Josh Radnor's Liberal Arts

 

One of the most refreshing things about Josh Radnor’s Liberal Arts is that it explores the difficulties of learning to grow up without the cynicism that many other films of the same type seem to use. Liberal Arts is Radnor’s second film and it premiered at Sundance in January 2012. The audience’s overall opinion of the film was very positive, especially amid the many other independent films of the festival that explore the topic of growing up with such painful honesty that they become no longer enjoyable to watch. Radnor’s directorial debut, happythankyoumoreplease, also premiered at Sundance last year and, since then, audiences have been expectantly awaiting another Radnor film because of the uniqueness he brings to the table. He’s been compared to director/actor Zach Braff, though he escapes the brooding introspection and melancholy that seem to drown many of Braff’s films.

     Though Josh Radnor directed Liberal Arts, he also wrote, produced, and starred in it as well. Often directors that star in their own films end up turning their films into self-promoting pieces that lose much believability; their overall themes sometimes become lost amid their egocentric storylines. Radnor escapes this in his film; though he stars in it as the main character Jesse, his portrayal of the character isn’t an ode to himself. Jesse is a lost, thirty-something year old who suddenly finds himself in the strange middle ground of no longer feeling like a complete adult, yet knowing he isn’t as young as he still feels he is.

    When he is invited back to his alma mater by his favorite professor, Jesse jumps on the opportunity to revisit the place where he believes he lived out the best years of his life. The short visit evolves into a journey for Jesse in trying to relive his past and learning to accept that he isn’t the same kid he was a decade ago when he attended the university. He befriends Zibby, played by Elizabeth Olsen, an old soul whom Jesse immediately identifies with. They share all the same interests, especially in literature, and he begins to fall for this seemingly perfect woman for him. The only problem is she is only 19 and still in college. Jesse tries to ignore the age difference, but it becomes too obvious and apparent that Jesse and Zibby are in two very different places in life. In realizing this, Jesse must also come to terms with where he is in his own life, despite his longing to relive his glory days as a young college student when he felt like all the potential in the world lay in front of him.

     Though in the film Jesse is forced to grow up through his eye-opening relationship with Zibby, Radnor plays the character with such kindness, humor, and gentleness that, even in Jesse’s most immature moments, the audience can’t help but root for him. Radnor, in his writing, directing, and acting, escapes any tones of cynicism or bitterness; instead, he leaves the audience feeling hopeful and encouraged, even though Jesse’s journey isn’t easy and the answers aren’t completely black-or-white. Many Sundance films have the tendency to drag audiences along an emotional rollercoaster, leaving them left with unresolved feelings and questions. Liberal Arts isn’t just a silly comedy or predictable love story; it too allows the audience to feel emotions ranging from frustration to happiness and compassion. It’s a funny film, but has tender moments as well; sad at times, but has an encouraging message; sweet, but presents the audience with truths about growing up that many people struggle with. Overall, the film isn’t scared to lead the audience into feeling multiple emotions, but it comes full circle, leaving viewers feeling satisfied and inspired with its sincere and authentic conclusion for the characters.

Written, directed, and produced by Josh Radnor

Starring John Radnor, Elizabeth Olsen, Richard Jenkins, Allison Janney