Based on a true crime in 2002, where a high school superintendent and vice superintendent stole millions in taxpayer dollars on self goods, covering their spending with false company names in the schools accounting – Hugh Jackman plays Frank Tassone the superintendent in question, and Allison Janney plays Pam Gluckin the vice superintendent, in this real tale about white privilege, under appreciation of teachers and capitalism.
You may think Bad Education is another cheap
comedic entry in the “Bad” title of movies, that started with Bad Santa but
you’d be wrong. Bad Education is an intelligent carefully crafted story based
on a true story about sociopathy and greed but coming from the perspective of
teachers in the reality that they deserve more than what they’re offered; being
the touchstone of all of our education that leads us to proper adulthood. Instead teachers are forgotten and beyond unappreciated despite
their crucial importance to the world at large. The films about hiding who you
really are in cover to project the stereotype of the All-American authority
figure, even at the cost of hiding in the closet as Frank feels he must do to
gain respect as a gay man, especially in 2002. Bad Education subtly but accurately touches
on the idea of White-Collar crime, and reveals the reality that in real life
Frank Tassone received a $173,000 payday severance, even after committing fraud
and being released from jail. Bad Education in humanity sense, is about how far
greed takes you, no matter how much you feel you deserve a reward even if you
take from everyone else.
Director Cory Finley is not afraid to create blunt
characters and play out situations in an unclothe way and but realistically. This
is Cory Finley’s most mature work yet and places his debut Thoroughbreds as a
warm up to the big leagues with Bad Education. The direction quietly observes
the characters and their choices, from slowly zoomed out frames very
reminiscent of Stanley Kubirk’s technique, with stagnant shots of biting
unflinching conversation, and matter of fact dialogue that unveils the real
horror right before your eyes; ie – The Shining (1980). All this mixed with the
bitingly sardonic aesthetic and outlook of Alex Payne’s Election (1999).
Like Thoroughbreds Bad Education’s ending is
surreal, but this time the point is clear and makes a powerful impact when all the
characters choices are made and all things are said and done. Bad Education will
be seen as a classic in years time, exposing the truth of a corrupt school
system and White-Collar greed, but truly will be Cory Finley’s masterpiece,
looking back. 9/10.
- - Maurice
Jones
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