The Chorus - education through music

There have been several films which have teacher as the protagonist. To Sir With Love and Freedom Writers come to mind immediately. But this 2004 French film The Chorus (Les Choristes) is unique, because here the teacher uses music to tame and mould a bunch of impossible boys. Thus music is the second protagonist in this film.

Director Christophe Barratier

Film Clip

Clement Mathieu played by Gerard  Jugnot, though looks like a dumb guy, is an exceptional teacher who can very well read the minds of the boys. In fact, he is a genius, which the boys realise but slowly. While their Principal, a Hitler style terror, thinks punishment is the best way to train boys, Mr Mathieu has other ideas. He uses music to engage boys and to discipline them.

Among other things, the music score composed by Bruno Coulais is just superb – it’s sensitive and it’s heart-warming. Further, young Jean-Baptiste Maunier who plays Pierre Morhange is indeed impressive as the gifted singer.

The film, no doubt, raises many a question about the present day education system worldwide, which is bereft of attention to students’ overall well being and focuses largely on dry academics and discipline. While students need to learn discipline in life, there is more than one way to master and impart it, which not many educationists understand. Helping students engage in activities their heart is in and allowing them to discipline themselves would be a far easier way to educate students than the hard way of screams, yells and brickbats. The Chorus seems to suggest just that.

Director Christophe Barratier has been more than successful in brining the best out of the crew to make a well crafted art work that stands out for several reasons.

- Melwyn Pinto SJ