Written by Gillie Burciaga
Modified & Updated: 04 Mar 2024
Reviewed by Sherman Smith
An Education is a critically acclaimed coming-of-age drama film that captivated audiences when it was released in 2009. Directed by Lone Scherfig and adapted from a memoir by journalist Lynn Barber, the film transports viewers to 1960s London, where a bright and ambitious teenage girl named Jenny Mellor embarks on a life-altering journey.
Exploring themes of love, education, and self-discovery, An Education takes us on a tumultuous ride filled with compelling characters, captivating storytelling, and stunning cinematography. The film not only delves into the complexities of young adulthood but also offers a window into the socio-cultural landscape of a bygone era.
In this article, we will dive into the world of An Education and uncover 44 fascinating facts about the movie. From behind-the-scenes trivia to memorable performances, these insights will enhance your appreciation of this remarkable film and shed light on its enduring legacy.
Key Takeaways:
- An Education is a captivating movie set in 1960s London, exploring themes of love, independence, and societal expectations, with exceptional performances and an authentic period setting.
- The film’s impact on coming-of-age storytelling is enduring, inspiring filmmakers to tell authentic and meaningful stories, while challenging traditional norms and expectations.
Academy Award Nominated Film
An Education is an Academy Award-nominated coming-of-age drama film released in 2009.
Based on Memoir by Lynn Barber
The movie is based on the memoir of British journalist Lynn Barber, which was published in 2009.
Directed by Lone Scherfig
The film was directed by Danish filmmaker Lone Scherfig, known for her work in the Dogme 95 movement.
Starring Carey Mulligan
The lead role of Jenny Mellor is played by the talented British actress Carey Mulligan.
Set in 1960s London
An Education is set in London during the early 1960s, capturing the essence of the time period.
Coming-of-Age Story
The film tells the story of a teenage girl named Jenny who is seduced by an older man and learns important life lessons along the way.
Critically Acclaimed
An Education received widespread critical acclaim for its screenplay, acting performances, and overall direction.
British Independent Film Awards Winner
The movie won numerous awards at the British Independent Film Awards, including Best Film and Best Actress for Carey Mulligan.
Soundtrack Featuring 1960s Hits
The film’s soundtrack includes popular songs from the 1960s, creating a nostalgic atmosphere.
Oscar-Nominated Performance by Carey Mulligan
Carey Mulligan received an Academy Award nomination for her outstanding performance in the film.
Dominic Cooper’s Memorable Role
Dominic Cooper delivers a memorable performance as David, Jenny’s charming but deceitful love interest.
Screenplay by Nick Hornby
The screenplay for An Education was written by award-winning novelist and screenwriter Nick Hornby.
Peter Sarsgaard’s Compelling Performance
Peter Sarsgaard delivers a compelling performance as David’s mysterious and enigmatic friend.
Reflects Gender Inequality of the Era
An Education explores the gender inequality and societal expectations faced by women in the 1960s.
Deals with Themes of Love and Independence
The film delves into themes of love, independence, and the pursuit of personal happiness.
Successful Limited Release
An Education had a successful limited release, gaining momentum through positive word-of-mouth.
Engaging Storyline
The film’s storyline is captivating and keeps the audience invested in the protagonist’s journey.
Exceptional Cinematography
The movie features exceptional cinematography, capturing the essence of 1960s London in stunning visuals.
Captivating Performances by Supporting Cast
The supporting cast, including Alfred Molina and Rosamund Pike, deliver captivating performances.
Inspiring Coming-of-Age Narrative
The film’s coming-of-age narrative resonates with audiences of all ages, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and personal growth.
Thought-Provoking Dialogue
The movie features thought-provoking and impactful dialogue that stays with the viewers long after the film ends.
Emotional Depth
An Education explores the emotional depths of its characters, portraying their struggles and triumphs with authenticity.
Intimate and Relatable Story
The movie’s intimate and relatable story allows audiences to connect with the characters on a deeper level.
Attention to 1960s Era Details
The film pays meticulous attention to detail, accurately depicting the fashion, music, and social norms of the 1960s.
Important Social Commentary
An Education provides subtle social commentary on the issues of class, education, and societal expectations.
