The Historian

Hollywood, and mainstream movies in general seem to have a problem depicting the academic milieu. This film, whose characters are professors and their students in a fictional college, is a shining example. The director/writer seems to think that (a) Any two people that can possibly jump into bed together will do so (and soon), (b) Women attain academic positions by sleeping with professors, (c) Men attain said positions by blackmailing (sexually) other faculty members, (d) Faculty casually abuse graduate students, sexually and otherwise. As a former UCLA faculty, I find this well, remarkable. Obviously I missed a lot during my tenure.

As for the movie itself, William Sadler and Glynnis O'Connor make what they can of their cliché lines, but the rest of the actors (including the director/lead actor) are cringeworthy. Script by director/writer is full of gaping holes, like an advanced Alzheimer patient left alone daily in an hotel-sized house. Music consists of a (long) string of sappy songs. A complete miss in all senses except perhaps for rather good camera work.

A great film about a young history teacher who tries to move on from his past by taking a new job at a university. A university job sounds easy right? Think again, this is one of those films you have to watch to really understand how the academia world works. A very accurate portrayal played out perfectly thanks to screen veteran William Sadler.

Debut films are often hit or misses. Many bomb in quality and lack in depth. But some, often very few, exceed all expectations and rise above the status quo. The Historian accomplishes this feat on the back of Miles Doleac and leaves no room for doubt with this up-and-coming filmmaker and actor.

The Historian is a film that examines several different plot points, from love to accomplishment and further to jealousy and determination, only to name a few. There are powerhouse performances here and directorial beauty. Though the film may not be Nolan-esque quality, it proves that the highest budget isn't needed to create an entertaining and enthralling work.

Miles Doleac stuns with his acting, directing and writing for this film. He is a man who beats all odds and proves himself to be the product of his own determination and passion. I predict he is someone who we will be seeing a lot of in the near future.

John Cullum and William Sadler both give amazing performances in this film and are perhaps the highlights of the acting field in this piece. They both astound with their humanity and flaws that are captured beautifully by an unforgiving and honest script.

Beyond the more technical aspects, The Historian offers an in depth look at the higher educational system and often the corruption it presents. Doleac attacks the fact that students aren't pushed and are allowed to slack off and succeed, thus setting them up for future failure.

This is one of many examples of the plethora of angles that The Historian focuses on. There is no shortness of plot elements and the characters beyond anything else feel alive. It is a film that anyone can watch and enjoy. Its run at film festivals and awards won at said events were earned in a deserving manner. Passion is in every scene and it is always apparent that this film was made by someone who loves the art of film making.

I recommend The Historian to anyone who enjoys good drama and likes a taste of something new they haven't seen before. Every aspect of this film is great and it is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable movies of the year.

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I can't understand who are writing these glowing reviews for this movie, or,for that matter, why they are writing them. The script is just awful. By script I mean the story and dialog are awful. And by awful I mean painful AND boring. And, whoever encouraged this guy (Miles Doleac) to screen-write, should be forced to spend 4 years at whatever university this movie is set in. Two things stand out as most painful. First, if not for hackneyed expressions and unrelated drivel there would be no dialog. Second, the soundtrack's music was both bad and inconsistent with the scene action. On the plus side was Leticia Jimenez. Other actors gave average performances, mainly because it was impossible to rise above the dialog and scenes given to them. Hopefully, we'll see Ms Jimenez again, and if we ever see Mr. Doleac again, it should only be in *front* of the camera.

I did not expect much from this movie because Jake's Road brought me here, but I have to acknowledge the solid directing, acting (although I wish he would stop looking off to the right so much when the other actors deliver their lines) and writing by Miles Doleac. William Sadler and Leticia Jimenez are also very good in this movie.

I am assuming that Miles and Mike Mayhall are friends, appearing in projects written and directed by the other, but there is no comparison between them as writer/directors. This movie is thoughtful, intelligent and insightful. I was impressed by this film, looking forward to more from Miles. 6/10