• You can tell Bad Education is a very good film because as we near the conclusion there is a great interest in the story arcs and resolution for at least three characters: Hugh Jackman’s Frank Tassone, Allison Janney’s Pam Gluckin, and Geraldine Viswanathan’s Rachel Bhargava
  • Strong opening- a tracking shot behind Jackman’s character with Ray Romano’s character touting all the achievements. As Jackman’s character makes his way to the crowd we’re going with him—it’s like a boxer going to the ring or a rock star making his way to the stage
  • Jackman’s first meeting with Viswanathan’s character is brilliant as well- it’s an ironic sliding doors moment- twist of fate for the narrative- but it also shows what a powerful educator and charismatic character he is
  • He’s more than that of course- it’s a great character and nice resume-builder for Jackman. His Frank Tassone is a motivator, manipulative (love his “let’s tease this out” prodding to the board), a spin-doctor, smooth-operator, intelligent and disciplined.
  • I get the name- but wish we had a different title – same as the not-so-distant-past Almodovar film
  • Michael Abels’s score (worked with Jordan Peele on Us, Get Out) stirs up anxiety and dread
  • It’s a character study and a true-life crime and investigation story—I see some Fargo here, Shattered GlassAll the President’s Men
  • Recommend but not in the top 10 of 2019