Olivia Thompson
Yes, The Professor and the Madman (2019) is based on a true story. The movie is based on the book The Surgeon of Crowthorne by Simon Winchester, which tells the story of two men - Professor James Murray and Dr. William Chester Minor - who worked together on the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary in the late 19th century. The movie explores their complicated relationship and the challenges they faced while working on the project.
What is the true story behind the movie The Professor and the Madman (2019)?
The true story behind the movie “The Professor and the Madman” (2019) is about the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED). The movie is based on the book “The Surgeon of Crowthorne” by Simon Winchester and tells the story of Professor James Murray, played by Mel Gibson, who spent 40 years compiling the OED.
The “madman” referred to in the title is Dr. William Minor, played by Sean Penn, who was a contributor to the OED. Minor was a former army surgeon who was suffering from mental illness and was institutionalized at Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum in England. Murray and Minor corresponded for many years, and Murray was not aware of Minor’s institutionalization until several years into their correspondence.
The movie focuses on Murray’s relationship with Minor and his efforts to include Minor’s contributions to the OED, despite his mental illness and violent past. The story also touches on themes of language, mental illness, and the power of collaboration.
Overall, while the movie takes some creative liberties, it is based on a true story and brings attention to the often-overlooked work of Murray and the contributions of Minor to the OED, as well as the impact of mental illness on people’s lives.
Are there any books about the true story behind the movie The Professor and the Madman (2019)?
Yes, there is a book by Simon Winchester with the same title, “The Professor and the Madman,” which tells the true story of the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary and the contributions of its most prolific contributor, Dr. W.C. Minor, who was a patient in a mental asylum. The book was published in 1998 and served as the basis for the 2019 film adaptation starring Mel Gibson and Sean Penn.
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