“Bad Education” (2018) is a drama film directed by Cory Finley and written by Mike Makowsky. It is based on a real-life scandal that occurred in the early 2000s, revolving around a massive financial fraud involving a public school system in New York. The film stars Hugh Jackman, Allison Janney, Ray Romano, and Geraldine Viswanathan, and is an exploration of corruption, power, and the moral compromises people make when they are in positions of authority.
Plot Summary
Set in Roslyn, Long Island, Bad Education follows the story of Frank Tassone (Hugh Jackman), the well-liked superintendent of the Roslyn School District, and his close colleague Pam Gluckin (Allison Janney), the district’s financial officer. Frank is a charismatic leader who is beloved by students, parents, and the community, while Pam is his trusted ally who manages the district’s finances. Together, they oversee what appears to be one of the top school districts in the country, with a reputation for excellence.
However, their success and reputation come under threat when Rachel Bhargava (Geraldine Viswanathan), a student journalist for the school paper, starts investigating the district’s finances for an article. What begins as a seemingly innocuous investigation soon unravels a massive embezzlement scheme that has been going on for years. Frank and Pam have been siphoning off millions of dollars from the district’s budget, using school funds for their own lavish lifestyles, including personal expenses, vacations, and home renovations.
As Rachel digs deeper, she uncovers the scale of the corruption and exposes the scandal. The film follows the personal and professional fallout for Frank, Pam, and the school district as their world collapses. Frank, who has built his identity around being a respected educational leader, faces the unraveling of everything he has worked for. Meanwhile, Pam’s role in the scandal and her involvement with Frank’s actions come to light, leading to a dramatic confrontation.
Themes
- Corruption and Power: At the heart of Bad Education is a critique of how those in power can abuse their positions for personal gain. The film portrays how Frank and Pam were able to manipulate the system and hide their misdeeds for years, exploiting their authority without fear of consequence. The film explores the seductive nature of power and the lengths individuals will go to protect their image and wealth.
- Morality and Compromise: Bad Education questions the line between right and wrong, particularly when it comes to moral compromise. Frank, in particular, justifies his actions as being for the greater good, thinking he is preserving the reputation of the district. The film explores how small compromises can snowball into major ethical violations, and how people rationalize unethical behavior to protect themselves.
- Public Trust and Deception: The scandal highlights the betrayal of public trust. The public—teachers, parents, and students—trusted Frank to lead the school district with integrity, but his betrayal of that trust causes immense damage to the community. The film examines how leaders, especially in public service, can deceive those they serve, and the consequences when the truth comes to light.
- The Role of the Media: Rachel’s investigation into the financial discrepancies serves as a reminder of the important role the media plays in uncovering corruption and holding powerful figures accountable. Her dogged pursuit of the truth, despite the personal risks, ultimately brings down the scandal and exposes the wrongdoing.
- Identity and Image: Frank’s obsession with maintaining his image as a well-respected educator is central to his character. His identity is tied to his success, and as the scandal unravels, his desperate attempts to protect his reputation underscore the tension between personal identity and public perception.
Cast and Characters
- Hugh Jackman as Frank Tassone: Frank is the charismatic and seemingly perfect superintendent of the Roslyn School District. Jackman’s portrayal of Frank is complex, as he navigates the moral dilemmas of his character. Frank is charming and likable, but as his corruption is revealed, Jackman expertly conveys the character’s internal struggle and his attempt to maintain control over his life.
- Allison Janney as Pam Gluckin: Pam is the district’s financial officer and Frank’s accomplice in the embezzlement scheme. Janney’s performance highlights Pam’s mix of toughness and vulnerability as she becomes embroiled in the scandal. She plays a more reluctant and self-preserving character, torn between protecting herself and dealing with the fallout from their actions.
- Ray Romano as Bob Spicer: Bob is a district administrator and a close colleague of Frank. As the scandal unravels, Bob’s role in the organization becomes more prominent. Romano plays a more subdued character who grapples with his moral position in the crisis.
- Geraldine Viswanathan as Rachel Bhargava: Rachel is a student journalist who stumbles upon the corruption while working on a story about the school district. Viswanathan’s portrayal of Rachel as a smart, determined, and fearless young woman highlights the importance of investigative journalism and the courage required to pursue the truth, even when it is inconvenient.
Style and Tone
Bad Education is a character-driven drama with a strong focus on dialogue and tension. The film balances its serious subject matter with moments of dark humor, which helps break the tension without undercutting the gravity of the situation. Director Cory Finley employs a restrained, almost documentary-like approach to the storytelling, keeping the focus squarely on the characters and their personal conflicts.
The tone of the film is largely grounded, with moments of tension as Frank’s world begins to collapse around him. The film doesn’t sensationalize the scandal but instead presents it as a slow-burn drama, with the pace gradually picking up as the truth emerges. The performances, especially from Hugh Jackman and Allison Janney, are nuanced and believable, adding depth to a story that might otherwise feel like a straightforward tale of corruption.
Reception
Bad Education premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2019 and was later released on HBO in April 2020. It received widespread critical acclaim, particularly for its performances and screenplay. Critics praised Hugh Jackman’s portrayal of Frank, noting his ability to capture the character’s charm and desperation. Allison Janney was also lauded for her performance as Pam, bringing depth to a character who might have otherwise been seen simply as a secondary accomplice. The film’s exploration of moral dilemmas and its sharp critique of corruption were also well-received.
Bad Education was particularly praised for its sharp writing and direction. The film’s grounded approach to a real-world scandal helped it stand out in the realm of based-on-a-true-story dramas. The nuanced portrayal of its characters added complexity to what could have been a straightforward tale of financial fraud.
Conclusion
Bad Education (2018) is a compelling drama that exposes the dark side of power, corruption, and the impact of greed on public institutions. With standout performances by Hugh Jackman and Allison Janney, the film explores the moral compromises made by individuals in positions of authority and the consequences when their secrets are revealed. It is a thought-provoking commentary on trust, deception, and the pursuit of personal gain at the expense of others. The film’s exploration of real-life events makes it a relevant and impactful watch for those interested in stories about power, corruption, and the quest for truth.
