Welcomed by an ovation from a classroom filled with pupils, “Dead Poets Society” scriptwriter and Academy Award recipient Tom Schulman arrived at UGA on April 10. Schulman was interviewed by religion professor and department chair Derrick Lemons regarding his approach to writing the film and his experiences in the film industry as part of Lemons’ Anthropology of American Religion class.

Pupils viewed the film to prepare for Schulman’s arrival, which made the dialogue with its creator even more engaging. Lemons encouraged Schulman to share his journey in creating the film. He detailed that persuading studios to take on the script was a lengthy endeavor, rife with rejections and complications, yet through all challenges, Schulman remained resolute.

Following the discussion, several students reflected on the experience.

“My primary insight is that there isn’t a solitary ‘right’ route in life, and you shouldn’t allow what others might perceive as failure to dishearten you from charting your own course,” stated senior Religion major Timothy Thomas.

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