Dead Poets Society

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Maverick teacher John Keating returns in 1959 to the prestigious New England boys' boarding school where he was once a star student, using poetry to embolden his pupils to new heights of self-expression.

The prestigious boarding school Welton Academy is known for its traditions dating back centuries and their high standards for students. On the first day of junior year, Todd Anderson (Ethan Hawke), is taken aback by his new English teacher, Professor Keating (Robin Williams), and his unusual teaching methods. Keating’s radical approach to poetry and his encouragement of students to ‘seize the day’ sends the boys in his class on a journey of self-discovery in this coming-of-age classic.

Students at Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form, Leeds, have curated and programmed this showing of Dead Poets Society as part of their cinema takeover project at the Hyde Park Picture House. In a talk before the screening, students will analyse the use of poetry in cinema and its importance, followed by a poetry reading exploring themes of conformity and success, education, and life, death, and ‘carpe diem.’

Lower sixth student Taya Tur reflects on the project 'I am excited to present ‘Dead poets society’ (1989) as the Cinema Takeover screening at the Hyde Park Cinema House to showcase the hard work our Notre Dame student team have put into organising this interactive event. I chose Dead Poets Society because of its timeless charm and duality between solidarity and betrayal. This duality explores how education should be- focused on individual exploration rather than memorising the canon.

An oasis in our materialistic world, this film reminds us that morality and art are priceless. This amazing screening is made magical by the atmosphere of the historic Hyde Park Cinema House with its theatre-like auditorium. I hope new audiences thoroughly enjoy Robin Williams’ captivating performance, and those who are re-watching can experience the nostalgic treasure in a matching setting.

‘Through life’s storms, we all need a captain.’