DIRECTOR'S CUT: Therapist Reacts to DEAD POETS SOCIETY with guest Gale Hansen (Charlie Dalton!)
Added 2024-01-30 16:00:00 +0000 UTCHow do you question authority in a healthy way?
Licensed therapist Jonathan Decker and filmmaker Alan Seawright are reacting to Dead Poets Society with guest Gale Hansen, who plays Charlie Dalton in the film. They talk about Charlie’s character arc, including Nuwanda, and the theme of conformity vs. rebellion. Jonathan talks about the balance of respecting and questioning authority and what happens when you push boundaries. They talk about Keating’s inspirational teaching methods and how he influences the young men. And Gale talks about what it was like to work with our cinema hero, Robin Williams.
Comments
I love this movie! Loved it as a kid! I was like 13-14 years old when I first saw it. Charlie Dalton was my favorite character but I was more like Ethan Hawke’s character (shy to the point of being an introvert). But I watch this movie weekly now.
Karen McQueeney
2025-02-02 14:40:35 +0000 UTCThis movie!!!! The first time I ever watched this movie was when I was 18, on a laptop, in a bedroom at a condo my family was staying at in Palm Springs California 🤣 All seriousness though, I absolutely adore this movie. One of my favourite Robin Williams roles. (And I’m right there with you Alan. Charlie was always my favourite character too!)
Meg W.
2024-04-23 18:28:18 +0000 UTCGale's comment about the ending, where the Man wins, brings to mind the comic book "Saga" explaining the concept of children's books. To paraphrase, "A young person breaks the rules and goes on an adventure and learns the lesson that the rules are there for a reason and there's no place like home. Stories that might frustrate a clever child and encourage them to try breaking the rules and having adventures."
All mankind
2024-03-06 02:14:14 +0000 UTCExactly. I keep feeling the urge to create a podcast in which I use the readings in Catholic mass as a way to push back against the judgemental wiring. All of those passages that we, in our flawed humanity, have beaten others up with? What do they say when we look at it through the lens of John - that God is LOVE? That the Trinity is a constant dance - in the words of Richard Rohr and St Augustine - between the Lover, the Beloved, and the Love that flows between? Is been an enriching, exhausting journey, but ultimately so rewarding!
just me
2024-02-04 19:13:01 +0000 UTCI binged a few upon my first encounter with you guys as well. So thankful I found you all.
Angie
2024-02-04 19:09:10 +0000 UTCI’ve spent decades at this point rewriting the same hard wiring. It has happened in spurts, if that makes sense. Usually something I’ve read or seen challenges another layer. I feel I’m always better off each time. At this point, it’s all about love.
Angie
2024-02-04 19:00:50 +0000 UTCHeather, Joseph Campbell is also one of my first and foremost heroes... "The Hero with A Thousand Faces" changed my perspective of life entirely! Anytime I hear Joseph Campbell's name in conversation, I am instantly engaged.
Diane
2024-02-03 15:44:00 +0000 UTCYes, I love this movie. What an intelligent guest to have on the show. Gale Hansen's reference to my hero Joseph Campbell was intriguing. I hope to get more information on studio executive's choices on what movies are made effected society.
Heather George
2024-02-03 05:54:20 +0000 UTCI agree with you ENTIRELY!
Diane
2024-02-03 01:49:09 +0000 UTCWhat a fascinating, astute discussion with Gale Hansen about a deeply revered film in my life! I am 67, so I did see "Dead Poet's Society" in the theater upon its release. I am of the generation that went to the theater to watch movies; in my young years, it was before video tapes were even available to rent and watch movies! I was excited for the release of "Dead Poet's Society" because Peter Weir was the director. I had already been truly stunned by the films I had seen by Mr. Weir ("Picnic at Hanging Rock," "Gallipoli," "The Year of Living Dangerously," "Witness"). They were moving stories told beautifully. "Dead Poet's Society" was added to that long list of beloved movies directed by Mr. Weir. I do appreciate the ability to stream movies now because it would be difficult to revisit some of the gems I have experienced if they were not made available in some form. However, I agree with your views about seeing movies in the theater and experiencing an emotionally revelatory story within a community. I hope sometime that you might revisit the "Sword of Damocles" (art versus commerce) that now exists for filmmakers. Gale described the situation as it exists so eloquently and mentioned that it was another story. I would love to hear that story. Bravo to all of you and I am grateful for this. I am going to rewatch it for the nuances of the conversation.
