"An Education" a Near-Perfect Film

No one writes quite like Nick Hornby. Of all modern novelists, he seems to have a grasp on human behavior – and more importantly, humanity in general – unlike anyone else I’ve encountered. “An Education” is his first screenplay, and while it is a period piece based on a memoir by Lynn Barber, it is pure Hornby, constantly balancing humor with discomfort.

“An Education” is about Jenny (Oscar nominee Carey Mulligan – a name you should remember), a 16-year-old London schoolgirl, and David (Peter Sarsgaard), a playboy nearly twice her age. David likes Jenny, and he immediately begins to charm her (and soon, her parents as well). Sarsgaard plays the role perfectly, balancing pure charisma with an undercurrent of smarm.

David seduces Jenny with the allure of his adult social life, taking her to Paris and buying her whatever she wants. Jenny, of course, falls for it all, even agreeing to quit school and marry him.

What amazed me about “An Education” is that it is not a dark, somber film about the victim of a sexual predator. It’s a comedy – a human comedy. Jenny’s father (played to perfection by the great Alfred Molina) may be a sexist, bigoted git, but that’s why we love him. Or hate him, rather. But thanks to Hornby, he’s entirely real, for better or worse.

“An Education” was a surprise nominee for this year’s “Best Picture” category for the Academy Awards. While a win is unlikely (most predict that honor will go to “Avatar”), I can’t deny it is more than deserving of the honor. It is one of the best films of the year, and for my money, it is more than superior to its giant blue competitor.