Amoeba Music

In 1879, Scottish etymologist James Murray (Mel Gibson) was tasked by Oxford University with compiling a comprehensive dictionary. The daunting project caused him friction with family, and found him collaborating with a most unlikely primary contributor: William Minor (Sean Penn), a mentally ill former American army surgeon institutionalized after committing homicide. Intriguing (if troubled) biodrama, based on Simon Winchester's book "The Surgeon of Crowthorne," also stars Natalie Dormer, Jennifer Ehle, Eddie Marsan, Ioan Gruffudd, Steve Coogan. 124 min. Widescreen; Soundtrack: English.