Indignation

Indignation is a drama film directed by James Schamus, released in 2016. The film is adapted from the novel of the same name by Philip Roth. It features an ensemble cast led by Logan Lerman, Sarah Gadon, and Tijuana Ricks, among others.

The movie pristinely portrays the early 1950s, set primarily within the confines of a conservative Midwest college campus. The film is a representation of the period and the societal attitudes that were prevalent, examining themes of love, passion, culture clash, family expectations, and personal freedom.

The narrative of Indignation centres around Marcus Messner (Logan Lerman), a hard-working, intelligent, and thoughtful young man from a humble Jewish family in Newark, New Jersey. We observe the journey of Marcus as he grapples with the societal and personal pressures of the time. Marcus is a straight-A student and works in his father's kosher butcher shop. He is constantly hounded by his father's paranoia about the unsafe world around them, which stems from the fact that this era was during the Korean War. However, Marcus receives a scholarship that gives him the opportunity to leave his neighborhood and study at Winesburg College, a fictional conservative institution in Ohio with a predominantly white Christian population.

Upon arriving at Winesburg, Marcus faces a cultural shock. He often finds himself embroiled in intellectual debates concerning religious beliefs and societal norms, struggles in balancing his time between his studies, his work at the library, and his misaligned college mates. Logan Lerman gives a compelling performance as Marcus, capturing his character's intelligence, innocence, and the silent rebellion brewing inside him against the conformist demands of the society around him.

Sarah Gadon plays the role of Olivia Hutton, a beautiful, yet mentally troubled, daughter of the former governor of Ohio. The vibrant beauty and troubled mystery of Olivia create a significant contrast to the otherwise suffocating atmosphere of Winesburg College. Marcus is immediately captivated by her allure, beauty, and unconventional behavior which defies the norms and etiquettes of the social structure he is used to. This new romantic relationship prompts Marcus to question many of his learnt norms and values.

Tijuana Ricks, on the other hand, delivers a poignant portrayal of Miss Cutler, the seemingly cold-hearted yet empathetic college nurse, who offers help and advice to several characters in the movie at critical moments.

What makes Indignation original is its intricate exploration of the human character and societal norms. Director James Schamus meticulously illustrates the rebellious urges and desires of the young university students, contrasting them with an older generation's conservative expectations. Schamus does an impressive job at visual storytelling, portraying a vibrant visual picture of the early 1950s that includes the costumes, culture, and mindset of the period.

Furthermore, the film vibrantly exhibits Roth's often-explored theme of the quintessential American student life, revealing traces of racism, bigotry, and sexism amid the supposedly serene college environment. The institutionalized conservatism of the college and the resultant self-righteousness coming from those in power is something that resonates heavily in the movie.

The dialogue is sharp, the narrative is multi-layered, and the performances by the lead and supporting actors bring depth to the film.

Despite being set in the 1950s, Indignation is a timeless tale that doesn't just settle on being a coming-of-age film. Instead, it paints a broader picture, delving into thought-provoking themes of personal freedom, intellectualism, societal conformism, and young love. It's a thoroughly engaging watch for viewers who appreciate intense storytelling and powerful performances.