If the film didn't have Burdge at the center, at least trying to provide some sort of clarity the character's motivations in this relationship, this would've been a complete misfire. We can see that she thinks something of this relationship - whatever that may be - and she would be pained deeply if something wrong were to happen with it. Having said all this, the film does in fact feature a strong lead performance by Lindsay Burdge, whose teacher character is made a sympathetic character, even with out much develop towards her. The film we have here is one with minimal dialog in the way of characters, a shallow, limited view on why these two would want to be together, and relatively simple sex scenes captured by a grim camera that knows no color scheme other than black or very, very gray. The film I was hoping A Tacher would be featured extensive dialog to develop each character, dialog in the way of both of them talking about why they like each other enough to carry out a dangerous relationship under the noses of classmates and the school administration, and had deeply intimate, satisfying sex. There's no justification as to why Diana would want to date a student, or Eric in particular, seeing as if someone found out it could irreparably scar her reputation and put her out of a job. We don't see why Eric has captured her eye, as he is just a typical, faceless high school teenager that comes to class everyday, does his work, and is quietly anxious sexually. There's no real indicator on why they're together in the first place. There isn't much to Diana or Eric, and their relationship seems more existent because it's a taboo and it's not normative. However, Fidell unfortunately keeps things too heavily nuanced to be insightful and too subtle to evoke much commentary or humanity. Immediately, this is a story that needs to be told, and this film ostensibly will humanize and maybe justify a teacher-student relationship. It doesn't take long, however, for Diana's paranoia to nearly get the best of her, as she tries to keep their relationship closeted, even as Eric begins to turn the other cheek to her at some points. The two hang out frequently - mostly in each others homes so being spotted in public isn't possible - and both enjoy each others company, personality, and intimacy. Hannah Fidell wanders into mumblecore territory here, as she directors and pens the film about Diana Watts (Lindsay Burdge), a high school English teacher, in her thirties or so, who has been flirting and hanging around with student Eric Tull (Will Brittain). The film we get is an interesting albeit mostly flat examination of an unremarkable teacher-student affair that strides along with sporadic hardships and ends in predictable calamity. The film trying to break free is a deep, involved character study on a teacher-student relationship that functions because of deep conversation and a mutual understanding between parties. This is a film in A Teacher that is nudging itself, trying to be set free from the restraints and the shortcomings of the finished product. As such, Diana gets torn between doing what she knows is the right thing by staying away from Eric, or listening to her troubled heart, her growing obsession and need for what she considers love which may make staying away from Eric difficult. This close time away from Eric also gives Diana the opportunity to look at their relationship through a slightly different perspective, with the old adage of absence making the heart grow fonder kicking in. A few incidents and the first real close call in being caught leads to Diana calling off the affair several months in, as she finally comes to the understanding that being caught would certainly mean the end of her teaching career and her good reputation. This relationship is the most fulfilling she's had in quite some time. That place is at school, as she has just embarked on a secret affair with one of her students, Eric Tull. A longtime and continuing undisclosed issue between her and her mother may be only one factor in Diana looking for love in the wrong place. Diana Watts is an English teacher at Westerbrook High School in Austin, Texas.
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