The film Accepted revolves around a high school senior named Bartleby Gaines, played by Justin Long, who finds himself in a comedic yet relatable predicament as he navigates life after high school. As graduation approaches, Bartleby realizes that despite his popularity, he is about to face an unfortunate reality—he has been rejected by every college he applied to. Uncertainties and pressures loom, especially as he grapples with familial expectations and his own ambitions.
Bartleby, along with his friends Daryl and Sherman, appears to be adjusting well to high school life, even operating a side business of creating fake IDs. Daryl's character, represented as a former football player with crutches, reflects the struggles students face when their plans for the future fall apart. Sherman, on the other hand, is the quintessential overachiever, worried about his legacy as a fourth-generation admit to Harmon College. This dynamic highlights the societal pressures surrounding education and success, particularly in American culture.
When Bartleby discovers his total rejection from all seven colleges, including Ohio State University, he faces the harsh truth of being a disappointment to his family. Rather than revealing the truth, Bartleby fabricates an acceptance letter from a fictional college called the South Harmon Institute of Technology, spurred by impulsive desperation and the hope to maintain some semblance of pride.
As Bartleby enlists his friends to help fabricate this "college," they quickly realize that the fantasy has taken on a life of its own. With an authentic-looking website and automated acceptance emails sent to naive applicants, Bartleby inadvertently attracts a crowd of students—all hopeful for a second chance at education. In a hilarious twist of fate, Bartleby's parents, unknowingly supportive of his deceit, even send him off to his "college" with a hefty tuition check.
However, deceit begets chaos, and the group of friends found themselves repurposing an abandoned psychiatric hospital as their makeshift campus. Their lack of preparedness becomes a focal point for humor, as they scramble to create a legitimate institution with minimal resources. Bartleby, Sherman, and Daryl rally as they mold the decrepit building into a semblance of a college.
To everyone’s surprise, South Harmon becomes a sanctuary for misfit students—those who didn’t conform to the conventional ideals of success. As their unorthodox curriculum takes shape, students express their desires to learn unconventional subjects, embracing a creative environment often lacking in traditional educational institutions. This comedic turn invokes deeper reflections on what education means and how it can be shaped to fit individual needs.
Bartleby's charisma and determination to create a welcoming space for all students cultivates camaraderie and identity among peers who were previously alienated. However, threats loom in the form of Ambrose, an antagonist representing the typical college elite, eager to dismantle South Harmon to fulfill his own aspirations at Harmon College.
As popularity rises, Ambrose's jealousy and need for revenge lead to a confrontation that results in law enforcement intervening. Bartleby's attempt to juggle reality and fantasy culminates in a lawsuit that places him at the mercy of an accreditation board, casting a shadow over the very college he fought to create. Here, the film poignantly asks, "What constitutes a real education?"
When forced to defend South Harmon’s existence, Bartleby makes a heartfelt appeal about learning and education's true purpose. He argues not just for himself but for all the hopeful students whose dreams seem unattainable under the scrutiny of traditional academia.
The culmination of Bartleby’s journey is a heartfelt revelation about the value of pursuing knowledge in a way that resonates with individual passions and creativity. The court’s decision to grant South Harmon a probationary period highlights a shift toward understanding education as a customizable experience.
Accepted ultimately blends humor with meaningful commentary on identity, the pressures of academic success, and the importance of cultivating an inclusive environment for learning. Rather than focusing solely on conformity and grades, the film champions the importance of passion and personal growth, resonating with anyone who feels lost in the rigid structures of traditional education.
The film encourages viewers to reflect on their own educational experiences, as it showcases the importance of individuality and the joy of learning for the sake of learning. In the end, South Harmon becomes a haven for all who seek to discover their unique paths, emphasizing that education is more than just a ticket to future success; it is a rich journey of self-discovery and personal fulfillment.
