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How do you question authority in a healthy way?

Licensed therapist Jonathan Decker and filmmaker Alan Seawright are reacting to Dead Poets Society with guest Gale Hansen, who plays Charlie Dalton in the film. They talk about Charlie’s character arc, including Nuwanda, and the theme of conformity vs. rebellion. Jonathan talks about the balance of respecting and questioning authority and what happens when you push boundaries. They talk about Keating’s inspirational teaching methods and how he influences the young men. And Gale talks about what it was like to work with our cinema hero, Robin Williams.

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Anonymous

What a fascinating, astute discussion with Gale Hansen about a deeply revered film in my life! I am 67, so I did see "Dead Poet's Society" in the theater upon its release. I am of the generation that went to the theater to watch movies; in my young years, it was before video tapes were even available to rent and watch movies! I was excited for the release of "Dead Poet's Society" because Peter Weir was the director. I had already been truly stunned by the films I had seen by Mr. Weir ("Picnic at Hanging Rock," "Gallipoli," "The Year of Living Dangerously," "Witness"). They were moving stories told beautifully. "Dead Poet's Society" was added to that long list of beloved movies directed by Mr. Weir. I do appreciate the ability to stream movies now because it would be difficult to revisit some of the gems I have experienced if they were not made available in some form. However, I agree with your views about seeing movies in the theater and experiencing an emotionally revelatory story within a community. I hope sometime that you might revisit the "Sword of Damocles" (art versus commerce) that now exists for filmmakers. Gale described the situation as it exists so eloquently and mentioned that it was another story. I would love to hear that story. Bravo to all of you and I am grateful for this. I am going to rewatch it for the nuances of the conversation.

Anonymous

Yes, I love this movie. What an intelligent guest to have on the show. Gale Hansen's reference to my hero Joseph Campbell was intriguing. I hope to get more information on studio executive's choices on what movies are made effected society.

Anonymous

Heather, Joseph Campbell is also one of my first and foremost heroes... "The Hero with A Thousand Faces" changed my perspective of life entirely! Anytime I hear Joseph Campbell's name in conversation, I am instantly engaged.

All mankind

Gale's comment about the ending, where the Man wins, brings to mind the comic book "Saga" explaining the concept of children's books. To paraphrase, "A young person breaks the rules and goes on an adventure and learns the lesson that the rules are there for a reason and there's no place like home. Stories that might frustrate a clever child and encourage them to try breaking the rules and having adventures."