“My Old School (2022)

Documentary

Running Time: 115 minutes

Directed by: Jono McLeod

Featuring: Alan Cumming, Clare Grogan and Lulu

Narrator: “So, many of us would think, if we had our time over again, what would we do? In fact, he tried to do exactly the same thing he had done the first time.”

“My Old School” is a 2022 documentary film directed by Jono McLeod. The film tells the story of Brian MacKinnon, a 30-year-old man who posed as a 16-year-old student at Bearsden Academy in Glasgow, Scotland, from 1993 to 1995.

The film was a critical and commercial success, winning the Audience Award for Best Documentary at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival. It was also nominated for the BAFTA Scotland Award for Best Documentary and the Grierson Award for Best Documentary.

The film begins with McLeod, who was a student at Bearsden Academy at the same time as MacKinnon, reflecting on his memories of the time. He remembers being intrigued by MacKinnon, who was a brilliant student and a popular member of the school community.

As the film progresses, McLeod interviews MacKinnon, his former classmates, and his teachers. He learns that MacKinnon had a troubled childhood and that he posed as a teenager in order to escape his past.

The film also explores the social and cultural context of MacKinnon’s deception. In the early 1990s, there was a growing awareness of the issue of child sexual abuse. MacKinnon’s deception tapped into this fear and anxiety, and it led to a media frenzy when it was revealed in 1995.

“My Old School” is a fascinating and disturbing film. It is a story about deception, identity, and the power of memory. It is also a reminder of the importance of compassion and understanding.

The film has been praised for its sensitive handling of a sensitive subject matter. McLeod has been commended for his ability to create a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

“My Old School” is a must-see for anyone interested in true crime, social history, or the power of storytelling. It is a film that will stay with you long after you have seen it.

Here are some of the things that you can learn from “My Old School”:

The power of deception: “My Old School” shows the power of deception. MacKinnon was able to deceive his classmates, teachers, and even his family for two years. This shows how easy it can be for people to be fooled, even by those they know and trust.

The importance of identity: “My Old School” also explores the importance of identity. MacKinnon posed as a teenager because he wanted to escape his past and create a new identity for himself. This shows how important it is for people to feel like they belong and that they have a sense of identity.

The power of compassion: “My Old School” is ultimately a story about compassion. McLeod shows how the people who knew MacKinnon were able to forgive him and move on. This shows how important it is to be compassionate and understanding, even when someone has done something wrong.

I hope that you will take the time to watch “My Old School”. It is a powerful and moving film that will stay with you long after you have seen it.