In Alexander Payne's 'The Holdovers,' it's Paul Giamatti versus his students over the holidays at the Barton Academy.
The Big Picture This holiday season has seen the debut of many unusual, offbeat films that find themselves in the award season conversation. Compared to the other films considered to be in the running for Best Picture, Alexander Payne’s dramedy The Holdovers almost feels “traditional;” it certainly lacks the historical epicness of Oppenheimer or Killers of the Flower Moon, and isn’t as bold and inventive as Poor Things or Barbie.
However, the shadow of tragedy looms over campus, as the Vietnam War is ever present in every student’s mind. Barton Academy’s hard-working chef, Mary Lamb , recently lost her son in the war, making the holiday season even more challenging. The thought of leaving school for a military academy is a major fear for the teenager Angus Tully . Angus has been told by his parents that if he flunks out of class, he will immediately be sent to a military school that can deal with his “attitude.
Angus’ class rival, Teddy Kountze , is able to get out of “holding over” once he contacts his parents, asking them to take him and the other students on a skiing trip to a luxury resort. While most of the other students’ parents agree to let them take the trip, Barton Academy can’t get in contact with Angus’ parents. This humiliates and infuriates the young boy.
Hunham realizes that he’s misjudged Angus, and realizes that the boy’s misbehavior might stem from the lack of attention he received from his parents. Although Hunham does his best to give Angus a fun holiday at Barton Academy by bringing in a Christmas tree and celebrating fine meals, Angus is insistent that they take a trip to Boston. Angus has dreamed about going to Boston with his parents, and was denied the chance to go when he was left at Barton Academy all alone.
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