Films to See: “The Sabbatical”

It’s been said that satire is best when seasoned with pathos. Before embarking on his sabbatical to publish a photography book, cynical middle-aged Professor James Pittman (played with deadpan perfection by James Whittingham) is urged by a superior to “make this next book thicker than the last”. It’s a scene of satire and poignancy that evokes empathy for James because you know that his creative block is the least of his problems. James battles a middle-aged crisis that mines the fears of aging men. When pushed by his workaholic wife, James sees a doctor about a vasectomy and ends up losing his drivers license. (There’s no explaining this. You have to see it.) Unable to drive himself to photography outings, James hires free-spirited twenty-something, Lucy (Laura Abramsen) as a driver. Thus forms an unlikely friendship that forces James to face the fact that he’s not getting any younger and there’s no going back.

Why You Might Like “The Sabbatical”

“The Sabbatical” takes the oft-examined topics of middle age angst and generation gaps and weaves them into deadpan humour. Comedian James Whittingham’s fine Improv skills are curated by director Brian Stockton to create scenes that feel organic instead of feeling like obvious Improv. On the surface “The Sabbatical” appears to be light entertainment but it stays in your thoughts long after the film is over. If you enjoy slice-of-life comedy delivered by a great cast – and especially if you’re a fan of Brian Whittingham, you’ll enjoy “The Sabbatical”.

You can read more about “The Sabbatical” in our interview with Director, Brian Stockton.

Written by Cathleen MacDonald
Cathleen MacDonald is a writer and filmmaker.