This isn't a movie I would typically go for, but I am so glad I decided to give it a watch. It is based on a true story and a portrayal of all the hard work and backstory of the Oxford English Dictionary. Sounds boring right? You would be forgiven if you were put off reading a brief description of this movie. It just proves we sometimes we need to leave our comfort zone and take a leap into the unknown, in terms of what we think we normally like. I suppose that goes for life as well.
Regards to the history of the Oxford English Dictionary. I certainly had no idea of all the problems, hard work and dedication it took. The scale of the task was enormous and the length of time it took to complete was never ending. This is due to the continuous evolution of the English language that still goes in to this day and beyond with all the new words, slang and trending sayings etc. It is beautiful in a way how complex language actually is and how adaptable we are as a species. It definitely gave me awareness to the story that I would probably never have if this wasn't made into film, and there's the beauty in it. Film making is such an art, and the world would be a sad place without it.
It gives well overdue credit and appreciation for all the scholars involved and coveys the total dedication they had for their jobs. This especially applies to James Murray, who was a highly intelligent, self-taught man. However, the main man is the mad man himself, Dr. William Chester. More than anyone else, he almost single-handedly made this project a success whilst it was on the cusp of failing. These two men found a connection to each other through a common goal. There is also an emotional aspect to this story as it portrays all the struggles of the mad man, his victim and a powerful statement of forgiveness and human connection.
Mel Gibson was brilliant as always, however the star of the show here was Sean Penn, who played the mad man extremely well. Phenomenal performance. I love being pleasantly surprised with a movie like this, especially when it is fact-based. I am so glad I watched it, and although it isn't one I would watch repetitively, it certainly merits another watch in the future.
Regards to the history of the Oxford English Dictionary. I certainly had no idea of all the problems, hard work and dedication it took. The scale of the task was enormous and the length of time it took to complete was never ending. This is due to the continuous evolution of the English language that still goes in to this day and beyond with all the new words, slang and trending sayings etc. It is beautiful in a way how complex language actually is and how adaptable we are as a species. It definitely gave me awareness to the story that I would probably never have if this wasn't made into film, and there's the beauty in it. Film making is such an art, and the world would be a sad place without it.
It gives well overdue credit and appreciation for all the scholars involved and coveys the total dedication they had for their jobs. This especially applies to James Murray, who was a highly intelligent, self-taught man. However, the main man is the mad man himself, Dr. William Chester. More than anyone else, he almost single-handedly made this project a success whilst it was on the cusp of failing. These two men found a connection to each other through a common goal. There is also an emotional aspect to this story as it portrays all the struggles of the mad man, his victim and a powerful statement of forgiveness and human connection.
Mel Gibson was brilliant as always, however the star of the show here was Sean Penn, who played the mad man extremely well. Phenomenal performance. I love being pleasantly surprised with a movie like this, especially when it is fact-based. I am so glad I watched it, and although it isn't one I would watch repetitively, it certainly merits another watch in the future.