The Browning Version

Browning Version, The (1994)...Tom Gilbert, (directed by Mike Figgis)

Plot Synopsis: described as an "Albert Finney vehicle". Julian plays a teacher sent to replace the retiring Finney character, and they argue over class curriculum.

The call you "The Hitler of the Lower 5th", after all....

Review: the feeling of a period film, if not the reality. Albert Finney plays the retiring Classics teacher at a British school for boys. Dealing with forced-retirement, ill health and marriage problems could really drag a man down. Add to that knowing that the new language teacher (Julian) is planning on replacing Classics with modern languages, and you've definitely got a man struggling with himself and his life. Quite in contrast to the other two films he's done with Julian, Mike Figgis really manages a very British feel to the whole project, more akin to Room With a View than Leaving Las Vegas. Interestingly, Julian's character isn't the cocky, modern-language enthusiast you might imagine he'd be: rather he's nervous about his new teaching assignment, awkward and worried about the impression he makes on his esteemed predecessor, afraid he won't be able to discipline his students, and clearly looking forward to having his family join him at the school the next term as a relief from the newness of the environment. The story's all Finney's, with Matthew Modine in a fine performance as the young, well-liked American science teacher, but Figgis clearly shows that he knows how to use Julian in a non-lead role, making him a clear catalyst in the struggles of Finney's character, while allowing him to have a life of his own.3 stars

Availability: generally available at most video stores for rental, may also be available for purchase at some large video outlets.

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