History Boys

"The History Boys" may work as a literary exercise, full of clever witticisms and sparkling, scintillating dialog. It even offers some interesting observations about the nature of history. But, as a play and a film, "The History Boys" ultimately fails because it lacks emotional honesty and the courage of its convictions.

Literature and history are treated as a parlor game -- preparation for a college entrance exam, or shiny baubles of randomly acquired facts. As for life and love, "The History Boys" has precious little to teach us about these.

There are many wink-wink, nudge-nudge references to history's gay writers, artists, musicians, and philosophers. "The History Boys" pays lip service to the notion of homosexuality as a metaphor for living boldly. In the end, however, the film seems to dismiss being gay as amounting to no more than sex, not even sensuality, and certainly not sensitivity. Like sex without commitment, "The History Boys" is fun while it lasts, but it leaves you feeling empty when it's over and done with.