George is clearly a very intelligent young man with an artistic gift, but he is merely 'getting by' because he is so disillusioned with the world he sees around him that he just doesn't see the point in following the traditional study - work - family track laid out for him. Let's face it, he's not alone in that - I think a lot of people would find this film interesting on a personal level (and not only teenagers!).
It is to George's credit that his principle and teachers are rooting for him, given his absence of effort coupled with a level of honesty that sometimes crosses the respectful boundary, basically because he is fortunate that they recognise his basic goodness and innocence. They do have their professional obligations, however, which leads to George being given an ultimatum if he intends to graduate.
Those same interesting qualities are presumably the reason he hasn't been marginalised by the other students, but is the one who chooses to stay apart - this is clearly a rather special school!
There is one person he has noticed though, and when she corresponds a relationship develops. And as with any couple who are afraid to make a commitment without being sure their romantic feelings are reciprocated - exacerbated by George's lack of skill in dealing with human relationships; he's probably borderline autistic - confusion about where their relationship is headed leads to complications. I won't spoil the journey by giving away any more though - it's a film worth seeing for yourselves.
Review of The Art of Getting By
