Oh Captain my captain is a poem about a captain who leads his men to victory but dies on the way home. A fitting metaphor for the story, as it is for Robin Williams life.
I was a teacher for 17 years and every year I would show the "carpe diem" scene to all my classes and would try to make them understand that some films had the power to "change" them. This was one of those films. Unfotunately most of my 11th graders did not have the mentality to want to have "extraordinary" lives. I would also combine the words to "I Hope You Dance" ...tell me who wants to look back on those years and wonder, where have those years gone?" Of all the films that have changed me, this film has changed me the most!
I saw this movie when it first came out in 1989. I was so impressed by the message in the movie to live one’s life according to one’s own passion instead of being trapped by society’s dead rituals. I took my children to see it. I always taught them to be themselves and not get trapped by other people’s opinions. My greatest concern in letting them see the movie was the suicide near the end. We talked about it and discussed why it happened. The movie reminded me of a kind of unconventional teacher I had in elementary school in the 60’s. One day out of the week, the lesson was short and he would tell stories that touched our imaginations. Mr Burns inspired me to write stories and to be a confident public speaker. I thought about Mr Burns as I watched the movie. A good movie with inspirational messages for people to look inside of oneself for the answers to life’s questions.
Thank you for sharing about Mr Burns. I think we all have (or at least I hope we do) a teacher or someone who really connected with us and made a difference in our lives.
I think even more foundationally, the movie speaks to conformity. Ritualistic behavior is the the result of the justification of mass conformity; “why do we do this?” “Because it’s how it’s always been.” The moral of the movie is, I think, the lesson of: no matter how many people walk a certain path, “the marrow of life” is found in walking to the unique beat of your own drum. Living deliberately, and not passively. Seizing the day, rather then letting the day seize you.
I have both a "Yes" and "No" reaction to your comments about rituals and conformity in Dead Poets Society. Yes, I do think each person needs to find his or her place and purpose in life. Yes, it would be a bad idea if your life was driven by someone else (such as Neil's life being driven by Mr. Perry). Yes, you also need to take risks and occasionally be adventurous. However, the "No" part comes in at social relationships. This is where some degree of "conformity" is necessary. For example, in many jobs in many industries, you cannot be too much of an outlier. You have to be a bit of a team player. That is why in interviews, the interviewer is looking to see if the candidate has the right personality to "fit in with the culture." Because, if you don't, no one will want to work with you after a while. We could also talk about friendships, even in school. Sure, I get the idea that a person should not cave in so much to peer pressure. However, you need to watch some of the things you say and do. Part of it is so it allows you to find "your people". Another part of it is something Mr. Keating mentioned to Charlie after he got paddled. You cannot go too far with your antics. Everyone has a stopping point to toleration. To not "choke on the bone". It reminds me of the episode of House in which he was dealing with a young girl who seeming was a dwarf like her mother. House confronted her mother at the end (since the mother was fighting hard enough against House), and something like, "Then why stop there? Why don't you poke her eye out and see how interesting she would be then. ... How strong do you really want her to be?" Plus, some degree of conformity and ritual is necessary in intimate/romantic relationships, too. There are certain patterns that "normal" people tend to look for and need. Particularly if you are looking for a spouse. You tend to look for similar interests and values. Maybe even similar occupations. You look for someone responsible and somewhat studious. You need to see the other person willing to simmer, to take the time to slowly get to know you. To not rush things, to be able to give each the time and space for the relationship to grow and flourish. Sure, it's conformity and ritualistic, but it also works. And it is preferred. Where it goes off the rails is where trouble lies, and an example of this is in this very movie. Knox Overstreet. He took several steps, that either in our own setting or in his, could easily been seen as inappropriate. He arguably "love-bombed" Chris. He went too far too fast. And he kissed her when she started to get tipsy. These are inappropriate boundaries (or lack thereof). Although it worked out in the end, to a degree, we could say that approach in real life could very well have disastrous consequences. It's Hollywood. It's not real. So, I would say, much like Mr. Keating, there needs to be some limits to being creative, individual, or avant-garde. If nothing else, to be a decent and contributing member of society. I didn't say conformist or robot. Just good enough.
