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Review

Though movies featuring dedicated teachers are most assuredly a dime a dozen, and most of them, including Mr. Holland's Opus, frequently languish in sentimentality, it's Dreyfuss' solid portrayal which distinguishes this alternately clichéd and absorbing drama. The story follows 30 years in the career of Mr. Holland (Dreyfuss), a budding composer who accepts a seemingly temporary position as a high school music teacher. Flashing through several time periods, the film examines both the extraordinary effect Mr. Holland has on his many students, and his sometimes rocky home life, which includes a child being born deaf and a possible extramarital affair. Dreyfuss ages in the part quite effectively; his serenade to his son, singing John Lennon's "Beautiful Boy," could bring tears to a stone. Headly as Mr. Holland's wife is slyly understated.