Dangerous Mindsis a 1995 Americandrama filmdirected byJohn N. Smith,written byRonald Bass,and produced byDon SimpsonandJerry Bruckheimer.It is based on the 1992 autobiographyMy Posse Don't Do Homeworkby retiredU.S. MarineLouAnne Johnson,who in 1989 took up a teaching position atCarlmont High SchoolinBelmont, California,where most of her students wereAfrican-AmericanandLatinoteenagers fromEast Palo Alto,a racially segregated and economically deprived city.Michelle Pfeifferstars as Johnson. Critical reviews were mixed, with some critics praising Pfeiffer's performance but criticizing the screenplay as contrived and full of stereotypes. The film grossed $179.5 million and spawned a short-livedtelevision series.
| Dangerous Minds | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | John N. Smith |
| Screenplay by | Ronald Bass |
| Based on | My Posse Don't Do Homework byLouAnne Johnson |
| Produced by | Don Simpson Jerry Bruckheimer |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Pierre Letarte |
| Edited by | Tom Rolf |
| Music by | Wendy & Lisa |
Production companies | |
| Distributed by | Buena Vista Pictures Distribution[1] |
Release date |
|
Running time | 99 minutes[1] |
| Country | United States[1] |
| Language | English[1] |
| Budget | $23 million[2] |
| Box office | $179.5 million[3] |
Plot
editLouAnne Johnson, a veteran of theU.S. NavyandMarine Corps,applies for a high school teaching job and is surprised and pleased to be offered the position with immediate effect, even though it is a low paying job. Showing up the next day to begin teaching, however, she finds herself confronted with a classroom of tough, sullen teenagers, all from low-income working-class backgrounds, involved in gang warfare and drug pushing, flatly refusing to engage with anything.
They immediately coin the nickname "White Bread" for LouAnne, due to her race and apparent lack of authority, to which LouAnne responds by returning the next day in a leather jacket and teaching them karate. The students show some interest in such activities, but withdraw when LouAnne tries to teach the curriculum.
Desperate to reach the students, LouAnne devises classroom exercises that teach similar principles to the prescribed work but using themes and language that appeal to the students. She also tries to motivate them by giving them all an A grade from the beginning of the year and arguing that the only thing required of them is that they maintain it.
In order to introduce them to poetry, LouAnne uses the lyrics ofBob Dylan's "Mr. Tambourine Man"to teach symbolism and metaphor; once this is achieved, she progresses on toDylan Thomas's "Do not go gentle into that good night".LouAnne rewards the students liberally, using candy bars, reward incentives, and a trip to a theme park. Her methods draw the attention of the school authorities, George Grandey and Carla Nichols, who try to force her to remain within the curriculum.
A few particular students attract LouAnne's interest for their personal problems. Raul Sanchero is a boy who is frequently involved in gang warfare and street crime. LouAnne tries to encourage him to focus by paying a special visit to his family to congratulate him on his work and going to dinner with him as a way of instilling confidence and self-respect.
Emilio Ramirez is her most troublesome personal "project", as he believes strongly in a sense of personal honor that prevents him from asking for help. When LouAnne discovers that his life is in danger because of a personal grudge held by a recently released thug, she advises him to seek help from Principal Grandey. The next day, Emilio visits Grandey, but Grandey (not realizing that Emilio is in serious danger) instantly dismisses him because he neglected to knock on the door before entering his office.
Feeling rejected, Emilio leaves the school and is subsequently killed by his rival. Heartbroken by her failure to protect Emilio and angry at the indifferent school system for contributing to his death, LouAnne announces to the class her intention to leave the school at the end of the academic year. The students immediately break down, begging her not to leave. Overwhelmed by their unbridled display of emotion, she decides to stay.