Diane
2024-02-03 01:48:42 +0000 UTCI had forgotten the speech on changing your perspective (16:30). It hit hard as an adult - I've spent the last few years rewriting hard wiring that God is a judgmental bastard who wants all of us to rot in Hell because we aren't good enough. It's been so hard, but so important.
just me
2024-02-01 19:30:53 +0000 UTCAmen!! Fiction helps us to step into others' lives, to walk a mile in their shoes. Some of my most formative books have been high fantasy and romances.
just me
2024-02-01 19:28:20 +0000 UTCIIRC, this movie was the first one I saw that depicted homosexuality in any way. Although I'm vanilla - cishet - it started my journey to compassion for those whom God made differently. (Anyone LGBT+ in my local community was absolutely silent about their leanings, even close friends.)
just me
2024-02-01 19:26:57 +0000 UTCYES!!!!!!!! If actually love for you to do some more Firefly with some of the actors or writers... Joss might be too problematic, but the series was SO incredibly well-done. (Just never mention Serenity in my presence. That movie does not exist.)
just me
2024-02-01 19:23:04 +0000 UTCYES!! Robin does compassion so well... and pointing out the idiocy of the system while also holding compassion for those trapped in said system. He truly had an amazing gift. I just wish he had felt all the love we reflected back to him. 💔
just me
2024-02-01 19:20:37 +0000 UTCIt's so worth a few hours of your day. It came out when I was a teen and it was formative.
just me
2024-02-01 19:18:29 +0000 UTCI've made it a point to find schools for my kids in which it is not only TAUGHT, but ENFORCED. My elder daughter just got a laptop for 6th grade, but they STILL take notes by hand, in cursive. Why? Because you LEARN better and it sinks more deeply when you actually write it down, rather than type. Her current writing is more of a hybrid, but she was taught how to write it both correctly and nearly. That muscle memory will exist throughout her life. You can find places. If anything, check your local library. If you're now a teen or adult ask if they'll run a cursive class. You can teach yourself with guides online, too, but I much prefer to learn in person. My handwriting and cursive both got better as I helped my kids with their lessons... and I bought a stub-nib fountain pen to give myself pretty line work with my cursive. :) Just be careful - now I'm asked to write thank you cards on behalf of my volunteer organizations! 😆
just me
2024-02-01 19:17:46 +0000 UTCI wish school would still be teaching cursive lessons. They took it away when I was in 4th grade.😰
Raiyu Lilliputian
2024-02-01 17:38:56 +0000 UTCI got my callout during a movie featuring Robin Williams, that I used to teach as an education professor… I can die happy now 🥰
Jimmy Danielle
2024-01-31 21:10:46 +0000 UTCI've seen bits and pieces of this movie when I was a kid, but it's time I give it a proper watch.
McLovinPopeIII
2024-01-31 01:40:29 +0000 UTCSuch a good episode and movie! One of Robin Williams best movies hands down!
KrissyArtist
2024-01-30 21:03:36 +0000 UTCI know I’m not alone in saying this movie changed my life watching it as a teenager. Well all of Robin William’s movies did, but this one has a special place in my heart and part of why I wanted to become an actor. Thanks so much for making this movie and SO COOL that you got to have Nuwanda on your show!! My heart is very happy ❤️
Shhhhh
2024-01-30 20:23:09 +0000 UTCThe first time I watched this movie, my 11th grade English teacher had us sit down and watch this. My Mr. Drew was like my very own Mr. Keating. He constantly worked to help us break our brains regarding what we’ve come to know, and however we reassembled the ideas, he wanted to see what each of us came up with. I fear a lot of my classmates just saw him as cooky, but that man helped me reshape my approach to life, which was vital at that age because a lot changed for me personally the following years and I wouldn’t have absorbed it how I have without him. These kinds of educators are exactly who everyone needs
Colette B
2024-01-30 19:40:47 +0000 UTCThe "sweaty-toothed madman" bit leaves me in tears every time I watch this movie. I don't know it, but it hits my hard. Seeing the first crack through the walls of self restraint and into someones creativity is so powerful, and if you are every there to see that first moment for someone, it leaves you changed. This part of the movie does exactly that for me.
