Viewed in
2011
Formats
TV
Premise
Carrie Mulligan plays a 1960's British school girl who falls for an older man, Peter Sargaard.
Liked
The acting, the writing.
Thoughts
I really enjoyed the writing. Not only was it extremely well-structured, but it had interesting characters. Like most of Nick Hornby's other works, his characters talked and behaved like real regular people, and their believability made them endearing.
Mulligan definitely deserved her nomination for best actress. She was excellent as her character transformed from her arc. Sarsgaard was well-cast as a non-threatening older man, which is rather difficult, since modern audiences are keenly aware of the creepiness of older men seducing young girls. Emma Thompson and Alfred Molina added some nice supporting moments.
The directing and art direction succeeded in moving the story and feeling like authentic 1960's Britain. One of my favorite moments was when Mulligan and Sarsgaard visit Paris. The execution of capturing that time and place, as well as making it feel like a shout out to French New Wave was impeccable.
One unsuccessful moment was when the parents mulled over a big decision by the school girl. I thought their behavior was of sarcasm, when it turned out that was not the case. So that section could have been clearer.
An Education obviously created some double-takes when it made the nomination list. While I would not consider it one of the best films of 2009, I would consider it a very recommendable film, thanks to Hornby's writing and Mulligan's performance.
Lastly, I hope this encourages Hornby to do more screenplays. I'm starting to become a fan after his involvement with High Fidelity and About a Boy.
Note: For American audiences, I think the English accents were pretty light, so you could do without subtitles.
What I would change
Nothing.
