Based on the worldwide best-selling novel by Simon Winchester, The Professor and the Madman is an extraordinary true tale of madness, genius, and obsession about two remarkable men who created history with the writing of the Oxford English Dictionary.
The compilation of the Oxford English Dictionary began in 1857 and was one of the most ambitious, and revolutionary projects ever undertaken. Professor James Murray (Mel Gibson) took on the challenge of creating the most comprehensive dictionary ever compiled, but knew that it would take him and his team over a century to compile all known definitions. However, by “crowd sourcing” the work, that is, by enlisting definitions from people all over the world, the dictionary could be compiled in mere decades.
As definitions were collected, the overseeing committee, led by Professor Murray, discovered that one man, Dr. W.C. Minor (Sean Penn), had submitted more than ten thousand words. When the committee insisted on honoring him, a shocking truth came to light: Dr. Minor, an American Civil War veteran, was a convicted murderer and being held at an asylum for the criminally insane.
M in cinemas from Feb 20
Official Selection
British Film Festival 2019
Thanks to Transmission Films, we have five double in season passes to give away to Ciao readers. For your chance to win, simply name one other movie starring either Mel Gibson or Sean Penn that you’ve enjoyed. Both men have played obsessive madmen (and geniuses) before, and there’s plenty to choose from! Email info@ciaomagazine.com.au with your answer and name and address before Monday Feb 17. Winners will be mailed their tickets.
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