About Bad Education (2019)

"Bad Education" is a dark comedy-drama film inspired by true events that unfolded in Roslyn, New York, in the early 2000s. The film zeroes in on the largest public school embezzlement in the history of the United States. The story follows Roslyn High School superintendent Frank Tassone (Hugh Jackman) and assistant superintendent Pam Gluckin (Allison Janney), who steal millions from the district budget, unbeknownst to the popular school’s board of trustees, parents, and students. This scandal involves student journalism investigation and is set against the backdrop of the pressure surrounding the public education system.

Making/Production

Cory Finley directed "Bad Education", with Mike Makowsky as the scriptwriter. The movie was partly inspired from Makowsk's own experiences while he was a student at Roslyn, during the time the scandal took place. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 8, 2019, and was later purchased by HBO for distribution.

Actors

• Hugh Jackman as Frank Tassone: Jackman impeccably portrays Frank, a charismatic and respected superintendent involved in a scandal. His convincing performance helps the audience explore the character's complexity and double life.
• Allison Janney as Pam Gluckin: Janney played Pam, the assistant superintendent who collaborates in the scheme. Her dynamic portrayal makes the role memorable and enjoyable.
• Geraldine Viswanathan as Rachel Bhargava: Viswanathan plays the role of a student journalist who uncovers the scandal. Her realistic performance subtly highlights the power of persistent investigation.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The movie is based on a true story, with many of the names of people and the school retained from the real events.
• Bad Education premiered at TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) where it was acquired by HBO for a substantial $20 million.
• Screenwriter Mike Makowsky was a middle-school student in Roslyn at the time of the scandal.
• The house shown as Frank Tassone's house in the movie is the actual house he owned when the scandal broke out.

Awards

Although 'Bad Education' hasn't won any major awards, it garnered widespread critical acclaim, with particular praise for Hugh Jackman and Allison Janney's performances, the writing, and the direction.

Quotes

• "Can't you people see I'm trying to save this school?" - Frank Tassone
• "This is my life you're playing with. For once in your life, shut your damn mouth!" - Pam Gluckin

Music, Soundtrack

• The melancholic sound score was composed by Michael Abels. It adds to the storytelling by underlining suspense and tension.
• "Once in my Life" performed by The Decemberists was one of the memorable soundtracks from the movie.