Danial McCoy
2024-01-30 18:52:48 +0000 UTCJoseph Campbell! So cool to hear him mentioned here by Gale, everyone needs to know about the Hero’s Journey and ‘Hero With a Thousand Faces’ is a must read. 😊 📖
Lisa C
2024-01-30 18:01:49 +0000 UTCYes please!
Lisa C
2024-01-30 17:50:44 +0000 UTCYOOOOOO!!! Charlie was my favorite, LOVED that boy, so cool to get to see Gale on the show!!!!
Magnus Taliesin
2024-01-30 17:09:29 +0000 UTCGuys I loved this so much! I also grew up with all the same Robin Williams movies though I am at least 10years younger than you. He was such an amazing being. This movie was introduced to me in middle school and it had such a profound effect on me. Thank you for this. Speakimg of Robin Williams, I would love to hear your thoughts/see an episode(s) on The Birdcage, Patch Adams, and Flubber. I watched them all as a kid but had such a different take on them as an adult.
Sadie
2024-01-30 02:14:58 +0000 UTCPlease and thank you! Thank you. Thank you.
Jonathan Wood
2024-01-30 01:24:16 +0000 UTCAs a person who grew up in Delaware (where the movie was filmed) this movie was a favorite of my teachers in school and shown to us in 8th grade (with parental approval) it was a big inspiration to me and thank you for diving deep into this movie.
Adam Shockley
2024-01-29 22:23:28 +0000 UTCThat Movie was amazing when it released a lot like you Alan I miss Robin Williams I often lay there and think what would he be doing now if he was around 🥺 It was amazing seeing Gale that phone call was awesome and quick thinking 😂
☮️🪬Sonar IllusionFox🪬☮️
2024-01-29 20:50:05 +0000 UTCOh, I love this- thank you so much! I don't mean to spam you with recommendations, but a sibling showed me the movie Nimona last night, and it just struck me as something potentially very rich for you to view and/or discuss. The whole thing is about prejudice, and how damaging it is for all involved- but also about how prejudice can expand by demanding that anyone/thing that even appears to question the basis of the prejudice must also be attacked. And about trust, love and support, and what effective versions of that look like- and how someone's love and support might be freely and honestly given, but the form of that support can still be hurtful, damaging, or just not what you need in the moment. And other themes, but I think you'll enjoy the movie any way you choose to watch it.
Alex
2024-01-29 20:12:20 +0000 UTCAmazing guest! So proud of y’all getting more and more prominent guests onto the show! Next up, Mr. Spielberg himself?
Hikari Yamato
2024-01-29 18:03:39 +0000 UTCThat was such a great callback to his character, I love it!
Hikari Yamato
2024-01-29 18:02:15 +0000 UTCThank you so much for this episode. Robin Williams is legitimately the most influential person to my life. Never met him, but he was always someone I turned to when I was feeling down by putting in one of his movies. I also really took a quote of his to heart about how the saddest people are usually the ones trying to make others laugh, because they don't want others to experience what they have experienced. It kinda became my life motto. I really appreciate you guys for talking about how he touched your lives as well. He is gone and that's tragic, but he lives on in all of our hearts and that's beautiful.
Smeeson
2024-01-29 17:25:35 +0000 UTCThere's a reason you keep that guy around...
BJ
2024-01-29 17:10:52 +0000 UTCYes please! There are a lot of movies that I just didn't see, like this one, when they came out. Episodes like this inspire me to go back and watch them.
BJ
2024-01-29 16:51:52 +0000 UTCThank you! This one was a labor of love from us, and Stu, our Producer in LA. Corinne handles all our planning and logistics, but Stu handles guests and stuff. He’s really working overtime right now, we’ve got some exciting stuff coming!
Alan Seawright
2024-01-29 16:51:04 +0000 UTCYes!!
Janese Carstens
2024-01-29 16:50:36 +0000 UTCThanks guys. That was wonderful
Pam Jackson
2024-01-29 16:50:22 +0000 UTCMake it so. 🖖
Smidge
2024-01-29 16:50:22 +0000 UTCThanks! That was a great episode.
Darcie Daniels
2024-01-29 16:50:15 +0000 UTCBeautiful episode!
