A terminal diagnosis triggers a chaotic life pivot in the comedy-drama The Professor
In short: When a New England literature professor receives a stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis, he abandons his conventional life for a path of reckless abandon. The 2018 film, starring Johnny Depp, explores the erratic fallout of his decision, though critics found the execution of this existential crisis to be largely unconvincing.
Directed by Wayne Roberts, The Professor follows Richard Brown, a college academic who chooses to hide his terminal illness from his family. Upon learning he has between six and eighteen months to live, Richard undergoes a radical personality shift. He begins using drugs and alcohol, confronts his wife’s lover—the college dean—and drastically alters his teaching style by dismissing disinterested students. The narrative culminates in Richard publicly revealing his condition at a faculty dinner before driving into an unknown future.
Despite a cast that includes Rosemarie DeWitt, Danny Huston, and Zoey Deutch, the film struggled to find an audience or critical favor. It grossed approximately $3.6 million worldwide following its 2019 United States release. Reviewers were largely dismissive, with Rotten Tomatoes reporting an 11% approval rating. Critics frequently cited a muddled tone and underdeveloped character arcs as primary failures, with some reviewers noting that the film gestures toward profundity without ever truly achieving it.
The critical reception was notably harsh regarding the film’s central performance and narrative structure. Critics like Guy Lodge and Ben Kenigsberg pointed to worn-out screenwriting devices and a lack of emotional stakes. Comparisons were drawn to other films like American Beauty, though many felt The Professor failed to build meaningful dramatic tension. Ultimately, the project was described by some as a bizarre vanity project that remained frustratingly vague, failing to commit to its own potentially engaging ideas about mortality and personal liberation.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The Professor (2018 film)
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/entertainment-the-professor-2018-film.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Films · More in Entertainment · Latest · A–Z · All topics
