🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Wayne Roberts
- Genre: Drama, Comedy
- Release year: 2018
- Runtime (length): 1h 30min
- IMDb rating: 6.7/10 (42K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 11%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Johnny Depp gets cancer and decides to become a more chaotic version of Robin Williams from *Dead Poets Society*, but with more booze and casual sex.
🍿 The Professor: Detailed Plot Synopsis
A Life-Altering Diagnosis
Richard Brown, a college professor, receives devastating news: he has terminal lung cancer and only a few months to live without treatment. The news shakes him to his core, and he begins to question his life and choices.

Family Secrets and Revelations
Richard attempts to share his diagnosis with his family at dinner, but the evening takes a dramatic turn. His daughter, Olivia, comes out as lesbian, while his wife, Veronica, reveals she’s having an affair with the university’s chancellor. This leaves Richard feeling even more isolated and disconnected.

Unconventional Teaching Methods
Determined to live life to the fullest, Richard abandons his traditional teaching methods. He becomes brutally honest with his students, encouraging them to embrace life and reject mediocrity. This leads to a smaller, more engaged class, but also raises eyebrows around campus.

Embracing Chaos and Seeking Connection
As Richard’s health declines, he embraces a life of reckless abandon. He indulges in alcohol, drugs, and even a sexual encounter with a student. However, amidst the chaos, he also seeks genuine connection with his family and friends, attempting to mend broken relationships.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Richard (Johnny Depp): A college professor who, after receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis, decides to live life to the fullest by breaking social conventions and expressing his true feelings.
- Veronica (Rosemarie DeWitt): Richard’s wife, who is having an affair with the university chancellor and struggles with her strained relationship with both her husband and daughter.
- Olivia (Odessa Young): Richard’s daughter, who comes out as lesbian and seeks acceptance from her parents while navigating her own identity.
- Peter (Danny Huston): Richard’s long-time friend and colleague who provides support and struggles to come to terms with Richard’s impending death.
- Claire (Zoey Deutch): A student in Richard’s class who forms a connection with him and appreciates his unconventional approach to life and teaching.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Richard: “In each and every moment we’re composing stories of our lives, let’s aim to make it a meaningful read… or at least an interesting one.” – Richard shares his philosophy on life with his students, urging them to live intentionally.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $8 million
- Domestic Gross: $334,440
- Worldwide Gross: $3,645,308
💥 The Professor Reviews
Personal Review
I went into this movie expecting a generic, feel-good cancer story, but I was pleasantly surprised. Johnny Depp’s performance is really what makes the film worthwhile. It felt so real, like he was genuinely going through something. The scene where he confronts his wife about her affair, but in his own ‘Richard’ way, was particularly impactful. Definitely worth a watch if you are a Depp fan.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Johnny Depp”
- “Viewers interested in dark comedies”
- “Those who enjoy films about existential themes”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Strong language”
- “Sexual content”
- “Drug use”
- “Mature themes related to terminal illness”
Professional Reviews
- IMDb: “Depp delivers a captivating performance as a professor embracing life’s final chapter. The film balances dark humor with poignant moments, though some may find the narrative predictable. It’s a worthwhile watch for Depp’s nuanced portrayal and the film’s exploration of mortality.
- Rotten Tomatoes: “While the movie treads familiar ground, Johnny Depp’s performance injects life into the character. The supporting cast is commendable, but the film’s impact hinges on Depp’s ability to convey both humor and heartbreak.
Audience Reactions
Depp’s acting was phenomenal, bringing both humor and pathos to a difficult role.: Viewers appreciated Depp’s return to form and the movie’s exploration of living life to the fullest.
The supporting cast, especially Danny Huston, added depth to the story.: Many found the film to be both funny and heartbreaking, creating a memorable viewing experience.
Overall Consensus: Overall, The Professor is viewed as a flawed but worthwhile film, primarily due to Johnny Depp’s strong performance and its exploration of mortality. Its blend of humor and drama resonated with many viewers.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film was originally titled ‘Richard Says Goodbye’.”
- “Filming took place at Royal Roads University in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.”
- “The dedication at the end of the film is to Johnny Depp’s mother, Betty Sue Depp.”
🖥️ How to Watch The Professor?
The Professor is available for streaming through various platforms. You can find it for rent or purchase on Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options as well.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Professor, you might like these similar films:
- Dead Poets Society (1989): Both films feature unconventional teachers who inspire their students to live passionately and challenge societal norms.
- American Beauty (1999): Explores themes of midlife crisis, dissatisfaction, and breaking free from societal expectations in a darkly comedic way.
- 50/50 (2011): Deals with the subject of cancer in a similar way.
🛒 The Professor Related Products
- The Philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche: Explore the philosophical influences behind Richard’s ‘live life to the fullest’ attitude with this collection of Nietzsche’s key works. Delve into existentialism and the will to power.
- Whiskey Decanter Set: Enjoy your whiskey in style with this elegant decanter set, reminiscent of Richard’s preferred coping mechanism. A sophisticated way to relax and contemplate life’s big questions.
- Johnny Depp Autographed Photo: A rare, autographed photo of Johnny Depp. A valuable piece for any Depp fan, commemorating his performance in ‘The Professor’ and his iconic career.
🎧 Soundtrack
The Professor features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
The Professor is a dramedy about a college professor who, after being diagnosed with terminal cancer, decides to live his life with reckless abandon, challenging societal norms and seeking genuine connection.
The Professor was filmed in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, primarily at Royal Roads University, which served as the backdrop for the university scenes.
No, The Professor is not based on a true story. It is a work of fiction written and directed by Wayne Roberts.
🔥 Bonus Content
The Professor | Film Explained in Hindi/Urdu Summarized हिन्दी | Hindi Voice Over
Ever wondered what ‘The Professor’ was *really* about? This video breaks it down in Hindi/Urdu, and even if you don’t speak the language, it gives you an idea of how deeply some people have analyzed the movie. I find it interesting to see other perspectives; you might too!
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