You’ve probably seen those “Who Rescued Who…” decals. That’s kinda what happens in the second half of “The Penguin Lessons.” Read on as this WowMe shifts focus to the determined educator part of the story. —the editor
Click for Part 1
Lose a Girl, Gain a Penguin // Lose Your Heart, Gain a Soul…
This story continues as a playful interaction of mixed metaphors and synonyms. Professor Tom (played by Steve Coogan) a seemingly world-weary curmudgeon, has taken on the challenge of awakening bored and restless minds at an all-boys private boarding school in Argentina.
After his mini-holiday to Uruguay, he ends up with a new challenge as the penguin he rescued seems to have latched onto him.
He saved the penguin’s life and before he knows it the penguin will save his soul…
After several unsuccessful attempts to get the Penguin to return to its home (in beautiful Uruguay), Professor Tom accepts their intertwined fate — as he seems to be stuck with this “shadow”:
“Me and my shadow
Strolling down the avenue
Me and my shadow
Not a soul to tell our troubles to…”
I chuckled when I found out that the penguin is temporally given the name PETER (!!). Ha! And as I watched Professor Tom reluctantly accept the role of ‘Guardian’ to Peter the Penguin, I laughed again. Why? Because this Bugs Bunny Classic came to mind.
Click for Clip.
The Great Escape…
Professor Tom’s new mission is to safely smuggle Peter back to Argentina where he hopes to find him a safe and secure environment (perhaps a Zoo?). In my view, this is where Peter the Penguin’s role shifts into that of a modern-day immigrant, a wandering soul seeking refuge. Each step of the journey becomes the engaging challenge of a “Cat and Mouse” game. At any point in this nomadic adventure, our travelers’ risk being discovered by the authorities.
“NOTHING TO SEE HERE, JUST A MAN AND HIS PENGUIN”
Eventually our weary travelers secure a safe passage home, and Professor Tom returns to his mundane job where he continues, unsuccessfully, to search for ways to bond with his students.
Creating a Bond of Trust…
To share a secret is to create a bond of trust, this shared knowledge can be risky but strangely rewarding. Professor Tom decides to introduce Peter to the his class, and in doing so he creates the bond that he has been seeking all semester.
Peter the Penguin’s presence is strictly on a “Need to Know” basis.
The penguin is basically a form of contraband— possession and/or knowledge of, can bring an assortment of dangerous circumstances. This risk reflects the political situation happening in 1970s Argentina.
A Lesson: Quid Pro Quo…
It is during this “Need to Know” stage that Professor Tom unknowingly teaches his students the Latin phrase: Quid pro quo, something given or received for something else.
“YOU KEEP OUR LITTLE SECRET AND I WILL LET YOU FEED HIM FISH AT LUNCH”
Peter the Penguin (now renamed Juan Salvador) sparks the curiosity of the students, and becomes a teaching tool.
Another Lesson: Professor Tom suggests to the students to try to look at life thorough a penguin’s eyes.
When exploring John Masefield’s Sea-Fever Professor Tom encourages his students to lie on the ground and look up at the ceiling.
[Think of this as variation of the Captain, My Captain scene from ‘Dead Poets Society’]
Needless to say, hearing these words of “Sea-Fever”, combined with the actual visual perspective, is an enlightening experience for the students.
In essence they become aware that they share the same dreams and desires as of their little visitor.
Another Penguin Lesson: Embrace Unconditional Listening…
EVERYONE NEEDS A SAFE PLACE TO CALL HOME/
EVERYONE NEEDS A HOME WHERE THEY CAN FEEL THAT THEY BELONG
Juan Salvador the Penguin – slowly acclimates to his new environment, while his presence provides confessional opportunities for the lonely souls in his new home. From the housekeepers to a fellow teacher to the headmaster— all feel safe and comfortable sharing their thoughts, dreams and desires. Here there is no revolution, no ideology, no judgement.
That’s a Wrap…
You probably “get” by now that … This movie MOVED me!
Gotta stop writing and let you find out for yourself. And better yet, in the comments, let me know if you’ve seen something that moved you. Thanks for reading! –Mr Pete
Some Reference Materials…
[Log line: During the 1976 coup in Argentina, an English teacher rescues a penguin and brings it to his school. His life begins to change when the bird’s presence starts to have a positive effect on the school.]
Trailer for movie:
About Mr Pete
A music aficionado, Mr. Pete’s mind and ears have no horizons. He has the uncanny ability to suss out the right song for the right time — a skill that is truly amazing. The Gang here at Jedemi enjoys his contributions.
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