The Professor and the Madman Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two dudes, one obsessed with words and the other with not being shanked in the loony bin, accidentally create a dictionary.

🍿 The Professor and the Madman: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Commission of a Lifetime

In 1857, Professor James Murray, a brilliant linguist but an outsider to Oxford’s academic elite, is tasked with compiling the first Oxford English Dictionary. The scale of the project is daunting, requiring the cataloging of every word in the English language, along with its etymology and usage examples. Murray decides to enlist the help of the public, appealing for contributions from readers across the British Empire.

An Unlikely Contributor

Dr. William Chester Minor, an American Civil War veteran suffering from severe mental illness, resides in Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum after committing a murder fueled by his delusions. Despite his condition, Minor is highly intelligent and well-read. He comes across Murray’s appeal and begins submitting entries to the dictionary project. Minor’s contributions prove to be invaluable, quickly making him one of Murray’s most prolific and reliable sources.

A Growing Friendship

Murray and Minor develop a close bond through their shared passion for language. Murray is deeply grateful for Minor’s help, while Minor finds purpose and solace in contributing to the dictionary. Murray eventually visits Minor at Broadmoor, forging a connection that transcends their vastly different circumstances. Their collaboration faces scrutiny and opposition as the Oxford committee discovers Minor’s identity as a convicted murderer.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• James Murray (Mel Gibson): A brilliant and determined professor tasked with compiling the Oxford English Dictionary.
• Dr. William Chester Minor (Sean Penn): A criminally insane doctor who becomes a major contributor to the Oxford English Dictionary.
• Eliza Merrett (Natalie Dormer): The widow of the man killed by Dr. Minor, who develops a complex relationship with him.
• Ada Murray (Jennifer Ehle): James Murray’s supportive wife who champions his work and the importance of recognizing Minor’s contributions.
• Frederick James Furnivall (Steve Coogan): An academic who champions Murray’s unconventional approach to compiling the dictionary.
• Dr. Richard Brayn (Stephen Dillane): The doctor studying Minor’s habits at the Asylum.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• James Murray: “The more impossible, the greater the love.” – Murray says this to Minor about Eliza, suggesting that love can overcome even the most difficult circumstances.
• James Murray: “Well… what I know of love is that the sickness often becomes the cure.” – Said to Dr. Minor, suggesting love can heal even a sick heart.
• Dr. William Chester Minor: “Who’s she?” – Dr. Minor question after seeing Eliza Merrett for the first time.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $25,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $2,074,476
• Worldwide Gross: $5,098,627

💥 The Professor and the Madman Reviews

Personal Review

I really enjoyed “The Professor and the Madman” despite all the behind-the-scenes drama. Sean Penn’s portrayal of Dr. Minor was incredible – heartbreaking and captivating! I was completely drawn into his world. Gibson also did a solid job as Professor Murray, bringing a quiet strength to the character. The scenes in the asylum were particularly powerful and disturbing. I found myself completely invested in their unlikely friendship and their shared passion for words. I know some people thought it was slow, but I liked the pacing; it gave the story room to breathe.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “History buffs”
  • “Fans of period dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about language and lexicography”
  • “Those who enjoy films exploring mental illness and redemption”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Scenes of violence and disturbing imagery related to mental illness”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “The film’s strength lies in its performances, especially from Penn and Gibson, portraying a complex relationship. While the pacing may feel slow to some, it allows for a deep exploration of the characters and their internal struggles. The historical setting is well-realized, adding to the film’s authenticity. However, the legal drama surrounding its production may overshadow its artistic merit.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “While the premise is intriguing, the execution feels somewhat disjointed. The film struggles to balance the dictionary’s creation with the personal struggles of the characters. The performances are solid, but the narrative lacks the necessary emotional punch to truly resonate. It’s a well-intentioned film that ultimately falls short of its potential.
• Metacritic: “The film offers a visually appealing and historically accurate portrayal of Victorian England, but the storyline feels somewhat underdeveloped. The characters are interesting, but their motivations are not always clear. The pacing can be slow, and the overall impact is less than expected, given the talent involved.

Audience Reactions

Sean Penn’s performance is Oscar-worthy and the story is incredibly thought-provoking.: Viewers praise the stellar performances of Sean Penn and Mel Gibson, highlighting the film’s profound storytelling and emotional depth.

The cinematography and costume design beautifully capture the atmosphere of Victorian England.: The film’s rich historical detail, from the sets to the costumes, contributes to an immersive and authentic viewing experience.

Overall Consensus: A thought-provoking historical drama elevated by strong performances, particularly from Sean Penn, though some viewers may find the pacing slow.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Mel Gibson acquired the rights to Simon Winchester’s book in 1999, spending years trying to bring the story to the screen.”
• “Due to a legal dispute, Mel Gibson and the original director Farhad Safinia disowned the final product, resulting in Safinia being credited under the pseudonym P.B. Sherman.”
• “Filming was not allowed to take place in Oxford, England, leading to Trinity College in Ireland being used as a substitute.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Professor and the Madman?

The Professor and the Madman is available to rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on streaming services and cable providers. Physical copies (DVD and Blu-ray) can be purchased from major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Professor and the Madman, you might like these similar films:

• Good Will Hunting (1997): Explores the theme of a brilliant but troubled individual finding purpose and connection through mentorship and intellectual pursuits.
• A Beautiful Mind (2001): Portrays a brilliant but mentally ill mathematician and his struggles with schizophrenia, similar to Dr. Minor’s character.
• The King’s Speech (2010): Another historical drama about overcoming personal obstacles (a speech impediment) to achieve a significant goal.

🛒 The Professor and the Madman Related Products

• The Professor and the Madman (Blu-ray): Own the physical copy of the film in high definition, including bonus features like behind-the-scenes footage and cast interviews.
• The Surgeon of Crowthorne: A Tale of Murder, Madness and the Oxford English Dictionary: Read the original book by Simon Winchester that inspired the movie and explore the fascinating true story in greater detail.
• Oxford English Dictionary – Complete Edition: Own the complete version of the Oxford English Dictionary, a testament to the film’s central theme and the characters’ dedication.
• Victorian Era Fashion Costume: A clothing or accessory inspired by Victorian era fashion

🎧 Soundtrack

The Professor and the Madman features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Professor and the Madman (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)” – performed by Bear McCreary
• “Victorian Ballad” – performed by Alistair Sung

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

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