The Professor and the Madman: An Extraordinary Tale of Two Men United by a Shared Obsession

The Professor and the Madman is a 2019 historical drama film directed by Farhad Safinia and starring Mel Gibson and Sean Penn. The film is based on the 1998 book of the same name by Simon Winchester, which tells the true story of the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary and the relationship between its editor, James Murray, and one of its most prolific contributors, William Chester Minor, a doctor who was confined to Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum after murdering an acquaintance.

The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity, and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary

by Simon Winchester

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4643 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	288 pages

FREE

The Professor and the Madman Plot Summary

In 1857, Professor James Murray is appointed by the Oxford University Press to edit a new dictionary, the Oxford English Dictionary (OED). Murray is a brilliant lexicographer, but he is overwhelmed by the task of compiling a comprehensive dictionary of the English language. He appeals to the public for help, and thousands of volunteers send him words and definitions.

One of Murray's most prolific contributors is William Chester Minor, a doctor who is confined to Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum after murdering an acquaintance. Minor is a brilliant linguist, and he contributes over 10,000 words and definitions to the OED. Murray and Minor develop a close relationship, despite the fact that they never meet in person.

The Professor and the Madman is a fascinating story about the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary and the relationship between two men who were united by a shared obsession. The film is a testament to the power of language and the importance of human connection.

The Professor and the Madman Cast

* Mel Gibson as Professor James Murray * Sean Penn as William Chester Minor * Natalie Dormer as Eliza Merrett, Murray's wife * Steven Mackintosh as Frederick Furnivall, the founder of the Philological Society * Eddie Marsan as Dr. Richard Brayne, the superintendent of Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum

The Professor and the Madman Reviews

The Professor and the Madman received generally positive reviews from critics. The film was praised for its strong performances, its compelling story, and its beautiful cinematography.

* "The Professor and the Madman is a fascinating and moving story about the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary and the relationship between two men who were united by a shared obsession." - The Hollywood Reporter * "Mel Gibson and Sean Penn give tour-de-force performances in The Professor and the Madman, a gripping and emotionally resonant film." - Variety * "The Professor and the Madman is a beautiful and inspiring film that celebrates the power of language and the importance of human connection." - The New York Times

The Professor and the Madman Box Office

The Professor and the Madman grossed over $10 million at the box office. The film was a modest commercial success, but it received critical acclaim for its strong performances and its compelling story.

The Professor and the Madman Historical Accuracy

The Professor and the Madman is based on a true story, but the film takes some liberties with historical accuracy. For example, Murray and Minor never actually met in person. However, the film's overall portrayal of the events surrounding the creation of the OED is accurate.

The Professor and the Madman Themes

The Professor and the Madman explores several themes, including:

* The power of language * The importance of human connection * The nature of madness * The redemptive power of work

The Professor and the Madman Legacy

The Professor and the Madman is a powerful and inspiring film that celebrates the human spirit. The film is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.

The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity, and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary

by Simon Winchester

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4643 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	288 pages

FREE