Oleanna (1994)

Oleanna (1994)
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David Mamet directed this screen version of his controversial two-character stage drama. John (William H. Macy) is a self-centered college professor preoccupied with his bid for tenure and negotiations for a house that he and his wife want to buy. Mary (Debra Eisenstadt), one of his students, comes by John's office after class; she's failing his course and is obviously confused by the material. Not really paying attention to her, John discusses his philosophies about education in an abstract manner rather than offering concrete suggestions on how to improve her grades. The discussion becomes confrontational and eventually Mary leaves. Several days later, Mary returns, announcing that on the advice of her "group" that she is filing sexual harassment charges against John based on a broad interpretation of his statements. If Mary's suit is successful, it could cost John his job -- and the house he's always wanted. Mamet's wife, actress and musician Rebecca Pidgeon, composed the film's musical score. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Starring:
William H. MacyDebra Eisenstadt, (more)
Director(s):
David Mamet
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
NR
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of Oleanna

David Mamet directed this screen version of his controversial two-character stage drama. John (William H. Macy) is a self-centered college professor preoccupied with his bid for tenure and negotiations for a house that he and his wife want to buy. Mary (Debra Eisenstadt), one of his students, comes by John's office after class; she's failing his course and is obviously confused by the material. Not really paying attention to her, John discusses his philosophies about education in an abstract manner rather than offering concrete suggestions on how to improve her grades. The discussion becomes confrontational and eventually Mary leaves. Several days later, Mary returns, announcing that on the advice of her "group" that she is filing sexual harassment charges against John based on a broad interpretation of his statements. If Mary's suit is successful, it could cost John his job -- and the house he's always wanted. Mamet's wife, actress and musician Rebecca Pidgeon, composed the film's musical score. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
90 mins

Complete Cast of Oleanna


Director(s):
David Mamet
Writer(s):
David Mamet
Producer(s):
Patricia WolffSarah Green
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
NR(Adult Language, Not For Children)
Categories:
Independent Films
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Member Reviews
 
Kelley W.

This movie left me very disturbed to the point of difficulty sleeping. How many suits are based on misconceptions? There was a lot of symbolism to back the conversations and tone of the movie. I literally hated the Mary character. She never understood anything and was very manipulative and negative. I found the ending like to my own reaction of wanting to end it. I wondered why the professor never thought to record any subsequent meetings with her for his own protection. A huge mistake for an intelligent man. I had to wonder at his thought process and how he consistently hurt himself through his own actions of instigating possible further problems with her.

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Ben B.

This was a very well performed drama. It reflects the extent some are willing to go to achieve their agenda. It also reflects the restraint the professor used to be able to try to reach a middle ground in the conflict. It seems the student formed a negative opinion about the professor at the onset and set out to get back at him for his controversial actions.

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Roger R.

I actually show this film to a modern drama class and am amazed at the student's reaction as the film evolves. Mamet is, if little else, clever and although you may not like the deliberate, mechanical dialogue, it never interferes with what is the thematic focus of his work. Macy does Mamet really well.

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