Mr. Holland's Opus (1995)

Mr. Holland's Opus is one of those movies that I watch once a year. I treasure it dearly, and have yet to grow tired of what the movie has to offer. In fact, I'm almost wondering why I'm not giving it the "You Already Take me There" treatment. It's mostly laziness I imagine.

The film is about the career of a musician named Glenn Holland (Richard Dreyfuss) who has decided to teach high school music to support his wife (and eventually his son) while trying to write an opus that will bring him fame and respect. The story starts us off on his very first day as a high school teacher in the 1960's, and it takes us all the way through the mid '90's. Along the way, we meet several students who cross paths with Mr. Holland during their transition into adulthood.

I'm pretty fond of movies that try to capture the life of just one person; like Forrest Gump, or A Beautiful Mind. This particular movie is of interest to me as I am studying to become a high school teacher. I'm well aware that Mr. Holland's Opus romanticizes what it is to be a high school teacher, but I don't mind. I'm also very well aware that when I meet the love of my life, I won't burst into song while being backed up by a 70-piece orchestra. I have the ability to let myself enjoy this movie without being swept up by false promises for my future.

The very first thing that strikes me about this movie is the music. Michael Kamen's interpretation of Mr. Holland's opus can be heard playing over the opening credits while images of Richard Dreyfuss immersing himself in the music contained, at this point, only in his mind. I love this score, and thank heavens for that! It's always tough when watching characters in a movie compliment somebody for putting together absolute crap. Mr. Holland's opus emerges again and again throughout the movie interspersed with pop songs from each decade as we move along the timeline. Like most film music, it provides the soul of the picture.

The next item that I can't go without saying is Richard Dreyfuss. Like the music, he helps the movie soar to fantastic heights. I believe he received an Oscar nomination for this role, and if he didn't, shame on the Academy. There's so much great material for Dreyfuss to work with. Glenn Holland has much to deal with externally and internally. It's the kind of character that I imagine a lot of actors would enjoy.

If you haven't seen this one, please check it out. I'm fairly certain you'll leave your television on a good note.