𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙛𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙈𝙖𝙙𝙢𝙖𝙣

The Professor and the Madman (2019) is a historical drama that delves into the fascinating and often controversial creative process of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED). Based on the book The Professor and the Madman: A Story of Murder, Madness and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary by Simon Winchester, the film explores the collaboration between two very different men who contributed to this monumental work.
The film tells the true story of James Murray (played by Mel Gibson), a professor and lexicographer who was tasked with compiling the OED. He enlists the help of William Chester Minor (played by Sean Penn), a brilliant but troubled American Civil War veteran who is imprisoned in an asylum for murder. As they study the dictionary together, their lives intertwine in unexpected ways, revealing themes of friendship, genius, and madness.
Murray’s struggle was to create a comprehensive dictionary that could capture the richness of the English language.
Minor’s contributions to the dictionary stemmed from his extensive reading and understanding, despite his tragic circumstances.
The social challenges they face, including the stigma surrounding mental illness and the complexities of their personal lives.
The Professor and the Madman received mixed reviews from critics, who praised Gibson and Penn’s performances, especially their portrayal of the complex relationship between the two men. The film’s exploration of language, madness and the human condition resonated with some audiences, although others felt it lacked depth in certain areas.