I was in my second year of teaching and halfway to completing my PhD in education when Dead Poets Society was released. It changed everything for me and made me a great educator.
Thank you for bringing this back to me. I saw it first when I was 30 yrs old. I loved it then and now at age 72, I love it as much as then. It is truly a beautiful and inspiring film. Robbin Williams was a wonderful actor and seems❤ perfect in this part.
While watching this video, I suddenly remembered that the anchorwoman who announced Robin Williams' death did so while standing on her desk. I think he would have liked it.
I like to think that Robin Williams put just a little of the Genie into all his characters, Mork, Mrs. Doubtfire, Prof. Keating, Peter Pan,Patch Adams, that spark of magic that was, and always will be, unique, special and endearing. He will be missed for a very long, long time.
Maybe that's why Keating doesn't fight the railroading. He decided it wasn't worth it for the school to go down. It was better for him to leave, but in the end, he does feel happy, knowing he did touch the boys in the right way and they won't forget his lessons.
I had forgotten about the truly wonderful movies out there. Not just great actors but great writers. But what we have today is activists eating away at the very fabric of society itself.
Thanks for the great analysis! However it’s a film I think Fathers should embrace. The best way to win the respect of a son is to show your son that you care about his voice and are genuinely invested in his experience of becoming in his own way.
I saw this movie in the theater. Two years later, after much wrestling with my angel, I left the ministry. The lessons it taught were already percolating in my, stirring for a long time but something about this moment and these kids were extraordinarily empowering. I needed to blow up my personal theology and life and allow it to settle back into me in a way that was lively again. I just discovered your channel and love your work. I don't see the Truman Show yet. "Suspicion gives birth to inward growth". Truman "felt" something was not right, and the amazing thing about that hero's journey is he had only one ally, and she was whisked out of his life right when he had barely begun.
I like the fact that this movie didn't go for a conventional happy ending and there were no cliches. The director Peter Weir, has done that in many of his films, which I don't think he gets a lot of credit for.
another lovely analogy (ritual/tradition vs free thinking ). please do one on "Everything Everywhere All At Once". probably my favorite move this so far this year
Wow. Im just at 9:00 and the entire time id been thinking how much dead poet society reminded me of a "shadow" of the gospel story. My kids are teen-23 and i think we will watch this tonight
Cheers Kevin! So great to see this pop up. I had to stop everything and watch it! It was fate that your dad sat with you to watch this movie. It helped you become a rebel. When we don't conform to the programming, we can see through the veil. We can see the truth. I am so glad that you, "found your voice". You are so gifted at this and I am always moved by your insight. How about one of my favorites, the movie, "About Time"?
I just want to leave a comment to tell you that after encountering a video of yours in my feed I proceeded to binge watch them all. I really appreciate these videos you have made, they are some of the best thematic breakdown videos I have ever seen on this site. Thank You.
There is a great interview with Ethan Hawke where he talked about how his final "O captain! my captain!" line meant something totally different to him after Robin died and he realized the original Walt Whitman poem was about the death of Abraham Lincoln.
Lol, I find it amusing that some of the comments here are so negative, ignoring the advice to not go by what the author thinks, but by what you think. Why public denouncement if no one is twisting your arm to see a different side of things? The old”you can’t handle the truth” quote applies. Great thematic analysis here, thank you so much. Now subscribed.
