HIGHER EDUCATION

Canada, 1987, 92 minutes, Colour.
Kevin Hicks, Isabelle Meijias, John Cameron Mitchell.
Directed by John Sheppard.

Higher Education is a predictable story of a young man finding temptations and succumbing to them, falling in love, having to face the truth and make a decision. It is earnest although bordering on the cliche. In its sex scenes it strives to have its cake and eat it. The film focuses on an artist, his relationship with a student, his being manipulated by the art teacher and her business friends. He eventually comes to his senses and learns to relate well to his girlfriend. Certainly neither better nor worse than any other film of its kind.

1. 1980s story of youth, ambitions, relationships, disillusionment, reconciliation?

2. American settings, homes, universities, big business, the world of art?

3. The title, and its ambiguities about Andy's life? Academic, artistic, real life?

4. Andy going to the big city, farewelling his parents, ambitions for art, the encounter and meeting Carrie, falling in 1ove, his affair with her? The influence of Nicole, seductive, the affair with her? His hypocrisy, carrying the two affairs on at the same time? The commission for the work of art? His achieving it? His roommate and the Mob connections? The burly artist, keeping an eye on Andy? Carrie discovering the truth? The disillusionment with Nicole? The dedication of the art, his speech, the destruction of his work, freedom? Hurrying to find Carrie, jumping onto the ferry, pleading, the reconciliation? Ordinary character, callow character, with some depth or not?

5. Carrie, the art student, falling in love with Andy, the relationship, finding out the truth, going away, forgiving him? A future with him or not?

6. Nicole, the glamorous art teacher, seductive, the affair with Andy? Her business connections? The commissioning of the work of art, the dedication, the break with Andy, the smashing of the work of art?

7. The roommate, the raucous style, connections with the Mob, his minder, helping Andy with Carrie?

8. The artist, burly style, watching over the roommate, with Andy, his protecting Andy, proud of his advice and the destruction of the work of art?

9. Going to find Carrie? Ideals, relationships with women, mistakes, disillusionment, integrity, his coming to his senses?