We all have our favorite summer, Halloween, and holiday movies, but what about the forgotten season of fall? If you are looking for a movie to watch when the air turns crisp but it is not quite a spooky season, these films will help you ease the transition into autumn.
Movie 1: Dead Poets Society
Dead Poets Society, released in 1989 and directed by Peter Weir (also known for The Truman Show), is a touching drama set in 1959 at the elite, all boys New England boarding school, Welton Academy. The film follows the story of a teacher, John Keating, played by Robin Williams, who returns to the school as an English teacher after being a student at the school. He has unconventional teaching methods and brings a new energy to the classroom. From the first day, Mr. Keating recognizes the immense pressures his students face and tries to connect with them through poetry. Off the bat, his students are skeptical of his unorthodox ways, but the boys soon form a close bond with their teacher and enjoy this new way of self-expression. This even goes as far as revising their teacher’s secret club in which the movie gets its title. There are many heavy elements to this film, such as Neil, one of the boys struggling with his father’s strict ideals for him, despite his dreams of doing something more. This film is a warm story of finding the best in life and learning to push yourself beyond the limits of what you think people want of you. A Sophomore here at Hingham High School, Veronica Webb describes, “For me, watching Dead Poets Society has become a yearly tradition to get in the mood for fall. Not only is it an amazing, yet sad, story with my favorite actor; Robin Williams, but it contains picturesque scenes of fall right here in New England.”
Movie 2: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, released in 2001 and directed by Chris Columbus, and based on the novel by J.K Rowling, is the first of the popular saga of seven, that follows a young boy named Harry Potter, played by Daniel Radcliff. Harry is an orphan, taken in by his abusive uncle and aunt. One day everything changes for him when he discovers he is a wizard and is sent to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Here he forms strong friendships and overcomes challenges such as taking down the evil wizard, Lord Voldemort. This movie is a fall rewatch for me personally every year because of the scenery in which the movie takes place. The school is supposed to be located in Scotland, and the school itself displays whimsical architecture and enchanting lighting that perfectly embodies the Fall Season. Senior Lily McCarthy reflected on the film; “All I have to say about Harry Potter… it’s magical.”
Movie 3: Good Will Hunting
Good Will Hunting, released in 1997, and directed by Gus Van Sant, follows Will Hunting, portrayed by Matt Damon, mathematically gifted janitor at MIT who came from a troubled past. After an unfortunate encounter with the police, Will evades jail time by agreeing to attend therapy. His therapist, Sean Maguire, played by Robin Williams, helps Will confront his trauma and insecurities, guiding him through a long journey of emotional healing, allowing the pair to form a close bond. After many long therapy sessions that, despite being court mandated, grew into meaningful discussions that sparked breakthroughs. With the beautiful New England scenery, including scenes featuring the falling leaves and cool air of the Boston Common. Will begins to get a handle on his troubled upbringing and realizes the importance of living up to his full potential. This movie emphasizes themes of compassion, self-acceptance, and growth. Ultimately, Good Will Hunting is a very touching story about finding one’s place in the world.
Fall movies are a unique but often neglected genre. Sometimes the best way to settle into a new season is to settle into a good classic movie, full of falling leaves and cool breezes. Fall movies, like the ones listed above, are not directly and clearly about fall, but they embody the season through warm colors, and themes. These movies contain themes of change or growth, such as the leaves changing in the fall, soon to be replaced with brighter, and greener leaves. Something else that categorizes movies set in the fall is an academic setting. For example, Dead Poets Society and Harry Potter are both set in schools, this relates to the fall season, because this is when we return to school ourselves. This fall, I encourage you to fall in love with one of these classics.
Citations
“Dead Poets Society (1989) | Comedy, Drama.” IMDb, 9 June 1989, www.imdb.com/title/tt0097165.
“Good Will Hunting (1997) – Photos – IMDb.” IMDb,
www.imdb.com/title/tt0119217/mediaindex/?ref_=tt_mv_sm.
“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001) | Adventure, Family, Fantasy.” IMDb, 16 Nov. 2001, www.imdb.com/title/tt0241527/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_harry%2520potter%2520and%2520the%2520socer.
IMDb. “Peter Weir.” IMDb,
