Review PROFESSOR AND THE MADMAN: Unique Collaboration of Two Geniuses in the Compilation of the Oxford Dictionary

Kapanlagi.com - It's always exciting and enjoyable to watch a film that carries the genre of historical drama. In addition to enjoying the storyline that sometimes captivates the audience's emotions, this type of film is also very effective in expanding the knowledge and insight of the audience. Moreover, historical dramas usually explore themes and stories about monumental events that have occurred in a country's civilization.

You will also get that impression when enjoying a film by P.B. Shemran titled PROFESSOR AND THE MADMAN. This approximately 124-minute film is starred by a lineup of seasoned actors whose acting qualities need no doubt. Among them are Mel Gibson, Sean Penn, Natalie Dormer, Eddie Marsan, Jennifer Ehle, and many more. This film is adapted from the 1998 book titled THE SURGEON OF CROWTHORNE or PROFESSOR AND THE MADMAN by Simon Winchester.

Highlight of Amazing Acting by Mel Gibson and Sean Penn

Among the names mentioned above, the main highlight presented to the audience is the acting duo of Mel Gibson and Sean Penn. Mel Gibson is entrusted to portray the character of Professor James Murray, a professor who is proficient in 17 languages and hails from Scotland. He is trusted to complete a national mega project directly from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Of course, this is like a Dream Comes True as well as an interesting challenge to conquer. Meanwhile, Sean Penn plays Dr. William Chester Minor, a medical personnel in wartime who suffers from severe trauma, psychosocial issues, and acute schizophrenia.

Tense Plot of PROFESSOR AND THE MADMAN

The film opens with a horrifying scene where Dr. Minor appears to be hunted by someone who wants to kill him. In chaotic conditions, he finally had to shoot an innocent man who was the breadwinner of a family. Sadly, Dr. Minor shot him in front of his wife and caused severe trauma to the mother of four. In court, it was later decided that Dr. Minor suffered from a mental illness and needed to be treated and rehabilitated in a mental hospital.

Turning to Dr. Murray, in one scene it is told that he was trusted by the distinguished delegation of Oxford University to complete the compilation of the Oxford English Dictionary. Of course, this decision sparked pros and cons, as Murray was considered to have not met various academic requirements because it was mentioned that he dropped out of school at the age of 14. All his proficiency in 17 languages was self-taught.

Initially, the project to create the Oxford English Dictionary was targeted to be completed within seven years. However, missing the target put him in a difficult position and spurred him to come up with a brilliant idea, which was to involve English language users as contributors. From there, a slow connection occurred between Dr. Murray and Dr. Minor, who accidentally read the announcement from a book given to him.

Hearing the announcement, Dr. Minor volunteered to help with the compilation of the Oxford Dictionary. Unexpectedly, his presence as a contributor turned out to be very helpful for Dr. Murray and the team in overcoming all difficulties and obstacles. Although communication is only done through correspondence, Dr. Minor is able to contribute more than 10 thousand words plus definitions and history, even though his health condition is unstable. The plot continues sweetly because the first volume of the Oxford dictionary is finally completed with pride.

But of course, the plot doesn't stop there because many intrigues start to happen. For example, Dr. Murray's colleague who has evil plans, Dr. Minor's unpredictable personality, Dr. Murray's conflicted feelings, betrayal, and the emergence of seeds of love for two important characters in PROFESSOR AND THE MADMAN.

At a glance, the above plot will inform the audience how in the compilation of the Oxford dictionary, there are monumental events worth noting. Basically, PROFESSOR AND THE MADMAN is a historical drama film that spoils, especially for history lovers who have a high interest in language history.

Quality and 'Nutritious' Entertainment

The setting takes place around the 1800s and in this case, a shout out should be given to P.B. Shemran, Nicolas Chartier, and Gastón Pavlovich who are able to present a 'lively' set. The properties used also represent the image of the conditions at that time. Credit should also be given to Mel Gibson who is able to portray Sir James Murray's character so charmingly. He is able to impressively display the thick accent and speaking style of the Scottish people. Murray, who apparently harbors conflicts within himself, betrayal, and the emergence of seeds of love in two important characters in PROFESSOR AND THE MADMAN.

Above plot will inform the audience of the monumental events that are worth watching in the compilation of the Oxford dictionary. Basically, PROFESSOR AND THE MADMAN is a historical drama film that spoils, especially for history lovers who have a high interest in language history.

Quality Entertainment and 'Nutritious'

The setting takes place around the 1800s and in this case, a shout out should be given to P.B.Shemran, Nicolas Chartier, and Gastón Pavlovich who are able to present a 'lively' set. The props used also represent the conditions of that time. Credit should also be given to Mel Gibson who is able to portray the character of Sir James Murray so enchantingly. He can display the thick Scottish accents and speaking style impressively. Not to mention, Sean Penn is also able to showcase excellent acting skills that sometimes in certain scenes can make your hair stand on end. The veteran actor born on August 17, 1960 is able to portray a character that is tortured, sick, in love, and a genius at the same time.

Overall, PROFESSOR AND THE MADMAN is a quality watch that can sway the emotions and thoughts of the audience. The coherent plot with glimpses of the past, dense conversations, and historical facts about the creation of the Oxford dictionary will be a 'quality' presentation that is worth not missing. It's no wonder IMDb rewarded this film with a rating of 7.3.

The good news is that PROFESSOR AND THE MADMAN can now be exclusively watched on Mola TV. What are you waiting for? Explore interesting knowledge about the history of language and the compilation of the Oxford dictionary by watching the film here!

(kpl/zki)