MsHalcyon
2024-01-29 16:49:41 +0000 UTCGive me more!
Dorikuu Garcia
2024-01-29 16:49:36 +0000 UTCAbsolutely!
Tatiana Botschagow
2024-01-29 16:49:35 +0000 UTCYes, please!
Wendy Darling
2024-01-29 16:49:33 +0000 UTCYes!
Drug Princess
2024-01-29 16:49:24 +0000 UTCThat phone-call from God from Gale? His idea!
Alan Seawright
2024-01-29 16:49:21 +0000 UTCThat’s a mic drop
Pam Jackson
2024-01-29 16:49:14 +0000 UTCAlright, what do you all think? More episodes like this, revisiting classics with actors/directors/writers and digging in to depths?
Alan Seawright
2024-01-29 16:49:07 +0000 UTC"I aim to misbehave."
Cinema Therapy
2024-01-29 16:49:06 +0000 UTC... Kame. So close, man. 🤏
Smidge
2024-01-29 16:48:59 +0000 UTC"Might have been on the losing side... still not convinced it's the wrong one."
Smidge
2024-01-29 16:48:29 +0000 UTCYou can also apply Aang from Avatar metaphor
Dorikuu Garcia
2024-01-29 16:48:22 +0000 UTCSo Gale actually wrote and pitched a sequel miniseries to Dead Poets Society. I desperately would have liked to watch that show.
Alan Seawright
2024-01-29 16:48:19 +0000 UTCHama hama ha!
Cinema Therapy
2024-01-29 16:46:58 +0000 UTCThere's a poet in you!
Cinema Therapy
2024-01-29 16:46:14 +0000 UTCOkay, aptly dropping a DBZ metaphor is definitely Cool Dad points ✌️
Smidge
2024-01-29 16:46:02 +0000 UTCTotally! Wrapped in sorrow, bound in gold, magic, and laughter.
Terpsichore
2024-01-29 16:44:28 +0000 UTCIt was a devastating day when he passed
Holly✌️
2024-01-29 16:43:57 +0000 UTCRobin Williams was a gift to the world
Cinema Therapy
2024-01-29 16:43:16 +0000 UTCOOOOOOO, I have such a visceral reaction to people hurting kids as "discipline".
Smidge
2024-01-29 16:41:12 +0000 UTCStay safe my friend, but yes, it's an amazing film. 💜 Remember to take breaks if needed!
Tatiana Botschagow
2024-01-29 16:39:56 +0000 UTCI think I will need a lot of tissues to watch this one. It is going to touch a lot of things of my upbringing.
Dorikuu Garcia
2024-01-29 16:39:19 +0000 UTCHonestly, it’s so strong that I remembered Neil actually being gay and coming out to his parents, and THAT’s what prompted his… action near the end of the film. Hadn’t watched it in… 20 years?
Alan Seawright
2024-01-29 16:38:17 +0000 UTCOkokok I’ll watch the film
Pam Jackson
2024-01-29 16:38:15 +0000 UTCI remember watching it as a young bisexual 16 year old and I was in awe. Loved how they touched on so many relatable themes despite it not being outright talked about
Tatiana Botschagow
2024-01-29 16:36:55 +0000 UTCJono had such an interesting take on this. I hadn’t ever gotten the “Progress, but measured” take on it, but I can’t not see it now.
Alan Seawright
2024-01-29 16:36:21 +0000 UTCIntelligence is reading facts and figures; wisdom is reading the room.
Smidge
2024-01-29 16:36:18 +0000 UTCNow I really need to watch this one.
Dorikuu Garcia
2024-01-29 16:36:14 +0000 UTCTotally agree with Gale here, as someone who's bisexual, I wholeheartedly agree that a lot of LGBTQIA+ folks really identify with the movie, myself included
Tatiana Botschagow
2024-01-29 16:35:42 +0000 UTCThanks Terpsichore! We’ll miss you for the rest of it.
Alan Seawright
2024-01-29 16:35:31 +0000 UTCMy internet connection sucks And the video froze. I'll have to finish watching this later. But I wanted to thank you all so much for a wonderful experience here!! You are great 😊.
Terpsichore
2024-01-29 16:33:02 +0000 UTCWe teach to intellect ignoring instinct.
