Fuck the School of Rock report card! A thrilling work that still resonates today

2024 marks exactly 20 years since "School of Rock" was released in Japan. It is generally said that American comedies do not become hits in Japan, but word of mouth has spread about the fun of this film, and it has become more popular as its media spreads from theaters to software and streaming. I recently rewatched it for the first time in a long time for work, and it is just as entertaining as ever. In this article, I will re-examine its appeal.

The protagonist, Dewey, is a guitarist who dreams of success in a hard rock band, but his egoistic personality causes him to be kicked out of the band. One day, his roommate, Ned, who is also a teacher, receives a phone call from a prestigious private elementary school inviting him to take up a position as a temporary teacher. By chance, Dewey answers the phone, and being short on money, he disguises himself as Ned and gets the job. However, he has no way of teaching elementary school students, and the children of wealthy families are confused by this careless teacher.

However, Dewey notices the students' talent for playing classical music in music class and comes up with the idea of making them members of a new band. Thus, Dewey's classes, which had previously been self-study, change to rock music lectures, and the students are exposed to the free atmosphere of rock music, and their smiles increase. Their goal is a band battle with a prize. But before them stands the high wall of the strict principal and parents...

"School of Rock" trailer

Index

• Director Linklater takes the reins of the wild horse
• Child actors with shining personalities discover rock music
• Asking the legendary band for permission to use their music
• The evolving world of School of Rock

Director Linklater takes the reins of the wild horse

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Jack Black, who plays Dewey, was making a name for himself as a comedic actor in films such as " High Fidelity " (2000) and " Rosemary's Love " (2001). The film started with a script written by his best friend Mike White, who lived next door to him for about three years and also plays the role of Ned. In 2001, Black teamed up with musician and actor Kyle Gass to make his record debut as a comical hard rock unit called Tenacious D. In other words, singing and guitar are his forte.

Director Richard Linklater was also a rising star at the time, having received positive reviews for low-budget films such as " Before Sunrise" (1995). Black and White, who were recommended him by the producer, welcomed him with open arms. Since the script was written for him, Black wanted to go wild, and Linklater was given the task of allowing him freedom, while also tightening the reins when necessary to ensure the film had the right appearance.

School of Rock (c)Photofest / Getty Images

Linklater focuses on Black's minute movements and expressions, which are a mass of energy. He keeps the camera close to him while he acts, and uses the footage to give the film a lively impression. His facial expressions, such as his wavy eyebrows, certainly show Black's expressiveness as a comedic actor.

Black, a huge rock fan, projects his vast knowledge into the script. He not only includes rock stories in the dialogue, but also uses them in his stage performances. The scene in the opening live performance where Dewey dives off the stage and hits the floor was inspired by Black's experience of seeing lead singer Ian Astbury fail a dive when he went to see rock band The Cult.

Child actors with shining personalities discover rock music