Words and Pictures is a 2013 release with Juliette Binoche and Clive Owen in an unlikely comedy/romance about a published writer and a well known artist who become high school teachers.

Words and Pictures is saved from total disaster by the cast, who manage to be wonderful.

Jack (Clive Owen) is a published writer. He loves words and word games. He’s always drunk, his grown son won’t go near him, and he’s about to be fired.

Dina (Juliette Binoche) is a famous artist. She has Rheumatoid Arthritis and can barely walk with the help of a cane. She finds ways to continue to paint in her home/studio and is helped by her sister Sabine (Janet Kidder).

Both these people end up teaching in a high school – honors English and honors art. And, of course, both of them are outstanding, inspiring teachers. Jack starts a war of Words vs. Pictures as the best way to express emotion with the art teacher. Both their classes (really, the whole school) get involved in this and it carries the plot through most of the movie.

There are some subplots with the students, the principal (Navid Negahban) and a woman from the school board (Amy Brennerman). Another teacher named Walt (Bruce Davison) adds a lot of quips. Jack and Dina have individual time to do their things – make art or stay drunk.

Then there is the romance. It’s a very slow burn and not filled with passion and longing, but it is a romance.

If only every high school had brilliant, inspiring teachers like these two. Wow! If only every alcoholic could be trusted after a couple weeks of sobriety. In spite of itself, the movie is enjoyable because the cast is truly terrific. I enjoyed it while rolling my eyes at the same time. A sucker for a happy ending, I guess.

Words and Pictures can be found on Prime, Tubi, The Roku Channel, and Plex at this time.