"Liberal Arts" is a very earnest movie, which makes almost makes it an outlier compared to what's produced nowadays. Why do you think that is?
  • Radnor: I think the word "earnest" kind of has a negative connotation on some level. I think one of the things that's happened is that being cynical is somehow conflated with being sophisticated. I think that's problematic, to say the least. I don't think evil people or negative people are inherently interesting all the time. People who are good people getting better at being themselves -- to me, that's something that's really interesting to watch. I went to college with really good people and had really excellent teachers and met some fascinating folks and I think those people are worthy of our attention. They're going through something. As they say, "Everyone's fighting a great battle." I think just attacking something with great sincerity feels kind of brave in this day and age, but I feel like that's what I want to do.
  • Olsen: I also feel there has been a draw in the last five years to tell a story about "the little man" -- someone quirky and awkward who doesn't fit in. I think to be able to tell a story that's universal hits home more than "the little man." Like, "I'm so quirky! I'm awkward, but it's funny because it's weird!" That's the story being told.
  • Radnor: There are certain films that studios used to make in the '70s and '80s that they've abandoned. They are films that I care about. I'm interested in real people going through things that feel vital and feel of their time. I want the film to have a timeless quality to it. When I go to movies and I love the movie, it's because it feels like it articulated something about how we're living now, and also gives me some insight into my own life. I feel actually altered after having seen it.
  1. Date Posted Icon 13th September 2012
  2. Notes Icon Notes: 1
    3. Tags Icon #Josh Radnor#Elizabeth Olsen#Liberal Arts#Film#Quote#Earnestness#Sophistication#Truth#Art
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