The Abstinence Teacher

Author(s): Chris M.
Location: NJ

"The Abstinence Teacher"

Directed by Curtis Hanson
Written by Curtis Hanson and Tom Perrotta based on the novel “The Abstinence Teacher” by Tom Perrotta
Original Music by Thomas Newman

Main Cast
Mary Louise Parker - Ruth Ramsey
Steve Carell – Tim Mason
Holly Hunter – Erika Morgan
Sean William Scott - Marvin Keats
Kristen Stewart - Tracey Ramsey
John Lithgow - Pastor Dennis

Tagline: "The movie with something to offend everyone"

Synopsis: Ruth Ramsey is a single mother, who is the sexual education teacher at the local high school, in the prominent town of Stone Wood Heights. Ruth approaches her "Health & Family Life" course with unflappable, matter-of-fact candor. Convinced that pleasure is good, shame is bad, and knowledge is power, she saw it as her mission to demystify sex. During the previous term, Ruth sparked a nasty community backlash when she took advantage of a teachable moment when she told her students, "From what I hear about oral sex, some people enjoy it." Erika Morgan, a noted conservative cable news pundit created a media storm when a concerned parent informed her about Ruth’s comment. Ruth found herself subjected to a lawsuit, denounced by religious figures across the country and dubbed the "Oral Sex Lady." Not only was Ruth forced to issue a public apology, but the school board adopted a new abstinence curriculum designed by Christian fundamentalists and supervised by a Marvin Keats, a highly attractive, but ferociously judgmental virginity consultant.Forced to teach this puritanical new curriculum in her classroom and enduring a long spot of involuntary abstinence at home, Ruth suffers through a lonely, aggravating fall term. Ruth’s’ life takes an interesting turn when she meets her daughter Tracy’s new soccer coach, Tim Mason. Ruth recognized him from her mandatory Tabernacle Church group meetings that she has to attend in order to keep her job. They become fast friends. Tim is a bit of a town pariah as well. Last year Tim lost his high paying job, after he hit a parked car while under the influence. To avoid a jail sentence, he agreed to community service, and was advised to coach the girl’s soccer team as a way giving back to the community. Tim's a reformed alcoholic and drug addict who's putting his life back in order with the help of the Church under the guidance of Pastor Dennis. Pastor Dennis, whom appears to be a strict and severe, political and social conservative, is truly a sincere individual who is concerned about his congregation. It’s under Pastor Dennis that the bond between Ruth and Tim flourishes. Over the past six months, they both have suffered the abuse, the insults, and public humiliation; it’s through their relationship and bond made that they can rebuild their lives, and ultimately creates a new life together.

What the Press would say:
Curtis Hanson has created a compelling film that captures the recent American phenomena that is the conservative evangelical movement. Hanson creates a darkly humorous film that examines the societal contradictions and hypocrisies in this evolving adaptation of Tom Perrotta’s novel “The Abstinence Teacher.” Mary Louise Parker leads this strong ensemble as Ruth Ramsey, a paranoid, pretentious sexual education teacher who crosses the line one too many times. She is hilarious in her self deprecating humor, and brings a sincere intensity to the role that only she can. Parker will be too hard to ignore by the Academy. Steve Carell delivers another intelligent comedic performance as the reformed alcoholic. Carell is at his best in this dark comedy when he flexes his ability to balance comedy and drama within the same scene, something few actors can do with such ease. Watch out for Carell in the Best Actor Race, he will be a contender. John Lithgow and Holly Hunter turn in hilarious supporting performances. Lithgow is incredible as Pastor Dennis, the over the top evangelical minister, and Holly Hunter as the insanely narcissistic, self processed “Moral Watchdog” Erika Morgan, a nationally famed conservative media pundit who creates a firestorm surrounding Ruth Ramsey. Both actors deliver tour de force performances, and will be recognized for their brilliant comedic work. The team of Curtis Hanson and Tom Perrotta has delivered a socially relevant and involving dark comedy. The auteur and the author will be rewarded for this successful collaborative effort. See the movie everyone is talking about.

For Your Consideration:
Best Picture (GG – Comedy / Musical)
Best Director – Curtis Hanson
Best Actor – Steve Carell
Best Actress – Mary Louise Parker
Best Supporting Actor – John Lithgow
Best Supporting Actress – Holly Hunter
Best Adapted Screenplay – Curtis Hanson and Tom Perrotta