After several weeks of trailors and lots of review buzz in the newspapers, we finally got to see An Education, directed by Lone Scherfig, based on Lyn Barber’s memoir and starring relative newcomer Carey Mulligan (Pride and Prejudice) . Mulligan plays Jenny, a bright and somewhat rebellious private school girl coming of age during in 1960’s England. Her parents want her to attend Oxford University upon graduation and like some parents of today, are intently focussed on building her resume so she can look the part – complete with cello lessons and Latin classes. Her daydreams while listening to French music are, among other things, to speak French, to “visit Paris and wear black” and are seen as ridiculous by the father (superior performance by long time character actor Alfred Molina with over 100 films to his name) who “only wants what is best” for his daughter.
When an older man ( David played creepily by Peter Sarsgaard) enters the picture and sweeps her and her parents off their feet, Jenny is challenged to stay the course as her parents want, or jump ship for a life of fine dining and travel and perhaps a more enjoyable and valuable education. A plot twist that turns everything on its head reveals itself midway.
This film is both funny and touching. Mulligan is wonderful as the dutiful daughter who struggles to please her parents. She is also able to stretch and dress the part of a beautiful young woman out for a night on the town with an older man. Her acting range in the story is enormous and impressive – from teenage temper tantrums to elegant woman– each equally convincing. She definitely stole the show.
Emma Thompson plays the private school Head Mistress. Her role is brief but powerful.
All said, it was a very entertaining 110 minutes with an excellent soundtrack featuring Ray Charles, Mel Torme and Percy Faith.
A Rave Review loved the film and gave it a 4 out of 5.
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