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