Liberal Arts: Sweet, Funny and Intelligent

by Michelle McGlynn

Two years on from his debut Happythankyoumoreplease, Josh Radnor returns to write, direct and star in his second offering Liberal Arts. Radnor’s second outing sees him grow into a more sophisticated filmmaker. Liberal Arts is a sweet, intellectual and often funny film.

Jesse (Josh Radnor) is disenchanted with his current life. He has recently become single, he works in an uninspiring job as a college admissions officer and New York City has not been treating him kindly. Jesse spends the majority of his time seeking refuge in books. When the opportunity presents itself to return to his beloved alma mater to celebrate one of his favourite professor’s retirement, Jesse jumps at the chance. While dining with Professor Peter Hoberg (Richard Jenkins) and his friends, Jesse meets the beautiful and precocious Zibby (Elizabeth Olsen). The encounter ignites something between the two and they begin to navigate the complicated path of how to deal with their shared infatuation despite the sixteen year age difference. Jesse views his college days in an idyllic manner and his feelings surge when he returns to the campus. While Zibby longs for adulthood and all she believes it holds. Jesse has to do some self-examining to discover what he really wants.

Radnor proves himself a gifted director as he explores this well-trodden path. Liberal Arts does not present any new ideas but it presents them to us in such an intelligent way that they feel fresh. The film spends it’s time precariously balanced on the edge of pretension. Thankfully the sincerity of the sentiment expressed in the film prevents it from becoming obnoxious. Although there are hints of pretension, Radnor never talks down to his audience. He alludes to works rather than feeling the necessity to spell it out for us.

Liberal Arts explores the notion of art as escapism. Jesse, as well as other characters, finds his happiness in books and music rather than attempting to find a similar satisfaction in reality. Art is used as a means of expression and as a way to understand others. Radnor simultaneously sings it’s praises and warns of the perils of hiding from reality. For some, the scene where Jesse reaches an epiphany of sorts while listening to opera may prove too much for some. But if you can stick with him through such moments you will find yourself pleasantly rewarded.

Radnor’s performance rings with a genuineness that is not often observed in films. His scenes with Olsen are played simply and subtley but with the intelligence of a wonderful actor. Many will attempt to dismiss Radnor as nothing more than a sitcom actor, but his performance here shows them to be wrong.

Elizabeth Olsen continues to prove herself with another outstanding performance. Those who believed that Martha Marcy May Marlene was a once-off for Olsen have long been silenced. Olsen brings an undeniable warmth and charm to her precocious character. She has the ability to play Zibby with equal measures of assuredness and naiveté. You always find yourself wanting to see more from Olsen.

Richard Jenkins is nothing short of wonderful as Professor Hoberg. The professor makes the decision to retire from a job he has become completely disillusioned by but quickly discovers that life beyond work may not be all he had hoped it might be. Jenkins wonderfully displays the fragility and vulnerability of a proud and well-respected man.

Allison Janney’s turn as Jesse’s actual favourite professor, Judith Fairfield is nothing short of brilliant. As a professor of the Romantics, Jesse placed Fairfield on a pedestal and the representation of all that is missing from his life. The caustic wit that Janney brings to the character makes for one of the films most hilarious scenes as she gives Jesse a dose of reality.

Liberal Arts is an absolute pleasure to watch. Those who enjoy it will do so with fervor but those who do not will disregard it completely. For any post grad who has felt a longing to return to college to be part of a world where passionate, intellectual discussions are commonplace, you will find a familiar friend in Liberal Arts.