Oleanna

Oleanna is a 1994 drama film written and directed by David Mamet based on his 1992 play and starring William H. Macy and Debra Eisenstadt. The plot concerns a contentious meeting between a student and a college professor. Macy reprised his role from the original stage production. The film was nominated for a Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead. Plot Carol, a college student, goes to talk to her professor, John, to discuss a failed grade she received from him. John is on track to be granted tenure and is also anticipating closing a deal on a new house for him and his wife. Carol is frustrated with the material John teaches, particularly a book written by him. At one point during a heated argument between the two, John puts his hand on her shoulder to comfort her, but Carol recoils at the gesture. Although John initially appears insensitive to Carol's concerns, he tells her he "likes her" and agrees to give her an "A" grade if she'll return to his office to discuss the material. The second time Carol visits John in his office, she has a more confident demeanor. She has filed a formal complaint against the tenure committee, accusing the professor of sexual harassment. She reveals she has documented occurrences of sexist remarks by John toward his students and has included in her account his offer of an "A" grade in exchange for meeting with him in his office. In protest to Carol, John expresses his incredulity at how his actions could have offended her or could be interpreted as anything other than trying to help her. He wishes to resolve the matter privately with Carol so that the complaint can be withdrawn, but Carol stands firm. Before she can leave the office, John blocks the door and grabs hold of her. Carol screams for help. John eventually is suspended and is denied tenure, with a possible dismissal from the university. During a final meeting with Carol, she is more forceful in naming his specific flaws and reveals that her charges against him have now amounted to attempted rape, an accusation known to be false. She also makes reference to "her group", an organization on whose behalf she speaks and whom she seems to be consulting as she files her complaints. Carol offers to drop her charges against him if John would agree to her group's list of books to be removed from the university, which includes his own. John refuses and angrily tells her to leave his office, then he answers a phone call from his wife.