Pam Jackson
2024-01-29 16:32:10 +0000 UTCWe don't question, we don't pop the bubble.... I love it!
Dorikuu Garcia
2024-01-29 16:31:31 +0000 UTCGale is such a a delight
Cinema Therapy
2024-01-29 16:31:29 +0000 UTCWe all need a barbaric yawp!
Drug Princess
2024-01-29 16:29:41 +0000 UTCThat Peter Weir guy… knows how to make a movie.
Alan Seawright
2024-01-29 16:27:49 +0000 UTCThe dizzying camera work is SO good for feeling the kid's disorientation. I love that choice!
Smidge
2024-01-29 16:27:22 +0000 UTCThat scene looks like a dance
Darcie Daniels
2024-01-29 16:27:04 +0000 UTCThis entire section is not in the YouTube cut. Enjoy!
Cinema Therapy
2024-01-29 16:26:49 +0000 UTCThis entire section is not in the YouTube cut. Enjoy!
Cinema Therapy
2024-01-29 16:26:21 +0000 UTCAt some point, can you share with us where the information comes from? (I tend to print things I consider I can use later and this is one of it)
Dorikuu Garcia
2024-01-29 16:24:43 +0000 UTCSeale may actually be the GOAT. What a talent.
Alan Seawright
2024-01-29 16:24:33 +0000 UTCPeople who regularly read fiction score SIGNIFICANTLY higher in empathy. Literally the most important thing in the world. Empathy saves lives, saves environments, saves ourselves.
Alan Seawright
2024-01-29 16:23:12 +0000 UTCI love Gale walking through all the actor process stuff like it’s totally blasé. He REALLY put in work. I’ve studied and read for years, and he just blasts through it as a 26 yr-old.
Alan Seawright
2024-01-29 16:21:14 +0000 UTCJust started, so I’m behind the rest of you, but still here!
Wayward Ace
2024-01-29 16:20:06 +0000 UTCLuckily, for a while, we all kinda did.
Smidge
2024-01-29 16:19:55 +0000 UTCWish I had a friend like him...
Tatiana Botschagow
2024-01-29 16:19:40 +0000 UTCHe's like, I dunno, a genie or something.
Cinema Therapy
2024-01-29 16:19:22 +0000 UTCI get the feeling that he genuinely felt a lot of the lovely things he said in the role, too.
Smidge
2024-01-29 16:19:07 +0000 UTCHonestly though, I always love watching Robin perform, especially in this movie. Like I know I'm preaching to the choir here but there's such a earnestness to it and it really is magical
Tatiana Botschagow
2024-01-29 16:18:04 +0000 UTCExclusive content!!
Tatiana Botschagow
2024-01-29 16:16:15 +0000 UTCMore embarrassment, just for our patrons!
Cinema Therapy
2024-01-29 16:16:00 +0000 UTCOh yes, absolutely.
Terpsichore
2024-01-29 16:15:43 +0000 UTCHonestly, my teacher in 10th grade was AMAZING and I think it's the memory. He was the first teacher to believe in me.
Holly✌️
2024-01-29 16:15:41 +0000 UTCI had to know!
Cinema Therapy
2024-01-29 16:15:23 +0000 UTCEGG ON MY FACE!
Alan Seawright
2024-01-29 16:15:01 +0000 UTCOh, that's amazing to hear what it's like to work with Robin. How magical.
Terpsichore
2024-01-29 16:14:10 +0000 UTCNot to yuck in your yum, but… Love Lord of the Flies?
Alan Seawright
2024-01-29 16:13:03 +0000 UTCPoetry is underrated. Robin Williams is amazing as always
Drug Princess
2024-01-29 16:12:31 +0000 UTCTo live is to feel passion (about something... What? Depends on each person)
Dorikuu Garcia
2024-01-29 16:11:27 +0000 UTCI don't think any of you guys would invite someone that doesn't have something important and interesting to say about the movie... Especially an actor.
Dorikuu Garcia
2024-01-29 16:10:34 +0000 UTCOmg I read Jono's mind! 😅
Terpsichore
2024-01-29 16:10:08 +0000 UTCI love Lord of the Flies
Holly✌️
2024-01-29 16:10:07 +0000 UTCLike A Lord of the Flies moment...
