Words and Pictures

Devoted to the power of the written word, one-time literary star Jack Marcus (Clive Owen) is a self-destructive, alcoholic English teacher at a posh prep school. Jack refers to his students as “droids” and combatively complains about their use of social media and lack of critical skills. Suffering from painful rheumatoid arthritis, icy Italian-born Dina Delsanto (Juliette Binoche) is an accomplished painter and the school's new art instructor; she is passionate about pictures, and fervently believes that a painting can express feelings far deeper than words. The pair are engaged in a caustic, intellectual argument as to whether words or pictures are more effective. Not surprisingly, as their droll disagreement turns into a school debate, their barbs also segue into flirtation in this uninspiring romantic dramedy from veteran director Fred Schepisi, which never manages to cut through the melodramatic verbosity or effectively develop a subplot involving the taunting and outright bullying of an Asian art student (Valerie Tian) by a male classmate (Adam DiMarco). Binoche and Owen both deserve better. Optional, at best. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary with director Fred Schepisi, a behind-the-scenes featurette (18 min.), and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release is a bonus UltraViolet copy of the film. Bottom line: a decent extras package for a disappointing film.] (S. Granger)