Unique Coming-of-Age Perspective
The film offers a unique perspective on coming-of-age, challenging traditional notions of love, education, and life choices.
Critical Success at Film Festivals
An Education received critical acclaim at various film festivals, garnering praise for its storytelling and performances.
Box Office Success
The movie achieved significant success at the box office, surpassing expectations for an independent coming-of-age film.
Well-Developed Characters
The characters in An Education are well-developed and multidimensional, bringing depth to the story.
Impressive Costume Design
The costume design in the film perfectly captures the fashion trends of the 1960s, enhancing the authenticity of the era.
Impactful Sound Design
The sound design of An Education adds depth and atmosphere to the scenes, contributing to the overall cinematic experience.
Career-Defining Performance by Carey Mulligan
Carey Mulligan’s performance in the film is often regarded as a career-defining moment for the actress.
Engrossing Storytelling
The film’s storytelling is engrossing, keeping the audience engaged from start to finish.
Exploration of Societal Expectations
An Education explores the societal expectations placed upon young women in the 1960s and the consequences of challenging those norms.
Impact on Contemporary Coming-of-Age Films
The impact of An Education can be seen in contemporary coming-of-age films, inspiring filmmakers to tell authentic and meaningful stories.
Authentic Period Setting
The film’s period setting is authentic and immerses the audience in the world of 1960s London.
Award-Winning Adaptation
Nick Hornby’s screenplay adaptation of Lynn Barber’s memoir earned him numerous accolades and awards.
Emotional Rollercoaster
An Education takes the audience on an emotional rollercoaster, evoking a range of feelings throughout the film.
Exploration of Moral Dilemmas
The movie delves into moral dilemmas faced by the characters, challenging their beliefs and values.
Timeless Themes
An Education explores timeless themes of love, betrayal, and self-discovery that resonate with audiences across generations.
Intelligent and Compelling Script
The film’s script is intelligent and compelling, intertwining complex relationships with personal growth.
Expressive Performances
The performances in An Education are expressive, effectively conveying the emotions and inner conflicts of the characters.
Pioneering Attitude towards Female Empowerment
An Education showcases a pioneering attitude towards female empowerment, challenging societal norms and expectations.
Enduring Impact
An Education has had an enduring impact on audiences, its remarkable storytelling continuing to resonate years after its release.
Conclusion
An Education is a mesmerizing film that blends elements of drama, coming-of-age, and romance to deliver a powerful and thought-provoking story. With its stellar performances, compelling screenplay, and beautifully crafted visuals, it captivates audiences and leaves a lasting impact. The film’s exploration of themes such as education, love, societal expectations, and personal growth resonates with viewers of all ages.An Education not only showcases the talents of its cast, led by the remarkable Carey Mulligan, but also highlights the meticulous direction of Lone Scherfig and the evocative cinematography of John de Borman. The nuanced characters and intricate storytelling transport us to 1960s London, immersing us in a world of vibrant colors and stunning period details.Ultimately, An Education reminds us of the importance of questioning societal norms, pursuing our passions, and embracing the complexities of life. It is a film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll, reminding us that true enlightenment often comes from unexpected sources.
FAQs
Q: Who directed the movie An Education?
A: An Education was directed by Lone Scherfig.
Q: Who stars in An Education?
A: Carey Mulligan delivers a stellar performance as the lead character, Jenny, with support from actors such as Peter Sarsgaard, Alfred Molina, and Emma Thompson.
Q: What is the genre of An Education?
A: An Education is a drama film with elements of coming-of-age and romance.
Q: When was An Education released?
A: An Education was released in 2009.
Q: Is An Education based on a true story?
A: Yes, An Education is based on a memoir by Lynn Barber, detailing her own experiences growing up in 1960s suburban London.
Q: What are the major themes explored in An Education?
A: An Education delves into themes such as education, love, societal expectations, personal growth, and the pursuit of one’s passions.
Q: Did An Education receive any awards or nominations?
A: Yes, An Education received critical acclaim and was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Q: What makes An Education worth watching?
A: An Education stands out for its compelling storytelling, exceptional performances, and its ability to challenge societal norms and offer thought-provoking insights into the human experience.
Was this page helpful?
Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.