Mr. Drefuss's Opus.

Rating: 9/10 (21 April 2016)

Mr. Holland's Opus (1995): Dir: Stephen Herek / Cast: Richard Dreyfuss, Glenne Headly, Olympia Dukakis Alicia Witt, William H. Macy: Powerful film about those who have influenced our lives for the better. Mr. Holland is a music teacher who wishes to help students develop a love for music. Tragedy strikes when his son is born with a hearing impairment. Soon he is cut from the school budget and fights a losing battle to regain his place. Detailed story of thirty years but the results are somewhat overrated. It is directed by Stephen Herek, very different than his Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, and certainly a superior film in all accounts despite a different genre. Heartfelt performance by Richard Dreyfuss as Mr. Holland in what is the best element of the film. Glenne Headly as his supportive wife is more accepting of her son's condition but the role is more predictable. Olympia Dukakis has the standard role of principal who will be more a setback than an asset. Alicia Witt plays a student who wishes to learn the clarinet. The result of this is also predictable but Witt is very good. William H. Macy provides bewildered humour as a vice principal. While the screenplay isn't as good as it should be, it does point out historical element within those thirty years. It also presents a message regarding how one person can impact and influence so many over the course of time. Score: 9 Â½ / 10