About Bad Education (HBO)

"Bad Education" is a 2019 American crime drama film that premiered on HBO. The movie is based on a true story and centres around the largest public school embezzlement in American history. The narrative twirls around the well-liked and respected superintendent Frank Tassone and assistant superintendent Pam Gluckin of a Long Island school district. However, their world corrupts when they are caught in a multi-million dollar scam that shakes their prestigious institutions.

Making / Production

The movie is based on the New York Magazine article "Here's How to Steal from Your School," written by Robert Kolker. Mike Makowsky, a former student of Roslyn School District, which experienced the scandal, wrote the screenplay. Cory Finley directed the film, and it was produced by Automatik Entertainment, Sight Unseen Pictures, and Slater Hall Productions.

Actors

• Hugh Jackman as Frank Tassone: Frank is the charismatic superintendent who is part of the scandal. Jackman perfectly blends charm and deceit in his role.
• Allison Janney as Pam Gluckin: Pam, in Janney's portrayal, is a go-getter, the assistant superintendent who becomes the first to be caught in the scam.
• Geraldine Viswanathan as Rachel Bhargava: As the school reporter who exposes the fraud, Viswanathan gives an earnest performance.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This film marks Hugh Jackman's first role as a villain since his breakthrough role in "X-Men".
• "Bad Education" was purchased by HBO for approximately $20 million after its premiere at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival.
• Bobby Cannavale, who plays the role of Bob Spicer in the movie, is actually from the same town as the film setting - Uniondale, New York.

Awards

Hugh Jackman was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Limited Series or Television Film. The film also received recognition at the 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards, with nominations for Outstanding Television Movie and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for Jackman.

Quotes

• "Some people… they just have a vision for how things could be. No matter what happens, the world doesn’t change them. They change the world.” - Frank Tassone
• "Why [journalism]? You find it rewarding?" - Frank Tassone. "I guess I've just always been interested in… what's really going on, you know." - Rachel Bhargava

Music, Soundtrack

• "In Motion" by Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross
• "Consummation" by Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross