听 After a successful run at The National Theatre, renowned scribe Alan Bennett adapted The History Boys for the big screen. It's the "slightly fusty but wickedly witty" tale of grammar school boys cramming for the Oxbridge entrance exams. On the face of it, it doesn't sound too thrilling, but the careful blend of comedy and drama earned it rave reviews and a profitable showing at the UK box office.
History In Action
Between performing on the London stage and the release of the film, the eponymous History Boys took their show on the road. Dominic Cooper (who plays the too-cool-for-school Dakin) shoots a video diary capturing the highs and lows of treading the boards in Hong Kong, New Zealand, Australia and New York. Midway through this eight month tour James Corden (Timms) announces that he's "depressed, frustrated and just tired," and he's not alone. In steps director Nicholas Hytner (who helmed the story for stage and screen) to give the cast a pep talk. Soon spirits are soaring again and it all culminates with a fancy showbiz party attended by Prince Charles to celebrate the film premiere.
"It's a film, I hope, of head and heart," says Hytner in a behind-the-scenes featurette. Cameras follow him on location and between takes he (along with all the leading cast) reflect on the development of the story from stage to screen. Alan Bennett chips in too, but modestly sums it up with, "Well, I just sat down and wrote the script..." For the boys there was a lot of studying to do in order to get as good a grasp on history, art and politics as their characters. "I've read more since starting the play than I ever have in my life!" admits Jamie Parker (Scripps).
Revision
Hytner and Bennett elaborate on the evolution of the story in their engaging commentary for the film. A marked change in Stephen Campbell Moore's portrayal of by-the-book teacher Irwin is one of the more striking changes they observe. Hytner explains that this was largely due to the power of close-up, picking up on his "vulnerability" so that as Bennett notes, "He wasn't as sympathetic on stage as he is in the film." Hytner also addresses the controversial behaviour of Hector (Richard Griffiths) who makes "pathetic attempts at groping the boys," but crucially adds that, "Nothing Hector does is dangerous or fully committed." Naturally Bennett also talks about the real-life characters and experiences that inspired him to write the play.
At first glance, it's a modest set of extras for The History Boys but the depth of insights and candid behind-the-scenes access promises to educate as well as entertain.
EXTRA FEATURES
The History Boys DVD is released on Monday 5th March 2007.