What a great explanation of this film, it got me when I saw it back then and rthe ending always makes me cry! Like all us unvaccinated standing up in what we truly believe right now ... One must never forget what it means to believe in yourself.... Trust your instincts always and follow your heart as it is your journey...Much love 💖
What I feel for you and this channel is quite conflicting. Like a great song or album I'm going to be upset when everyone starts listening but at the same time I'm happy for the artist. I'm sure some who came across this channel before me feel the same about me. I discovered you tonight and have watched every post you've made so far. Thank you
"I stand upon my desk to remind myself that we must constantly look at things in a different way" not at all about stature, rather, all to do with encompassing, personal perspective, understanding, growth and giving. He gives of himself for them, for the future, for all of us. The a very definition of Robin Williams 🥲
(04:45) _“The title of the film comes from a ceremony -- A secret club which [Keating] helped initiate when he was a student of the school.“_ Many will remember the sequence of the Latin lesson in the movie _The Life of Brian,_ but few are aware that John Cleese wrote it based on his experience of learning Latin at a preparatory school -- a class that he later became a teacher of, many years later after he had graduated there. _Carpe diem._
Awsome video and a great analyses, how do you get all those deatils and interprete all this? I would be interested in the meaning of shaun of the dead.
Then I had a vision Then I had religion I could not turn from a revel in division Then I saw the Congo creeping through the black Cutting through the forest with a golden track Then I saw the Congo creeping through the black Cutting through the forest with a golden track Then I saw the Congo creeping through the black Cutting through the forest with a golden track
The movie encapsulates all the great poets: Charles Bukowski Emily Dickinson Etc... Much Madness is Divinest Sense. There is the true meaning of the movie/screenplay. Poets have been saying it since the caveman.
I think this is a great film, but disagree with some of the messaging it portrays: 1. The film portarys Neal's father as the focal point for Neal's suicide or as the antagonist to Keating, but I think this is unfair. The film takes place in 1959 and Neal's father mentioning his own lack of opportunities and the sacrifices he made to get Neal a solid education, I assume Neal's father grew up during post-Great Depression and during few World Wars. With this in mind, a career in the "arts" seems less feasible then one in the sciences and Neal's father did not want him to suffer like he did. 2. Although the film unfairly sets up Keating as being the reason for Neal's suicide via the signed letter, he was culpable. Whether you disagree with the school's pillars of Traditition, Discipline, etc., Keating was well aware of these standards being a prior student himself and should of known his way of teaching was too drastic for the school and there would be some detriments. The boys were not mature enough to handle the seeds (e.g., non-conformity, seize the day, etc.) that Keating planted leading to several issues. Even Keating himself had to explain what he meant to Charlie after the prank he played on the headmaster.
Oh Captain my captain is a poem about a captain who leads his men to victory but dies on the way home. A fitting metaphor for the story, as it is for Robin Williams life.
I was a teacher for 17 years and every year I would show the "carpe diem" scene to all my classes and would try to make them understand that some films had the power to "change" them. This was one of those films. Unfotunately most of my 11th graders did not have the mentality to want to have "extraordinary" lives. I would also combine the words to "I Hope You Dance" ...tell me who wants to look back on those years and wonder, where have those years gone?" Of all the films that have changed me, this film has changed me the most!
Robin Williams is a national treasure
was* :(
Is*, in the sense that his legacy will live forever.
It is a worldwide treasure ❤
“I don’t want to raise a robot. I want to raise a son.”
My favorite movie ... Rest in Peace Robin Williams.
I saw this movie when it first came out in 1989. I was so impressed by the message in the movie to live one’s life according to one’s own passion instead of being trapped by society’s dead rituals. I took my children to see it. I always taught them to be themselves and not get trapped by other people’s opinions. My greatest concern in letting them see the movie was the suicide near the end. We talked about it and discussed why it happened. The movie reminded me of a kind of unconventional teacher I had in elementary school in the 60’s. One day out of the week, the lesson was short and he would tell stories that touched our imaginations. Mr Burns inspired me to write stories and to be a confident public speaker. I thought about Mr Burns as I watched the movie. A good movie with inspirational messages for people to look inside of oneself for the answers to life’s questions.
Thank you for sharing about Mr Burns. I think we all have (or at least I hope we do) a teacher or someone who really connected with us and made a difference in our lives.
I think even more foundationally, the movie speaks to conformity. Ritualistic behavior is the the result of the justification of mass conformity; “why do we do this?” “Because it’s how it’s always been.” The moral of the movie is, I think, the lesson of: no matter how many people walk a certain path, “the marrow of life” is found in walking to the unique beat of your own drum. Living deliberately, and not passively. Seizing the day, rather then letting the day seize you.
