DESCRIPTION:
(from HBO's press release, April 2020) Inspired by the true story that rocked the town of Roslyn, NY in 2004 that garnered attention nationwide, BAD EDUCATION, debuting SATURDAY, APRIL 25 (8:00-9:30 p.m. ET/PT), centers on the stunning impact and aftermath of a multi-million-dollar embezzlement scheme. The darkly comical film highlights the deficiencies of the public education system in the U.S. while examining the broader forces that foster greed, corruption, and lack of accountability in our institutions. Starring Academy Award nominated and Golden Globe and Tony Award winner Hugh Jackman ("The Greatest Showman," "Les Misérables"); and Emmy(R), Academy Award, Golden Globe and SAG Award winner Allison Janney ("I, Tonya," "Mom"); the film is directed by Cory Finley ("Thoroughbreds") and written by Mike Makowsky ("I Think We're Alone Now"). The film will also be available on HBO On Demand, HBO NOW, HBO GO and partners' streaming platforms. Predominantly shot in and around the Long Island town of Roslyn, fifteen years after the scandal came to light, the film, as realized by director Finley and writer Makowsky, is a carefully orchestrated comedic drama as it focuses on the dichotomy of Frank Tassone (Jackman) - both an ardent and passionate educator dedicated to seeing his students succeed, and an expert manipulator willing to steal from the very same people he was so eager to help. The film deftly uses this small-town story to examine the systemic failures that enabled him. Allison Janney plays Pam Gluckin, Dr. Tassone's major domo and right-hand, the business manager for the Roslyn school district who worked her way up through sheer grit and passion. Intelligently written and tautly directed, the film shows a community wooed by the charismatic superintendent and enamored by the school's success and the resulting economic impact. It is also a celebration of the Roslyn High community - their ability to expose that dark time in the school's history and their continued tenacity to remain one of the top schools in the country today. |
