The Professor and the Madman (2019)

Introduction
"The Professor and the Madman" is an American-Irish drama film directed by Farhad Safinia, under the pseudonym P.B. Shemran, launched in 2019. This historic period movie is an adaptation of Simon Winchester's novel "The Surgeon of Crowthorne". Notable stars include Mel Gibson, Sean Penn, Natalie Dormer, and Eddie Marsan in popular functions. The story focuses on the production of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) and the unanticipated relationship in between its main editor and a psychological asylum prisoner.

Plot Synopsis
The movie is set in the mid-19th century; Mel Gibson stars as Sir James Murray, a Scottish scholar, lexicographer, and philologist charged with putting together words for the very first edition of the OED. Despite dealing with ridicule and skepticism from the conventional academic circle, Murray entreats the English-speaking world at large to submit words and quotations for the task.

Sean Penn plays Dr. William Chester Minor, an American Army surgeon tragically haunted by his violent past during the American Civil War. He is residing at the Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum, founded guilty for killing an innocent man in a state of paranoid misconception. One day, he discovers Murray's call for contributions in a book and starts sending thousands of entries from his separated asylum cell.

Unlikely Friendship and Collaboration
Murray, uninformed of Minor's hollow presence and psychological instability, values his submitted entries and welcomes him to the Oxford University. When he ultimately learns about Minor's situations, instead of severing ties, he feels sorry for him. A deeply impactful friendship blooms in between the two through their shared love of words and linguistics.

Climax and Conclusion
Despite his substantial contributions to the OED, Minor's mental health deteriorates, leading him to mutilate himself. At The Same Time, Eliza Merrett, wife of the man Minor murdered, forgives Minor, causing a wave of mental relief for him. Murray, facing great pressure and condemnation, is ultimately asked to step down from his position of assembling the dictionary. However, he declines, mentioning that the dictionary is not for the elites but for every commoner. Later, back at the asylum, Minor sees a vision of Merrett telling him that he is released.

Crucial Reception
Regardless of boasting a star-studded cast and engaging storyline, "The Professor and the Madman" has actually gotten mixed evaluations from critics, with Rotten Tomatoes providing it a 43% approval rating. Some audiences applauded it for its deep expedition of literature, linguistics, mental illness stigma, and societal understanding. On the other hand, others slammed it for its inconsistent storytelling and pacing. Nonetheless, the performances of Gibson and Penn as the unusual duo have actually been admired for their depth and intensity. Overall, "The Professor and the Madman" stands as a genuine though imperfect illustration of a profound historical tale of friendship, redemption, and shared passion.

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