I have both a "Yes" and "No" reaction to your comments about rituals and conformity in Dead Poets Society.
Yes, I do think each person needs to find his or her place and purpose in life. Yes, it would be a bad idea if your life was driven by someone else (such as Neil's life being driven by Mr. Perry). Yes, you also need to take risks and occasionally be adventurous.
However, the "No" part comes in at social relationships.
This is where some degree of "conformity" is necessary.
For example, in many jobs in many industries, you cannot be too much of an outlier. You have to be a bit of a team player. That is why in interviews, the interviewer is looking to see if the candidate has the right personality to "fit in with the culture." Because, if you don't, no one will want to work with you after a while.
We could also talk about friendships, even in school. Sure, I get the idea that a person should not cave in so much to peer pressure. However, you need to watch some of the things you say and do. Part of it is so it allows you to find "your people". Another part of it is something Mr. Keating mentioned to Charlie after he got paddled. You cannot go too far with your antics. Everyone has a stopping point to toleration. To not "choke on the bone".
It reminds me of the episode of House in which he was dealing with a young girl who seeming was a dwarf like her mother. House confronted her mother at the end (since the mother was fighting hard enough against House), and something like, "Then why stop there? Why don't you poke her eye out and see how interesting she would be then. ... How strong do you really want her to be?"
Plus, some degree of conformity and ritual is necessary in intimate/romantic relationships, too. There are certain patterns that "normal" people tend to look for and need. Particularly if you are looking for a spouse. You tend to look for similar interests and values. Maybe even similar occupations. You look for someone responsible and somewhat studious. You need to see the other person willing to simmer, to take the time to slowly get to know you. To not rush things, to be able to give each the time and space for the relationship to grow and flourish.
Sure, it's conformity and ritualistic, but it also works. And it is preferred.
Where it goes off the rails is where trouble lies, and an example of this is in this very movie.
Knox Overstreet.
He took several steps, that either in our own setting or in his, could easily been seen as inappropriate. He arguably "love-bombed" Chris. He went too far too fast. And he kissed her when she started to get tipsy. These are inappropriate boundaries (or lack thereof). Although it worked out in the end, to a degree, we could say that approach in real life could very well have disastrous consequences. It's Hollywood. It's not real.
So, I would say, much like Mr. Keating, there needs to be some limits to being creative, individual, or avant-garde. If nothing else, to be a decent and contributing member of society. I didn't say conformist or robot. Just good enough.
I was in my second year of teaching and halfway to completing my PhD in education when Dead Poets Society was released. It changed everything for me and made me a great educator.
I enjoy your cadence, it’s slow and thoughtful, most youtubers talk like they’re getting paid per word.
Thanks!
Literally every youtuber speak soooo slow for me, where have you been?
0mah😅a@@melannydayrethratliff1309
Thank you for bringing this back to me. I saw it first when I was 30 yrs old. I loved it then and now at age 72, I love it as much as then. It is truly a beautiful and inspiring film. Robbin Williams was a wonderful actor and seems❤ perfect in this part.
still makes me shed tears of joy for the hero and community who use and find their voice of love, beauty, inner freedom and wisdom.
While watching this video, I suddenly remembered that the anchorwoman who announced Robin Williams' death did so while standing on her desk. I think he would have liked it.
That's cool.
I like to think that Robin Williams put just a little of the Genie into all his characters, Mork, Mrs. Doubtfire, Prof. Keating, Peter Pan,Patch Adams, that spark of magic that was, and always will be, unique, special and endearing. He will be missed for a very long, long time.
Maybe that's why Keating doesn't fight the railroading. He decided it wasn't worth it for the school to go down. It was better for him to leave, but in the end, he does feel happy, knowing he did touch the boys in the right way and they won't forget his lessons.
I had forgotten about the truly wonderful movies out there. Not just great actors but great writers. But what we have today is activists eating away at the very fabric of society itself.
