I'm relieved that Blink wasn't a fluke. Mulligan stars as Jenny...in a film that has, essentially, the same coming of age structure as the movie Precious...except, rather than examining the bottom of society's barrel...it looks at the rigidity and boredom of well-to-do, middle class England in the 1960's. Jenny has loving parents and a bright future (she's studying successfully to get into Oxford). Then she's picked up by Peter Sarsgaard's David, who courts the sixth-former by showing her the sophisticated side of life; classical concerts, fine restaurants, Parisian cigarettes, champagne and designer clothes. As the friendship, and then romance progresses, she starts to question the need for an education...asking her parents and teachers what the life value of attending Oxford really is.
The tone is surprisingly quite lively with the cast contributing considerably to the lightness of the piece. Alfred Molina is great as Jenny's dad, proud and assertive...before becoming less certain and bumbling in the presence of an upper class person. Sarsgaard, a dull actor I've never much liked, does an impressive British accent, Emma Thompson does a cameo as the headmistress like she was born into the role, while Dollhouse's Olivia Williams impresses in the archetypal role of 'teacher that helps student, but doesn't have to'.
Mulligan is of course the star and doesn't disappoint. She's luminous, carrying every scene with presence and confidence. She can do it all. Funny, vulnerable, assertive, coy, angry and thoughtful...even with no dialogue you can see the brain working behind Jenny's eyes. Genuine female stars don't emerge very often. I'm talking Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, Ann Hathaway in Princess Diaries and Sandra Bullock in Speed...you may not like those movies but those girls displayed an authentic x-factor that ensured success, critical acclaim and longevity in the industry.
World...meet Carey Mulligan.
2 comments:
Mmmm...Sally Sparrow.
I really wanna see this and not just cuz she's uber-cute. Carey is a damn fine actress.
I just finished watching this. And a very good film it is too. Carey is wonderful as Jenny. Luminous is a perfect word to describe her. She has star quality, a quality that just lights up the screen. Plus she is also a damn fine actress. I loved Alfred Molina as well. He is always good but he is especially good here. The little scene where he brings Jenny a cup of tea and talks to her through her bedroom door, apologising to her, is lovely. A fab actor. Olivia Williams is also very good as the caring teacher.
Jenny raises some good points throughout the film especially in her big scene with Emma Thompson. But in the end she realises that an education is more than just being trained for boredom and work. It is an ends unto itself and doesn't just come from universities and books but also by living life and gaining experiences to learn from.
A very good movie. I'd love Carey to get the Oscar but I don't think she will. Boo!
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