"Liberal arts" - a film review..

Yesterday afternoon, I happened to see a beautiful film on Netflix. It is one those unsung, low profile movies that didn't quite make it to the galleries, but for those who believe that art is all about sensitivity, intellectual stimulation and an exploration of human relationships and meaning of life - then "Liberal arts" is most definitely a film to be watched.
A quiet Newyorker, educated in English literature, tries to find his idealism in the world outside. An avid reader and thinker, he experiences deep boredom in living a monotonous and purposeless life. Out of the blue, he is invited by his favorite professor to his retirement night dinner in campus. So Jesse goes to the party where he meets a young sophomore girl, who kindles his interest in life again. Some of the best parts of the film is when Jesse and Zebbie (sophomore, played by Elizabeth Olson) discover the therapeutic value of Music and its depth. The movie then goes on to explore the gap between dreams that begins in college and the stark, meaningless reality of adulthood. While Jessie struggles to outgrow his adolescent idealism, Zebbie wishes to make a premature quantum leap to maturity. The subtle emotional and intellectual undertones of their conversation is a connoisseur’s delight and the real cornerstone of this lovely story.
Allison Jenny plays a short cameo role of a Professor in Romantic English literature. People who teach Romanticism need not necessarily believe in or be romantics themselves is bought out quite brilliantly in her customary acerbic wit. I love her performances.
All in all, this is a very decent film that talks about ordinary aspirations in life. It has a genuine warmth to it which touches a chord within. Josh Radnor, who has directed and starred in this film knows his ground well. He manages to resurrect the pleasure of being a normal, average person in an abnormal world..
God bless..


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