Well crafted. Great cadence in commentary. Good job🌎💛
This channel is gold. I love your analysis: deep, original, and beautifully delivered. This is the third of your videos that I watch in a row.
this was the first analysis of the film i can agree with. It was a great explenation of your thoughts on the film. thank you
Thank you 🙏 I am honored.
Thanks for the great analysis! However it’s a film I think Fathers should embrace. The best way to win the respect of a son is to show your son that you care about his voice and are genuinely invested in his experience of becoming in his own way.
I agree. I do think fathers should embrace it. Ironically, I shared this movie with my son and he didn't like it. =)
I saw this movie in the theater. Two years later, after much wrestling with my angel, I left the ministry. The lessons it taught were already percolating in my, stirring for a long time but something about this moment and these kids were extraordinarily empowering. I needed to blow up my personal theology and life and allow it to settle back into me in a way that was lively again. I just discovered your channel and love your work. I don't see the Truman Show yet. "Suspicion gives birth to inward growth". Truman "felt" something was not right, and the amazing thing about that hero's journey is he had only one ally, and she was whisked out of his life right when he had barely begun.
Thank you so much for sharing! The Truman Show is one of my favorites.
I like the fact that this movie didn't go for a conventional happy ending and there were no cliches. The director Peter Weir, has done that in many of his films, which I don't think he gets a lot of credit for.
another lovely analogy (ritual/tradition vs free thinking
). please do one on "Everything Everywhere All At Once". probably my favorite move this so far this year
One of my favorite films of all time. Thank you for the beautiful breakdown
Wow. Im just at 9:00 and the entire time id been thinking how much dead poet society reminded me of a "shadow" of the gospel story. My kids are teen-23 and i think we will watch this tonight
Damn brother that was one hell of a break down. Thank you!
I’m glad you liked it.
Cheers Kevin! So great to see this pop up. I had to stop everything and watch it! It was fate that your dad sat with you to watch this movie. It helped you become a rebel. When we don't conform to the programming, we can see through the veil. We can see the truth. I am so glad that you, "found your voice". You are so gifted at this and I am always moved by your insight. How about one of my favorites, the movie, "About Time"?
Good suggestion. And thank you for your thoughtful comment.
I just want to leave a comment to tell you that after encountering a video of yours in my feed I proceeded to binge watch them all. I really appreciate these videos you have made, they are some of the best thematic breakdown videos I have ever seen on this site. Thank You.
Wow, thank you! I am honored.
There is a great interview with Ethan Hawke where he talked about how his final "O captain! my captain!" line meant something totally different to him after Robin died and he realized the original Walt Whitman poem was about the death of Abraham Lincoln.
Thank you! I need to find that interview.
Thanks. Beautiful!
What a really fantastic video essay you've here created. You can really be proud of this work. This mattered to me.
Wow, thank you! That means a lot to me.
Lol, I find it amusing that some of the comments here are so negative, ignoring the advice to not go by what the author thinks, but by what you think. Why public denouncement if no one is twisting your arm to see a different side of things? The old”you can’t handle the truth” quote applies. Great thematic analysis here, thank you so much. Now subscribed.
It's like Patch Adams, he goes behond de conventions, outside of the box just by creating laughter as a cure.
Yes, Patch Adams, which came 9 years after Dead Poets probably wouldn’t exist without the deserved success of the earlier film.
One of my favorite movies, thank you for this great analysis
Thank you!
Great video... you should do one on The Fisher King... probably my favorite Robin Williams movie.
Thanks Kevin, wonderful content. Much appreciated.
Glad you enjoyed it
Secondhand Lions would be a great movie to cover.
That is a fun one with some great actors.
I love this movie. Thanks
i thank you for your service
Thank you!
What a great explanation of this film, it got me when I saw it back then and rthe ending always makes me cry! Like all us unvaccinated standing up in what we truly believe right now ... One must never forget what it means to believe in yourself.... Trust your instincts always and follow your heart as it is your journey...Much love 💖
I thought it was about tribalism, conformity vs individualism. Liberalism vs conservativism. Risk vs safety.
