Bad Education

Description

The moral implications of embezzling from a school district are immense, but that doesn’t stop Superintendent Frank Tassone (Hugh Jackman) or lead accountant Pam Gluckin (Allison Janney) from stealing millions. Turns out that Frank is hiding much more than just financial shenanigans as the so-incredible-it-has-to-be-true narrative unfolds. There are many elements to savor in the film, from Frank and Pam’s sputtering justifications for reprehensible behavior to Geraldine Viswanathan (Hala, Festival 2019) as Rachel, the high-school newspaper journalist who brings them down.

“Bad Education allows Jackman to explore the profundity in the petty. As far as financial crimes in America go, former Roslyn school district superintendent Frank Tassone’s theft was relatively minor. (He did steal millions, though.) And yet, there was so much existential squirm behind his actions, this movie suggests, so much want and insecurity and indignant entitlement. It makes for a gripping character study, one that Jackman delves into with his usual full-bodied commitment.” –Richard Lawson, Vanity Fair

Film Details