Words and Pictures - A Movie Review

A picture is worth a thousand words. What’s the truth?

Words and Pictures is a 2013 film. An English teacher and an art teacher compete in a competition. Which is more important? Words or visuals? In this competition, the lesson broadens their minds to horizons they never thought of.

Words and Pictures has become one of my new favorite films that take place in the education field. Education is not just influential to the students. Teachers have a definite influence on students based on their knowledge of how they choose to teach.

Clive Owen has a beautiful speaking voice. Jack recites memorable monologues about his definition of the English language. I have never seen a film with Owen, but now I want to find more. Owen did a tremendous job grappling with the tumultuous depths of his character.

Though, a side note to all writers. Don’t constantly name characters who are alcoholics, 'Jack'. It gets old.

It was great to see Juliette Binoche again, especially after watching her noteworthy role in Chocolat. As an aggressive and hard-working art teacher, Dina is tough to please. She has her own way of thinking. However, she helps her students look at things differently.

Owen and Binoche had a ball together. Their sarcastic comebacks were clever. Despite their views, my favorite aspect about their characters is that they still care about one another. I also like how Jack and Dina subconsciously improve unworthy traits.

Character goes a long way in Words and Pictures. Characterization is the most important element in this film. There’s not just one story going on. That’s what school is.

I’m glad that focus is given to the students to let their stories and personalities evolve. Students are all someone we know. We always have somebody to relate to. Writers constructed the student's subplots well, moving forward right when everything is resolved.

It feels like you’re sitting in one of these classes. We’re given a different perspective of each lesson throughout the day. Words and pictures impact us. What I love about this film is that it addressed how we all have our learning styles. One scene addresses that teaching styles impact cultural values.

Words and Pictures makes you appreciate all the teachers you’ve had over your path of education. Every teacher has their own classroom dynamic. Make class a fun experience. I have gone back to all the styles in which my teachers have taught. We’re either visual or verbal learners.

Credits include Bruce Davison, Amy Brenneman, David Negahban, and several others. I didn’t see much of a point in Elspeth (Brenneman). She didn’t add much to the plot. Her character could have been conducted by someone else.

The dialogue was well-achieved in this film. All conversations felt natural. An assortment of distinguishing words are used. Communicating is essential, whether talking or an alternative. We can get outside of ourselves - through words and pictures.

Fred Schepisi unfolded substantial depth in this story. I liked how he focused on the art scenes, especially the camera work. Whenever Dina was painting, the camera consolidated every brushstroke, emotion, and perspective. Binoche did all the creative painting seen on-screen.

Anything is art, even stories. Creations are so important in this film. Sometimes you have to capture art from a different angle. Find the truth in pictures or the words of the page. We are all hiding a secret.

Words and Pictures is a fun movie to watch. I highly recommend it to both teachers and students. This film has an impact on everyone.