The Professor and the Madman

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https://www.transmissionfilms.com.au/films/the-professor-and-the-madman

20/02/2020

Written by Sharon Hurst
hurstosfiveminutefilms.blogspot.com.au

Prof James Murray (Mel Gibson) takes on the daunting task of compiling the most comprehensive dictionary ever. He co-opts volunteer contributors from all over the world. Dr Minor (Sean Penn), contributes thousands of words, but when it comes time for acknowledgments it seems the Doc is a murderer incarcerated in a lunatic asylum. (He's suffering schizophrenia, induced by his experiences in the US Civil War.) A friendship between the men develops, along with a questionable romance between the widow Merrett (Natalie Dormer), whose husband Minor accidentally murdered. Based upon the true story of the compiling of the Oxford Dictionary in 1857, this (possibly) fascinating tale makes for less than fascinating viewing.  Yes, there are interesting snippets about language and the origins of words, and the overall story has potential, but it may be just too hard to bring such a literary feat into the visual realm of gripping cinema. Sean Penn is impressive (is it overacting, or the credible embodiment of lunacy?) but Gibson's Scottish lilt borders upon incomprehensible. However, production values are terrific, as is cinematography, and the insight into the vile treatment of the mentally ill is probably a high point of the film. Eddie Marsan, Jennifer Ehle, Stephen Dillane and Steve Coogan are notable additions to the cast, but overall for me the film fails to soar.