The Professor and the Madman

Synopsis

Based on the true story, The Professor and the Madman follows Professor James Murray (Mel Gibson) as he embarks on creating the Oxford English Dictionary with the help of Dr. William Minor (Sean Penn), an inmate at an asylum for the criminally insane. As the two men collaborate, they form an unlikely friendship that transcends their challenging circumstances. The film delves into themes of friendship, redemption, and the power of language to connect individuals across unexpected boundaries. With captivating performances by Gibson and Penn, the audience is taken on a poignant journey of understanding and empathy in the face of adversity.

Cast

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  Mel Gibson

  James Murray

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  Sean Penn

  Dr. William Chester Minor

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  Natalie Dormer

  Eliza Merrett

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  Eddie Marsan

  Muncie

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  Jennifer Ehle

  Ada Murray

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  Jeremy Irvine

  Charles Hall

Reviews

The Professor and the Madman has garnered mixed reviews from critics, with some lauding the performances of Mel Gibson and Sean Penn. Rotten Tomatoes gave the film a rating of 39%, stating that while the movie 'boasts a talented cast', it ultimately 'fails to bring its fascinating true story to life'. IMDb users rated it 7.2/10, praising the acting but noting pacing issues. Metacritic gave it a score of 27/100, with critics highlighting the film's historical accuracy but criticizing its execution. Overall, the film has sparked discussions on the complexities of human connection and the pursuit of knowledge.