Reviewed by Rama Gaind.
Writer-director: Adam Dick, Defiant Screen Entertainment.
Cast: David Dastmalchian, Kevin Pollak, Curtis Edward Jackson, Matthew Garry.
Whether it is through physical violence, behind a screen or spreading a rumour, bullying comes in numerous disguises. Whether it’s direct or indirect, this kind of behaviour is never healthy, for those being intimidated and the oppressors.
The eternal effects of bullying impacts both sides, with the bystander also being potentially plagued by regret. There’s a fleeting sense of superiority the tormenter will relish, and when their fragile ascendancy recedes, the tyrant, if consistent, will come back for more.
This is unusual scenario as a high school English teacher James Lewis (Dastmalchian, The Dark Knight) receives word that his students are getting bullied. He then takes it upon himself to provide protection for his students. His methods, however, prove to be questionable, to say the least.
A dedicated teacher, James has a few personal problems – including a divorce, alcoholism and anger issues to deal with – but he cares about the students.
Moral standards are in question. A mean streak is apparent in the young victim Preston Walsh (Garry). He seeks revenge on one of the boys who is ill-treating him, Tim Cooper (Jackson).
While Jackson delivers standout acting, in the role of his successful and ambitious father Bernard, Pollak adds credence to the film.
Dick adapted his short film into a debut feature of the same name. He handles it with self-assurance. Teacher has vigour and does not stagger in desolation even though nobody understandably appears happy.
Correctly name the victim in this film and you could be one of our three DVD winners of Teacher. Entries should be sent to [email protected] by Monday, 23 March 2020. Names of the winners will be announced in Frank Cassidy’s PS-sssst…! column on 24 March 2020.
