Once again, Olive Films are bringing an interesting artifact from the 80’s to Blu-ray for the very first time. Teachers was a large ensemble drama/comedy that got a fair amount of attention and publicity during its original run. It was advertised as being a grittier look at the education system, incorporating plenty of satirical elements.
Today, it may be better remembered for its soundtrack than for the film itself. It spawned a couple of notable original tunes, including “Teacher, Teacher” by 38 Special and “Edge of a Dream” from Joe Cocker (both of which, unexpectedly enough, were written by “Summer of ’69” performer Bryan Adams). So, after all this time, how does the actual movie hold up?
Alex (Nick Nolte) was once “Teacher of the Year”, but has since lost the passion for his profession. Tensions arise when the school learns it is being sued by a former student who graduated despite being illiterate. Even worse, the idealistic lawyer (JoBeth Williams) assigned to the case happens to be Alex’s former star pupil. It’s a very tricky situation providing conflict between the teachers, board of education and city officials. With his deposition only days away, the teacher must decide whether to say what he’s been told to, or to tell the truth and potentially get both himself and his co-workers fired.
Besides the suit, other problems in the building include unhinged students and teachers, a clueless Principal (William Schallert), an unwanted pregnancy between instructor and pupil, as well as and another bright but illiterate teen (Ralph Macchio) who has just about given up on attending entirely. Several of the unusual tics and eccentricities of educators are also explored. This includes a mental institution outpatient (Richard Mulligan) who has somehow managed to successfully impersonate a substitute (and become the school’s most effective teacher).
With a cast that features Judd Hirsch, Lee Grant, Richard Mulligan, Laura Dern, Crispin Glover and Morgan Freeman, it’s almost impossible to keep up with all the familiar faces that appear in scene after scene. Nolte’s character is relatable and carries viewers through the drama, while Mulligan stands out as comic relief the role-playing teacher that easily engages with the students.
Admittedly, the movie has its share of problems. The story is overstuffed with characters and situations, and at 104 minutes (excluding credits) many of them feel underdeveloped. Glover’s odd character seems tortured, but we’re never really sure as to why. Additionally, some of the subplots are dealt with in too short and brisk a manner. As a result, many of the film’s most important moments aren’t nearly as strong as they could be, and the sudden shifts in tone from drama to comedy are a little awkward.
This is one of those rare occasions where an extra fifteen minutes might have helped flesh out some of the subplots and assisted in making the mood shifts smoother. Heck, even the final shot comes across as abrupt. It’s a sudden freeze frame that catches one of its leads smiling. Guess that’s as close as the filmmakers felt they could come to giving the character a satisfying emotional resolution.
Despite these issues, the movie is quite enjoyable overall. It’s unique to see an 80s effort tackle issues like the bureaucracy of the educational system and its wearying effect on both instructors and students. There are definitely some dated elements (especially fashion-wise – the big hair and shoulder-pads certainly stand out), but the darker approach taken here and there actually serves the film quite well. Teachers holds up a little better than expected. Curious viewers or those who remember and enjoyed it in the past will likely appreciate what they see just as much today as they did back then.
The image quality, while occasionally speckled and a tad grainy in comparison with 2015 film releases is still the best this title has ever looked. While the disc doesn’t feature any extras, those who do want to see more can check out an original commercial for Teachers and the “Teacher, Teacher” music video (which also uses clips from the movie).