The Professor and the Madman

The Professor and the Madman

Year: 2019

Runtime: 124 min

Language: English

Director: Farhad Safinia

BiographyDramaMysteryThriller

During the Victorian era, Professor James Murray undertakes the ambitious project of creating the Oxford English Dictionary. He finds an invaluable, unexpected ally in Dr. William Minor, a brilliant former army doctor incarcerated at Broadmoor Asylum following a puzzling crime. Working in secret, Minor contributes over ten thousand essential entries to the dictionary, forging an extraordinary and complex partnership with the professor.

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Timeline & Setting – The Professor and the Madman (2019)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Professor and the Madman (2019). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1872-1928

This period is marked by significant developments in language, literature, and mental health practices. The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the rise of modern psychiatry, influencing how society viewed mental illness. The completion of the Oxford English Dictionary in 1928 became a landmark achievement, documenting the evolution of the English language.

Location

London, Broadmoor, Oxford

The film unfolds in the fog-laden streets of 1872 London, a city known for its rich history and cultural significance. Broadmoor is a notorious psychiatric hospital where Dr. Minor's struggles are heightened by his confinement amid madness. Oxford serves as the intellectual hub where the Oxford English Dictionary is being created, representing the pursuit of knowledge and language.

🏙️ City 🏥 Asylum 📚 University

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:38

Main Characters – The Professor and the Madman (2019)

Meet the key characters of The Professor and the Madman (2019), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Dr. William Chester Minor (Sean Penn)

Dr. Minor is a deeply conflicted character, haunted by his past actions, which lead to his classification as insane. His journey through madness is punctuated by moments of clarity and compassion, particularly in how he engages with others like Professor Murray and Eliza. He embodies the struggle for redemption against a backdrop of trauma.

🩺 Surgeon 😞 Trauma ☁️ Hallucinations

Professor James Murray (Mel Gibson)

Professor Murray is a dedicated and compassionate scholar leading the monumental task of compiling the Oxford English Dictionary. His encounter with Dr. Minor changes his perspective on mental health, fostering a significant friendship that transcends their circumstances. He represents intellect and perseverance amidst societal pressures.

📘 Scholar 🤝 Friendship 📈 Perseverance

Eliza Merrett (Natalie Dormer)

Eliza is a pivotal figure in Dr. Minor’s life, representing both guilt and hope. Initially filled with resentment towards Minor for his actions, she gradually forms a bond with him that brings mutual healing. Eliza embodies the complexities of forgiveness and the impact of compassion on mental health.

❤️ Forgiveness 👩‍👧 Motherhood 🌼 Compassion

Dr. Richard Brayn (Stephen Dillane)

Dr. Brayn is the director of Broadmoor who recognizes Minor's intelligence and skill, allowing him some freedom within the asylum. His character reflects the shifting attitudes toward treatment of the mentally ill and the balance between care and control.

🏥 Asylum Director 🡻 Authority ⚖️ Ethics

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:38

Major Themes – The Professor and the Madman (2019)

Explore the central themes of The Professor and the Madman (2019), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧠 Mental Health

The theme of mental health is central to the film, as it explores the complexities of Dr. Minor's condition and his struggle with hallucinations. The narrative presents a compassionate view of mental illness, showcasing how friendships and intellectual pursuits provide solace and a path to redemption. It highlights the importance of understanding and empathy in the realm of mental health.

📖 Friendship

Friendship is portrayed as a powerful force that fosters healing and understanding in times of distress. The bond between Dr. Minor and Professor Murray becomes a source of strength, allowing them to confront their personal demons together. Their relationship underscores the human connection's role in overcoming life’s challenges.

🔍 Redemption

The quest for redemption drives the characters, particularly Dr. Minor, as he grapples with guilt over his past actions. His efforts to contribute to the dictionary project symbolize his desire to atone for his mistakes. This theme emphasizes that redemption can be found through meaningful acts and the impact one can have on others’ lives.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:38

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The Professor and the Madman Summary

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The Professor and the Madman Summary

The Professor and the Madman Timeline

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The Professor and the Madman Timeline

More About The Professor and the Madman

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