Cast
edit- Michelle PfeifferasLouAnne Johnson
- George Dzundzaas Hal Griffith
- Courtney B. Vanceas George Grandey
- Robin Bartlettas Carla Nichols
- Renoly Santiagoas Raul Sanchero
- Wade Dominguezas Emilio Ramirez
- Bruklin Harris as Callie Roberts
- Beatrice Windeas Mary Benton
- Lorraine Toussaintas Irene Roberts
- John Nevilleas Waiter
- Marcello Thedfordas Cornelius Bates
- Roberto Alvarez as Gusmaro Rivera
- Richard Grant as Durrell Benton
- Marisela Gonzalez as Angela
- Norris Young as Kareem
- Karina Arroyaveas Josy
- Paula Garcésas Alvina
- Raymond Grant as Lionel Benton
- Ivan Sergeias "Huero"
- Gaura Vanias "Warlock" (credited as Gaura Buchwald)
- Cynthia Avila as Mrs. Sanchero
- Roman Cisneros as Mr. Sanchero
- Camille Winbushas Tyeisha Roberts
- Al Israelas Mr. Santiego
- Renoly Santiagoas Raoul
Production
editDangerous Mindswas one of the last films of producerDon Simpson.The school at which LouAnne Johnson taught,Carlmont High SchoolinBelmont, California,was considered as a filming location, butBurlingame High SchoolinBurlingamewas used as the filming location for all the outside scenes,[4]and some indoor scenes filmed at neighboringSan Mateo High School.Most of the filming was done atWarner Hollywood StudiosinBurbank, California.[4]
The amusement park scene was done inSanta Cruz, California,at theSanta Cruz Beach Boardwalk.[5]Additional photography was also done inPacoima,Monrovia,Glendale,andSherman Oaks.[4]
Release
editBox office
editDangerous Mindswas released in the United States on August 11, 1995. It grossed a total of $179.5 million worldwide.[3]
Critical reception
editRotten Tomatoesgives the film an approval score of 34% and an average rating of 4.9/10 based on 44 reviews from critics. The website's "Critics Consensus" for the film reads, "Rife with stereotypes that undermine its good intentions,Dangerous Mindsis too blind to see that the ones it hurts are the audience. "[6]OnMetacritic,the film holds a score of 47 out of 100 sampled from 18 reviews, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[7]
Janet MaslinofThe New York Timescalled it a "false and condescending film" that "steamrollers its way over some real talent". Although praising Pfeiffer's acting ability, Maslin said that the script limits her to a one-dimension role.[8]Kenneth Turan's review for theLos Angeles Timessaid that Pfeiffer "is as believable as the film allows her to be", but the film trivializes the subject matter.[9]Roger Ebertwrote in his review for theChicago Sun-Timescalled the film "less than compelling" and said the true story had been watered down to appeal to white audiences, illustrated by the substitution of Dylan songs for rap songs.[10]Though he said Pfeiffer's acting made the film "fairly entertaining",Terrence RaffertyofThe New Yorkercriticized the film's screenplay and the sentimental ending, which he said gives Pfeiffer's character an unnecessary halo.[11]Peter TraversinRolling Stonedescribed the young cast as "outstanding" and praised Pfeiffer's performance, but he said the film "often unspools like a hokey update ofSidney Poitier'sTo Sir, with Love".[12]Kevin McManus ofThe Washington Postalso praised the acting, though he wrote that the film "merits only a C", in part because of the script's lack of subtlety and the saccharine lines given to the students.[13]Edward Guthmann in theSan Francisco Chroniclewrote: "It's contrived, it's hokey, but inDangerous Minds,a Michelle Pfeiffer vehicle, it works surprisingly well... She's playing with a bag of clichés, but she's so plucky and likable, you overlook the hokum. "[14]Time Outwrote: "Actually it's quite a respectable piece of work, with an impressive tough-love performance from Pfeiffer, butRonald Bass's hackneyed screenplay is all carrot and no stick. "[15]
Accolades
editThesoundtrackand its lead single "Gangsta's Paradise"enjoyed major success and received nominations for theGrammy Award for Record of the Yearand theNAACP Image Award for Outstanding Soundtrack Album.[16]Cooliowon theGrammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performancefor his vocals.[17]
At theMTV Movie Awards 1996,Dangerous Mindswas nominated in four categories:Best Movie,Best Female Performance(Michelle Pfeiffer),Most Desirable Female(Michelle Pfeiffer) andBest Movie Song(Coolio).[18]
The music video for "Gangsta's Paradise",featuring Michelle Pfeiffer, won theMTV Music Video Award for Best Rap Videoand theMTV Music Video Award for Best Video from a Film.[19]
Michelle Pfeiffer won theBlockbuster Entertainment Award for Favorite Actress – Drama.