Part 1/9:
Accepted: A Comedy of Identity and Education
The film Accepted revolves around a high school senior named Bartleby Gaines, played by Justin Long, who finds himself in a comedic yet relatable predicament as he navigates life after high school. As graduation approaches, Bartleby realizes that despite his popularity, he is about to face an unfortunate reality—he has been rejected by every college he applied to. Uncertainties and pressures loom, especially as he grapples with familial expectations and his own ambitions.
The Setup: Rejections and Revelations
Part 2/9:
Bartleby, along with his friends Daryl and Sherman, appears to be adjusting well to high school life, even operating a side business of creating fake IDs. Daryl's character, represented as a former football player with crutches, reflects the struggles students face when their plans for the future fall apart. Sherman, on the other hand, is the quintessential overachiever, worried about his legacy as a fourth-generation admit to Harmon College. This dynamic highlights the societal pressures surrounding education and success, particularly in American culture.
Part 3/9:
When Bartleby discovers his total rejection from all seven colleges, including Ohio State University, he faces the harsh truth of being a disappointment to his family. Rather than revealing the truth, Bartleby fabricates an acceptance letter from a fictional college called the South Harmon Institute of Technology, spurred by impulsive desperation and the hope to maintain some semblance of pride.
The Scheme: Creating a Fake College
Part 4/9:
As Bartleby enlists his friends to help fabricate this "college," they quickly realize that the fantasy has taken on a life of its own. With an authentic-looking website and automated acceptance emails sent to naive applicants, Bartleby inadvertently attracts a crowd of students—all hopeful for a second chance at education. In a hilarious twist of fate, Bartleby's parents, unknowingly supportive of his deceit, even send him off to his "college" with a hefty tuition check.
Part 5/9:
However, deceit begets chaos, and the group of friends found themselves repurposing an abandoned psychiatric hospital as their makeshift campus. Their lack of preparedness becomes a focal point for humor, as they scramble to create a legitimate institution with minimal resources. Bartleby, Sherman, and Daryl rally as they mold the decrepit building into a semblance of a college.
The Rise: Embracing Non-Traditional Learning
Part 6/9:
To everyone’s surprise, South Harmon becomes a sanctuary for misfit students—those who didn’t conform to the conventional ideals of success. As their unorthodox curriculum takes shape, students express their desires to learn unconventional subjects, embracing a creative environment often lacking in traditional educational institutions. This comedic turn invokes deeper reflections on what education means and how it can be shaped to fit individual needs.
Bartleby's charisma and determination to create a welcoming space for all students cultivates camaraderie and identity among peers who were previously alienated. However, threats loom in the form of Ambrose, an antagonist representing the typical college elite, eager to dismantle South Harmon to fulfill his own aspirations at Harmon College.
Part 7/9:
The Fallout: Consequences of Deception
As popularity rises, Ambrose's jealousy and need for revenge lead to a confrontation that results in law enforcement intervening. Bartleby's attempt to juggle reality and fantasy culminates in a lawsuit that places him at the mercy of an accreditation board, casting a shadow over the very college he fought to create. Here, the film poignantly asks, "What constitutes a real education?"
When forced to defend South Harmon’s existence, Bartleby makes a heartfelt appeal about learning and education's true purpose. He argues not just for himself but for all the hopeful students whose dreams seem unattainable under the scrutiny of traditional academia.
Conclusion: A Happy Resolution
Part 8/9:
The culmination of Bartleby’s journey is a heartfelt revelation about the value of pursuing knowledge in a way that resonates with individual passions and creativity. The court’s decision to grant South Harmon a probationary period highlights a shift toward understanding education as a customizable experience.
Accepted ultimately blends humor with meaningful commentary on identity, the pressures of academic success, and the importance of cultivating an inclusive environment for learning. Rather than focusing solely on conformity and grades, the film champions the importance of passion and personal growth, resonating with anyone who feels lost in the rigid structures of traditional education.
Part 9/9:
The film encourages viewers to reflect on their own educational experiences, as it showcases the importance of individuality and the joy of learning for the sake of learning. In the end, South Harmon becomes a haven for all who seek to discover their unique paths, emphasizing that education is more than just a ticket to future success; it is a rich journey of self-discovery and personal fulfillment.