It is that as well.
What I feel for you and this channel is quite conflicting. Like a great song or album I'm going to be upset when everyone starts listening but at the same time I'm happy for the artist. I'm sure some who came across this channel before me feel the same about me. I discovered you tonight and have watched every post you've made so far. Thank you
Wow, thank you D R H. I am honored by your comment.
"I stand upon my desk to remind myself that we must constantly look at things in a different way" not at all about stature, rather, all to do with encompassing, personal perspective, understanding, growth and giving. He gives of himself for them, for the future, for all of us. The a very definition of Robin Williams 🥲
Aw yeah back at it again and great as evrr
Thank you. Definitely, a masterpiece.
Thank you. excellent work
Just happened on this video. Well done! Subscribing now....
Another perfect video
Pay It Forward
(04:45) _“The title of the film comes from a ceremony -- A secret club which [Keating] helped initiate when he was a student of the school.“_
Many will remember the sequence of the Latin lesson in the movie _The Life of Brian,_ but few are aware that John Cleese wrote it based on his experience of learning Latin at a preparatory school -- a class that he later became a teacher of, many years later after he had graduated there.
_Carpe diem._
Interesting
Wonderful channel. Do some Hemmingway if you can.
Thanks for sharing
Fantastic video
That scene where they are brushing their teeth and such is them getting ready for bed.
great analysis 💯
Awsome video and a great analyses, how do you get all those deatils and interprete all this? I would be interested in the meaning of shaun of the dead.
Thank you. That could be a fun one!
Patch Adams
Then I had a vision
Then I had religion
I could not turn from a revel in division
Then I saw the Congo creeping through the black
Cutting through the forest with a golden track
Then I saw the Congo creeping through the black
Cutting through the forest with a golden track
Then I saw the Congo creeping through the black
Cutting through the forest with a golden track
I totally joined in as I read this.😂
What about analysing Fight Club or the new Matrix film?
Yes, thank you for the suggestions!
I don’t think there is anyone who could have done Mr Keating better.
Too true, there isn't! It's a masterpiece.
brilliant
The movie encapsulates all the great poets:
Charles Bukowski
Emily Dickinson
Etc...
Much Madness is Divinest Sense.
There is the true meaning of the movie/screenplay. Poets have been saying it since the caveman.
Soul sacrifice playing by the iluminatti....
Please give your opinion on "The Man Who Would Be King"
DO WICKER MAN!!!! The 70s one
I think this is a great film, but disagree with some of the messaging it portrays:
1. The film portarys Neal's father as the focal point for Neal's suicide or as the antagonist to Keating, but I think this is unfair. The film takes place in 1959 and Neal's father mentioning his own lack of opportunities and the sacrifices he made to get Neal a solid education, I assume Neal's father grew up during post-Great Depression and during few World Wars. With this in mind, a career in the "arts" seems less feasible then one in the sciences and Neal's father did not want him to suffer like he did.
2. Although the film unfairly sets up Keating as being the reason for Neal's suicide via the signed letter, he was culpable. Whether you disagree with the school's pillars of Traditition, Discipline, etc., Keating was well aware of these standards being a prior student himself and should of known his way of teaching was too drastic for the school and there would be some detriments. The boys were not mature enough to handle the seeds (e.g., non-conformity, seize the day, etc.) that Keating planted leading to several issues. Even Keating himself had to explain what he meant to Charlie after the prank he played on the headmaster.
watched this movie recently i found 3 idiot and this movie message are kinda similar
❤ Robin n the clips from times gone by s help getting my mind right herdybhoy aka MC Hercules 1 n😂 s help getting back with reality gbnf,🌍😂🤣😭
I guess your dad was like Neil's dad in a way.
☮️
Evan Almighty
Curso de filosofia
940
mykOhyn
Unsubscribed this s disgusting 🤮
Sorry to disgust you, Charles. Have a great day.
Hahahahha what ?!😂
Sorry your father didn’t like this movie.