Fridae

Gay artists must have been collaborating with each other ever since cavemen began doodling on cave walls. And The History Boys certainly represent the most fruitful gay collaboration in cinematic history since helmer Stephen Daldry teamed up with writer Michael Cunningham to make The Hours (2002).

The film sees British director Nicolas Hytner and British screenwriter Alan Bennett, both openly-gay and highly-respected practitioners in their own fields, coming together to make a witty and entertaining drama about an eccentric gay teacher and his eight rowdy students. The teacher Hector (played heartbreakingly by Richard Griffiths) is extremely dedicated and passionate about passing on his knowledge to the young ones, but he can't resist some of his cute students. Indeed, he takes every opportunity to cop a feel when they are riding with him on his motorbike.

Dramatic tension arrives in the form of a new teacher Irwin (Stephen Campbell Moore), a closeted gay man, whose strict methods of teaching clash with Hecto's free-ranging ones. Meanwhile, one of the students Posner (twinkie Samuel Barnett) has a huge crush on his dark and handsome classmate Dakin (Dominic Copper). Though he is straight and bonking the school secretary, Dakin starts to become fascinated with the new teacher...

The History Boys was originally a successful stage play that premiered in London in 2004. It won six Tony awards, including Best Actor for Richard and Best Director for Nicolas. Nicolas certainly has done a credible job of translating the stage action onto the silver screen. But one can't escape the feeling that the acting � though very strong � is a little too rehearsed. After all, the actors have been doing their stage roles night after night for several years now, so the spark of spontaneity is largely missing from their performances.

Still, that's a small quibble over what is obviously a witty and charming film. The History Boys is must-see for every literary fag who appreciate fine language and equally fine boys!