Review of Liberal Arts

I was a bit rough on Josh Radnor in my review for his first film, Happythankyoumoreplease. Now, I meant every word I wrote in that review. But I was a bit harsh. And I ended that review with this statement: "Hopefully what we have here with HTMP, is a first time director/screenwriter who is learning as he goes, and ironing out the kinks. If that is the case, then perhaps it has done some good for Radnor as he sharpens up his skills as a movie maker. If that's not the case here, then Radnor better not quit his day job anytime soon." So I guess the question is, does Liberal Arts make the case that Radnor's first film has helped him and made him a better filmmaker, or should he stick to his day job (which, at this point would be acting, and more specifically acting on How I Met Your Mother). Well, I think the jury is still out on that one. But I can say this, Liberal Arts is definitely an improvement for Radnor. It's not great, but it has its moments. And one of the best decisions that he made here had to do with the casting. I know the role of Professor Peter Hoberg was written specifically for Richard Jenkins, and that's the second best decision that Radnor made here. Jenkins is one of the best character actors out there today. And to be honest with you, I think he should be cast in the lead more often...something that 2007's The Visitor is a graphic illustration of. He always gives his roles everything, and because of that, he's very convincing as his character in Arts. And the best decision that Radnor made here was to cast (or at least to listen to his publicist who suggested he go with Olson) Elizabeth Olson as Zibby. Olson has quickly become one of the best actresses in Hollywood. Her performance in Martha Marcy May Marlene was not just one of the best acting jobs from 2011. It's some of the best acting I've ever seen. And she is the best part of this movie. No matter how many times I felt like Arts was beginning to stray and feel somewhat manipulated and manufactured (and there were multiple moments where that happened), Olson consistently brought the film back with her genuine, and somewhat heartbreaking performance. It was very hard not to feel sorry for her in the scene where Radnor's Jesse Fisher brutally, and yet rightfully rips her heart out by refusing her invitation to stay the night in her dorm room. Now, it should be noted that some of HTMP's tarnishes were evident in Arts. Radnor still seems to struggle with when and when not to develop certain sub-plots (i.e. the scenes with Dean), transitioning from scene to scene, making scenes believable, and making dialogue seem authentic. But thankfully here, his cast saves him. And even when the film began to stray into mild absurdness (like Zac Efron's bizarre, almost Bagger Vance-like character, or Jesse's interactions with his old Literature professor), it still didn't derail the film completely. And I will say this: When it comes to the conclusion, Radnor nailed it here. Let's face it, a conclusion can make or break any film. Fortunately, in Arts, it made it. And that, along with the cast, probably saved this film from being mediocre. So has Radnor improved as a filmmaker? Definitely. Can he get better? Definitely. And Liberal Arts has made me believe in him. I actually am looking forward to his next screen writing and directing endeavor, whatever that may be. After all, if he makes the leaps that he made from HTMP to Arts, then his next film may just be the "one" that propels him to the next level as a filmmaker.