An Education

An Education (2009)
Directed by Lone Scherfig
Starring Carey Mulligan, Peter Sarsgaard, Alfred Molina

This film came recommended and rightly so, it was v-good. Set in UK in the 40's, Carey Mulligan is fantastic as the top student in her class, a bright 16yr who dreams of going to Oxford to read English. Her plans are interrupted when a man twice her age (Sarsgaard) seduces her and introduces her to the adult-life. It feels like Lolita as they proceed to have what feels like an innocent love affair with the blessing of her sycophant father.

His big secret is also her first heartbreak; he is married, Da-nah! Okay it doesn't come as a big surprise, Sarsgaard plays the predator with such subtlety, giving us signs that nowadays we are all aware of but in the 40's we were less educated and more naive. He plays the role skillfully from the start and gives as masterful performance, in my opinion one of his best to date.

The film is set in the 40's; the costumes, production-design, cinematography and music were gorgeous and seamlessly integrated. It felt like a small film, it's a small story, but Mulligan gives a big performance; she is the smartest character in the film and goes head first into the relationship making her own choices. This is not just a film about sexual manipulation its also about what we gain from life experience, mostly from the mistakes we make.

Mulligan plays an intellectual, but she is also just a child at only 16. It's really creepy in the 1st act when Sarsgaard makes his moves on her, we can read his body language. It's the 40's and tradition was to be married off very young, so it seems plausible but as it starts to turn upside down we realize Mulligan is in over her head, again she decides to hold on for the ride. Its a well written film and a premier role for this young actress. I guarantee she will be a big star in the US, it's written all over her.
A must see.. I'm sure will do well at 2010 Oscars.