Movie review: Operation Varsity Blues – unraveling the college admissions scandal
“Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal” is a gripping drama-documentary, directed by Chris Smith, known for his notable documentaries like “Jim and Andy: The Great Beyond” and “Fyre.” The film delves into the 2019 college admissions scandal, showcasing the manipulative consultant, William Rick Singer, played brilliantly by Matthew Modine.
Modine’s portrayal of Singer captures his cunning, methodical, and serious nature, as he facilitated wealthy parents in securing admissions for their children into prestigious universities, using deceitful tactics
The film ingeniously reconstructs Singer’s fraudulent schemes, using actual interview recordings with him. Viewers witness how Singer manipulated college entrance exams like the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) and the American College Testing (ACT), arranging for cheating and falsifying test scores. Additionally, his bribery of coaches and college administrators to recruit unqualified students highlights the depth of the scandal.
“Operation Varsity Blues” serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of academic integrity and the need for a fair selection process. The case also emphasizes the necessity of robust reporting systems in educational institutions to promptly identify irregularities and prevent fraud.
In just 103 minutes, the film immerses audiences in the scandal’s shocking reality, leaving viewers reflecting on the ethical implications of higher education.
Adam
