As studios continue to make the change in their film releases from theatrical to VOD and streaming, this week gave cinephiles options in two entirely different genres. Along with Netflix releasing Extraction this weekend, HBO films joined the fun with their release of Bad Education. One of Toronto Film Festivals’ biggest surprises last year, Bad Education sets itself apart from most of 2020’s releases and is one of the year’s most intriguing and best films.
Bad Education tells the true story of Frank Tassone (Hugh Jackman), superintendent of the Roslyn school district on Long Island, and the assistant superintendent for business, Pam Gluckin (Allison Janney), and how they embezzled millions for over a decade.
In his sophomore outing, director Cory Finley continues to show potential as a filmmaker. Rather than focusing on the embezzlement beginnings, Finley and writer Mike Makowsky concentrate on the dissection of their downfall. This choice effectively aids the film’s pacing and intrigue as we are brought into their world of lavish expenses and wondering which act will ultimately bring them down.
Aiding Finley’s direction are the performances of both Hugh Jackman and Allison Janney. Their dynamic chemistry is on full display. Janney, similar to her Academy Award-winning role in I, Tonya, is nothing short of brilliant as Tassone’s right-hand woman Pam Gluckin. Janney channels Pam’s arrogance throughout the film as she tells her assistant to go out and buy her son a Playstation without any worry of being caught. Janney should be in line for a few nominations and possible wins when award season commences.
Speaking of nominations and wins, Hugh Jackman continues to show the magnetic charisma he invokes in every one of his performances. In his portrayal of Frank, Jackman delivers a performance that is both complex and deep as Tassone has two faces as he maneuvers through his life on an everyday basis. On one end, he presents himself in one way to his peers, parents, and the public. On the other, he has to hide his true self one that is quite different from his pubic persona. Jackman remains one of the best actors in Hollywood, and his performance adds to that established reputation.
In supporting roles, Ray Romano (The Irishman) and Geraldine Viswanathan add to the film’s excellence. Romano plays the school staff member who adds his comedic touch to a dire situation and Viswanathan is the student who ultimately breaks the case on corruption and embezzlement in the school system. Michael Abels’ score should not go without notice either. The score is both haunting and unnerving and sets the tone and feel for the film’s most impactful moments, especially the film’s conclusion.
The biggest shame comes that this film did not receive a theatrical release as this could have been quite the player for Jackman and Janney. The film effectively sheds light on an ongoing problem in many school systems that quite frankly goes unnoticed. There is no denying that Bad Education is one of 2020’s best films and a must-see for any cinephile.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVffM3OZkH8
