Buy:Todd B.
04-16-12, 10:44 PM
http://program.hiff.org/assets/images/2012_spring_showcase/thumbs/LIBERAL_ARTS_pic_1_1.jpg
Newly single, 35, and uninspired by his job, Jesse Fisher worries that his best days are behind him. But no matter how much he buries his head in a book, life keeps pulling Jesse back. When his favorite college professor invites him to campus to speak at his retirement dinner, Jesse jumps at the chance. He is prepared for the nostalgia of the dining halls and dorm rooms, the parties and poetry seminars; what he doesn’t see coming is Zibby—a beautiful, precocious, classical-music-loving sophomore. Zibby awakens scary, exciting, long-dormant feelings of possibility and connection that Jesse thought he had buried forever.
The multitalented Josh Radnor once again returns to the Sundance Film Festival (HAPPYTHANKYOUMOREPLEASE won the 2010 dramatic Audience Award at Sundance), wearing three hats. As writer, director, and star of LIBERAL ARTS, Radnor could teach a master class in filmmaking. Given that his engaging costar is Elizabeth Olsen, the master class here is one in chemistry between two exceptional actors.
Saw this over the weekend at HIFF. A really great film. It's like a coming-of-age and coming-of-middle-age film combined. Radnor gives a serviceable performance (never quite shaking Ted Mosby), but Elizabeth Olsen is great. Between this and last year's Martha Marcy May Marlene, she has shown some great range for such a young actress, and is one to watch for the future.
Great supporting performances by Richard Jenkins and Allison Janney, and a nearly unrecognizable Zac Efron. A pleasing film, I give it 4 stars out of 5, and highly recommend it.
Newly single, 35, and uninspired by his job, Jesse Fisher worries that his best days are behind him. But no matter how much he buries his head in a book, life keeps pulling Jesse back. When his favorite college professor invites him to campus to speak at his retirement dinner, Jesse jumps at the chance. He is prepared for the nostalgia of the dining halls and dorm rooms, the parties and poetry seminars; what he doesn’t see coming is Zibby—a beautiful, precocious, classical-music-loving sophomore. Zibby awakens scary, exciting, long-dormant feelings of possibility and connection that Jesse thought he had buried forever.
The multitalented Josh Radnor once again returns to the Sundance Film Festival (HAPPYTHANKYOUMOREPLEASE won the 2010 dramatic Audience Award at Sundance), wearing three hats. As writer, director, and star of LIBERAL ARTS, Radnor could teach a master class in filmmaking. Given that his engaging costar is Elizabeth Olsen, the master class here is one in chemistry between two exceptional actors.
Saw this over the weekend at HIFF. A really great film. It's like a coming-of-age and coming-of-middle-age film combined. Radnor gives a serviceable performance (never quite shaking Ted Mosby), but Elizabeth Olsen is great. Between this and last year's Martha Marcy May Marlene, she has shown some great range for such a young actress, and is one to watch for the future.
Great supporting performances by Richard Jenkins and Allison Janney, and a nearly unrecognizable Zac Efron. A pleasing film, I give it 4 stars out of 5, and highly recommend it.