| Awarding Body | Award | Nominee | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blockbuster Entertainment Awards | Favorite Actress - Drama | Michelle Pfeiffer | Won |
| Grammy Awards | Record of the Year | "Gangsta's Paradise"byCoolio | Nominated |
| Best Rap Solo Performance | Won | ||
| NAACP Image Awards | Outstanding Soundtrack Album | Nominated | |
| MTV Movie Awards | Best Movie | Nominated | |
| Best Female Performance | Michelle Pfeiffer | Nominated | |
| Most Desirable Female | Nominated | ||
| Best Movie Song | "Gangsta's Paradise" by Coolio | Nominated | |
| MTV Video Music Awards | Best Rap Video | Won | |
| Best Video from a Film | Won | ||
The film is recognized byAmerican Film Institutein these lists:
- 2004:AFI's 100 Years...100 Songs:
- "Gangsta's Paradise"– Nominated[20]
Soundtrack
edit| Year | Title | Chart positions | Certifications (sales thresholds) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | U.S. R&B | |||
| 1995 | Dangerous Minds
|
1 | 1 |
|
Television series
editThe commercial success of the film prompted the creation of a spin-off television series,Dangerous Minds,featuringAnnie Pottsin the role of LouAnne Johnson. The series premiered onABCon September 30, 1996, and ended on March 15, 1997, after one season of seventeen episodes.[21]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^abcde"Dangerous Minds (1995)".AFI Catalog of Feature Films.RetrievedSeptember 15,2022.
- ^"Dangerous Minds (1995) - Financial Information".The Numbers.RetrievedJanuary 10,2023.
- ^ab"Dangerous Minds".Box Office Mojo.
- ^abc"Dangerous Minds (film)".D23.RetrievedJanuary 10,2024.
- ^Baine, Wallace (March 22, 2019)."A brief history of movies filmed at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk".San Francisco Chronicle.RetrievedJanuary 10,2024.
- ^"Dangerous Minds (1995)".Rotten Tomatoes.Fandango Media.RetrievedMarch 28,2024.
- ^"Dangerous Minds".Metacritic.RetrievedNovember 20,2009.
- ^Maslin, Janet(August 11, 1995)."FILM REVIEW; If Teacher Is Pfeiffer, Can Youths Be All Bad?".The New York Times.
- ^Turan, Kenneth (August 11, 1995)."MOVIE REVIEWS: Two Stars in a Dim Galaxy".Los Angeles Times.
- ^Ebert, Roger (August 11, 1995)."Dangerous Minds".Chicago Sun-Times.
- ^Rafferty, Terrence (September 4, 1995)."Dangerous Minds".The New Yorker.Archived fromthe originalon June 17, 2013.
- ^Travers, Peter (August 11, 1995)."Dangerous Minds".Rolling Stone.RetrievedNovember 20,2009.
- ^McManus, Kevin (August 11, 1995)."Dangerous Minds".The Washington Post.
- ^Guthmann, Edward (February 16, 1996)."Michelle Pfeiffer Acts With Class / 'Dangerous Minds' uses teacher plot well".San Francisco Chronicle.
- ^"Dangerous Minds Review - Film".Time Out London.Archived fromthe originalon June 7, 2011.RetrievedNovember 20,2009.
- ^Tregoning, Jack (August 9, 2020)."How 1995 Became A Blockbuster Year For Movie Soundtracks".grammy.com.RetrievedJanuary 10,2024.
- ^"Coolio".grammy.com.RetrievedJanuary 10,2024.
- ^"1996 MTV Movie Awards".MTV.Archived fromthe originalon April 23, 2008.
- ^Boardman, Madeline (August 23, 2016)."Flashback to the 1996 MTV Video Music Awards".EW.com.RetrievedJanuary 10,2024.
- ^"AFI's 100 Years...100 Songs Nominees"(PDF).Archived fromthe original(PDF)on March 13, 2011.RetrievedJuly 30,2016.
- ^"Dangerous Minds Season 1 Episode Guide on TV.com".tv.com. Archived fromthe originalon November 6, 2012.RetrievedNovember 21,2009.