AN EDUCATION (REVIEW)
From
the moment this wise and colourful coming of age story begins, it seems compulsive
to listen to every word of lively dialogue from the array of interesting characters
on hand. This is part due to the successful screenplay adaptation of Lyn Barber's
memoir, from renowned novelist, Nick Hornby ('High Fidelity').
Leading
the extremely talented ensemble is newcomer, Carey Mulligan, playing Jenny - the
16 year old dreaming of leaving her drab, red brick London suburb, circa 1961.
Mulligan exudes a sparkling, intellectual charm, that as the film wears on, still
never quite hides the natural confusion from the teenager within.
When
we are introduced to Jenny, swanning around the damp streets of Twickenham, she
is an obvious bright girl going places. On her down time, she enjoys nothing more
than dropping French phrases into normal conversations and chain smoking with
friends, but in reality, Jenny studies her life away with the intention of being
accepted into the hallowed halls of Oxford University.
Mature
for her age, Jenny, a budding existentialist, wearing mandatory knee high socks,
short skirts and grey sweaters, is always dreaming of an alternative life. Spotting
her at a bus stop in the rain, along comes David. Offering her a lift, or maybe
a 'new outlook', they strike up an unlikely and frowned upon friendship.
Twice
her age, David is a rare and dangerous film Lothario with his skulking manner
and smoothly appealing voice. Maintaining a hypnotic edge over Jenny, the forbidden
pair take in concerts, fine restaurants and smokey jazz clubs with David opening
his young companion's eyes to the world of sin. She becomes sidetracked and a
victim of a good time over what's right. In an awkward moment of false pretence,
he is even able to convince her parents to whisk her away to Paris for the weekend.
This includes romantic involvement which once it begins, can only end one way.
With
such a potent first hour of the film full with unintentionally gripping situations,
the finale is baffling, however unlikely to leave your mind long after leaving
the cinema and sure to insight some opinionated conversations.
The
cast is intriguing. Soon to be seen in the 'Wall Street' sequel ,'Money Never
Sleeps', future award winner, Carey Mulligan is a revelation as the precocious
young woman at the core of an emotional story. Not to be outdone is Peter Sarsgaard
('Boys Don't Cry'), as playboy David, the viewer is unsure whether to like him
or loathe him. Former Bond girl, Rosamund Pike, as one of David's outlandish friends
is impressive, as is veteran Alfred Molina, Olivia Williams and British patriarch,
Emma Thompson in an unforgettable cameo as the headmistress of Jenny's school.
'An
Education' is an addictive film not to be missed.
Shane
A. Bassett
