Dead Poets Society

 In Dead Poets Society, many of the characters undergo a great deal of personal growth.  The film deals with the students' struggle to break from authority, and when they finally do this in the final scene it is a powerful coming of age moment (see fig. 1).

Fig 1. The final scene from Dead Poets Society; "Dead Poets Society ending clips"; 8 April 2013; YouTube; Web video; 21 April 2015

The students defy their principal by standing up-literally-for what they believe is right.  After a film full of submission, this certainly is a transformative moment, and shows their growth in maturity and courage.

The cinematography in this sequence emphasises the boys stepping away from compliance.  An important repeated shot is the close up of their feet as they stand on the desks.  This is reminiscent of an earlier scene, in which Mr Keating uses his unorthodox teaching methods to make the boys see the world from a different perspective (see fig. 2).

Fig.2. Mr Keating teaches the students to gain a new perspective on life; "Dead Poets Society-New View!"; 13 April 2011; YouTube; Web video; 21 April 2015

 Far from the reluctance and indifference displayed in this scene, the final one shows their newfound appreciation for his message and the maturity they have gained.  The emphasis on the feet highlights their physical act of stepping away from the overbearing authority which controls their lives, and in doing this becoming independent. Subjective shots are also used to great effect in this sequence, and are used to “re-create the perspective of a character” (Corrigan and white 112), particularly Mr Keating’s perspective of the boys.  Due to his position we see his point of view through a low angle shot, emphasising the newfound confidence and power of the boys (see fig. 3).

Fig. 3; Mr Keating's perspective of the boys as they stand on their desks; still taken from Dead Poets Society

 The final shot of the film shows Todd standing atop his desk, framed by the legs of another boy (see fig. 4).

Fig. 4; The final shot of the film; still taken from Dead Poets Society

This 15 second, static shot shows the immense transformation of the boy who was previously the meekest, the most submissive.  His transformation is arguably the greatest of all, and the lasting impression we have of him accentuates this.

The sound used in this scene is exceptionally powerful.  The first half of the scene is silent, apart from the dialogue.  This creates a tense, awkward environment, highlighting the boys discomfort and creating some in the audience as well.  This changes, however, when Todd, followed by the others, begin to stand.  Non-diegetic music begins playing-softly at first and building up as more boys join in (see fig. 5).

Fig. 5; the piece of music used in the final scene; "Maurice Jarre- Keating's Triumph"; 17 September 2008; YouTube; Web video; 21 April 2015

The triumphant music contributes to the idea of coming of age and “deepens [our] emotional response” to it (Corrigan and White 195).  We can see that finally they have a victory, they are defying their superiors and doing what they know is right.  Even if it is a small victory, they are proud of what they are doing, causing the audience to feel pride as well.

This film is undoubtedly a superb coming of age story.  The transformation of the boys, especially in this scene, is remarkable, and the elements of film form discussed make it all the more so.

Works cited

Corrigan, Timothy and Patricia White.  The Film Experience: An introduction. 3^rd ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2012. Print.

Dead Poets Society. Dir. Peter Weir. Touchstone Pictures, 1989. Film.