Do you love talking about Films? Are you trying to watch more films in English?
Thinking in English is hosting another Film Club!- 18:00 UTC on Wednesday 29th May!
Join us to discuss…. Dead Poets Society!
You can find more details on how to participate on Patreon and Discord!
Film Club – Dead Poets Society – Conversation Questions –
Useful Resources – Vocabulary – Example Answers
What is the Thinking in English Film Club?
The Film Club is a great opportunity for Thinking in English Patreon members to practice their conversational English by discussing a film with other members.
In each session we will talk about one film, please try to watch it before attending! Just like in the normal Conversation Clubs we will provide 10 questions about the film to help to inspire you.
You can find these (and some other useful resources) below…
For our next meeting on Wednesday 29th May, we will be discussing a Dead Poets Society, a moving and inspiring film about an inspirational teacher in an ultra-conservative boys private school. The film commands us to live by the motto “carpe diem” while exploring the difficulties of doing this in the real world.
Dead Poets Society
(1989)
What is Dead Poets Society?
Here is a movie description for Dead Poets Society!
“Dead Poets Society” follows a group of quietly rebellious teenagers at a very strict and traditional private boys’ boarding school.
A new teacher, played by Robin Williams, arrives at the school and inspires the boys to see the world in a new way through great literature.
The film explores the difficulty of balancing rebellion and moderation. The second half of the film contains moments of youthful joy, chaos, love and intense tragedy.
While Dead Poets Society is often considered to be deeply inspirational and life-affirming, its message is complex. It does not offer simple answers and leaves many open questions.
Conversation Questions and Talking Points!
- What did you think about the character of John Keating (the teacher)? Can you think of reasons why he might be seen as a good and bad teacher?
- Compare the main student characters and their relationships: Neil, Todd, Charlie and others. Were there people with similar characteristics at your school?
- Do you identify with any of the students in particular?
- What emotions did the film evoke in you?
- What do you think of the school? Is there a place for schools like this in the modern world?
- “Show me the heart unfettered by foolish dreams and I’ll show you a happy man.” What do you think of this quotation?
- Why do you think the Dead Poets Society meetings in the cave were so important to these young men?
- How does Keating inspire the different students in different ways?
- Let’s talk about Neil Perry. Why do you think he did what he did and what impact did this moment have on you?
- What is the role of poetry in the film? Why do you think it has such a powerful influence on these young men?
And finally, how would you describe the film to someone who has never seen it before? Would you recommend it? Why?
Do you have any more thoughts or questions about Never Let Me Go? Why not prepare 1 or 2 more of your own questions or opinions about the film?!
Useful Resources
To help you prepare for the Film Club, you might want to look at the following useful online resources:
Playlist of Dead Poets Society clips on YouTube:
IMDb Page
IMDb page where you can find everything about the film including: Videos, Characters, Cast and Crew, Plot Synopsis, Quotes, Reviews and more!
Guardian Film Review
Review of Dead Poets Society written by Sarfraz Manzoor for The Guardian
YouTube Analysis
Video Analysis by Dark Bunny Film Reviews
Vocabulary
Dead Poets Society Vocabulary
Learn and practice vocabulary for this Conversation Club!.
Practice using 5 different study games and activities – including writing, listening, and memorisation techniques!
Flashcards
Matching Game
Learning Game
Test Yourself
General Film Vocabulary
Learn and practice vocabulary for this Thinking in English Conversation Club.
Practice using 5 different study games and activities – including writing, listening, and memorisation techniques!
Flashcards
Matching Game
Learning Game
Test Yourself
Listening and Spelling
Example Answers
Example answers to question 4 – “What emotions did the film evoke in you?”
B1 Example Answer
B2 Example Answer
C1 Example Answer
See you all at the Film Club!