Terpsichore
2024-01-29 16:09:45 +0000 UTCI didn’t push back against Gale on this “Charlie doesn’t have a story arc” bit. But I actually disagree (with the guy who played the character.) Jono covers it diplomatically here.
Alan Seawright
2024-01-29 16:08:58 +0000 UTCYou want filmmaker inside-baseball? Gimme filmmakers on the show, and it’s going to get NERDY.
Alan Seawright
2024-01-29 16:07:27 +0000 UTCI'm not! But actually remembered this one!
Sadie
2024-01-29 16:06:31 +0000 UTCWoo! As a newly graduated film student I'm loving this
Tatiana Botschagow
2024-01-29 16:06:09 +0000 UTCEeeexcellent, Smithers.
Smidge
2024-01-29 16:06:05 +0000 UTCYou want more Alan talking filmmaking? You GOT it. Patreon!
Cinema Therapy
2024-01-29 16:05:29 +0000 UTCI am home for a drop!! Super fun!
Drug Princess
2024-01-29 16:05:17 +0000 UTCThat's really great! I'm glad he enjoys your content. Goodness knows I treasure it.
Terpsichore
2024-01-29 16:05:15 +0000 UTCI don't blame him! I binged 5 episodes (during my work hours) when I found you guys.
Dorikuu Garcia
2024-01-29 16:04:23 +0000 UTCOoooh. (Looks at runtime). I’ll get snacks
Pam Jackson
2024-01-29 16:04:08 +0000 UTCYeah, we go LONG on this one. Lots of fun insider stuff.
Alan Seawright
2024-01-29 16:03:59 +0000 UTCAll good. HIGHLY recommend! But you don’t need to for this.
Alan Seawright
2024-01-29 16:03:41 +0000 UTCThis is one of our more epic directors cuts
Cinema Therapy
2024-01-29 16:03:25 +0000 UTCGale actually hadn’t heard of us until we reached out (through a friend) but after he heard about the show, he binged like, 20 episodes and emailed me with loads of thoughts and quotes. It was a truly weird experience for me.
Alan Seawright
2024-01-29 16:03:18 +0000 UTCIt's ok. I'm with you!
Terpsichore
2024-01-29 16:02:46 +0000 UTCOh I love this movie!!
Tatiana Botschagow
2024-01-29 16:02:44 +0000 UTCConfesinf that I have never watched this movie.... And I had always wanted to. *Gulp*
Dorikuu Garcia
2024-01-29 16:02:26 +0000 UTCPaul is hysterical
Holly✌️
2024-01-29 16:02:00 +0000 UTCRobin Williams is my Roman Empire.
Alan Seawright
2024-01-29 16:01:33 +0000 UTCOh Alan... I miss Robin every day. He's a legend.
Terpsichore
2024-01-29 16:01:14 +0000 UTCGale was SO GREAT everyone! I’m so stoked for you to see this.
Alan Seawright
2024-01-29 16:01:06 +0000 UTCI just rewatched this weekend in anticipation
Holly✌️
2024-01-29 16:01:01 +0000 UTCAnd in the middle. Hopefully we get you in the trailer!
Alan Seawright
2024-01-29 15:59:55 +0000 UTCWassup? This is johno on the official CT account
Cinema Therapy
2024-01-29 15:59:50 +0000 UTCWow haven’t see Dead Poets society in ages. This should be great. I imagine I’ll be crying here at the end.
Darcie Daniels
2024-01-29 15:59:34 +0000 UTCI'm excited to hear their thoughts on this! 💭
Terpsichore
2024-01-29 15:59:25 +0000 UTCHey friends!
Alan Seawright
2024-01-29 15:59:25 +0000 UTCAhoy!
Pam Jackson
2024-01-29 15:58:30 +0000 UTCOH CAPTAIN, MY CAPTAIN! I can't wait!
Holly✌️
2024-01-26 00:15:48 +0000 UTCOh, COOL 🥰
Smidge
2024-01-25 18:12:10 +0000 UTCRIP Robin Williams 🙏
La Aoife ☀️
2024-01-25 17:21:20 +0000 UTCSqueeeeeeeeeeeeee! ::deep breath:: Squeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
Wendy Darling
2024-01-25 15:28:52 +0000 UTCDefinitely looking forward to this one!
Wayward Ace
2024-01-25 14:49:54 +0000 UTC
