Short Synopsis
Set in early 1960’s Britain is on the cusp of the strait-laced, post-war period and the free-spirited decade to come. A bright schoolgirl is torn between studying for a place at Oxford and the more exciting alternative offered by a charismatic older man. Adapted by Nick Hornby (About a Boy) from a memoir by journalist Lynn Barber. British actress, Carey Mulligan, gives a sparkling performance and has been named as a serious contender for next year’s Best Actress Oscar.
Longer Synopsis
It’s 1961 and attractive, bright 16-year-old schoolgirl, Jenny (Carey Mulligan) is
poised on the brink of womanhood, dreaming of a rarefied, Gauloise-scented
existence as she sings along to Juliette Greco in her Twickenham bedroom. Stifled
by the tedium of adolescent routine, Jenny can’t wait for adult life to begin.
Meanwhile, she’s a diligent student, excelling in every subject except the Latin that
her father is convinced will land her the place she dreams of at Oxford University.
One rainy day, her suburban life is upended by the arrival of an unsuitable suitor, 30-
ish David (Peter Sarsgaard). Urbane and witty, David instantly unseats Jenny’s
stammering schoolboy admirer, Graham (Matthew Beard). To her frank amazement,
he even manages to charm her conservative parents Jack (Alfred Molina) and
Marjorie (Cara Seymour), and effortlessly overcomes any instinctive objections to
their daughter’s older, Jewish suitor.
Jenny’s school friends are thrilled with her newfound
sophistication but her headmistress (Emma Thompson) is scandalised and her
English teacher Miss Stubbs (Olivia Williams) is deeply disappointed that her prize
pupil seems determined to throw away her evident gifts and certain chance of higher
education.
Just as the family’s long-held dream of getting their brilliant daughter into Oxford
seems within reach, Jenny is tempted by another kind of life.
Will David be the making of Jenny or her undoing?
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