Peter Weir’s film ‘Dead Poets Society’ Essay

One of the major musical compositions/ideas explored in the Dead Poets Society is that of freedom versus form.The theme of conformity is introduced in the very opening scenes of the film. Close-ups of the boys chanting in unison, all identically clad in their starched uniforms at a ceremony at Welton Academy, we see that they are conforming to the authority of the school.It is the new teacher Mr Keating who, through his unorthodox methods, encourages the boys to challenge this authority, and break free from the traditional, conservative expressive styles of thinking that abide been bore into them at Welton Academy. He wants them to understand that there is more to life than obeying the orders of others, and in this way the film deals with Weirs common theme also explored in Witness and Gallipoli the quest for personal freedom, and the oppressing effects of societys institutions. He inspires them to Maintain thoughts and beliefs in the face of conformity. Keating wants them to b ecome free-thinkers, but he is in a way contradicting himself as he forces his own beliefs and philosophy onto the impressionable students rather than letting them think for themselves.This theme of conformity is paralleled on a personal level in Neils relationship with his go. Mr. Perry wants the best possible future for his son, and therefore has almost impossible expectations of him. Neil, on the other hand, while always obedient to his fathers wishes, wants to know more about himself. Acting was something that Neil discovered he was not only good at and enjoyed, but was also in a sense an escape from his present reality as it allowed him to score to be someone else for a while.Mr Keatings carpe diem (seize the day) attitude inspired Neil to disobey his fathers wishes by secretly starring in the school play. Neils challenging of his fathers authority had devastating consequences, as after a particularly vehement confrontation with him, finally Neil came to consider that the on ly way to obtain freedom was to take his own life. This final act of non-conformity was not something Mr. Keating would have advocated, but was Neils ultimate and desperate defiance towards his father, and a tragicexpression of his independence.