Listen Up Philip

Listen Up Philip is an insightful exploration of an artist's psyche, narcissism, and the conflicts of creative minds. This American dramatic comedy from 2014 and directed by Alex Ross Perry, stars Jason Schwartzman, Elisabeth Moss, and Jonathan Pryce in memorable roles that skillfully showcase their acting talents.

The central character played by Jason Schwartzman is Philip Lewis Friedman, an egotistical novelist living in New York City who is anxiously awaiting the publication of his second book. Schwartzman presents a scrutinizing and deeply engrossing portrait of the narcissistic, complicated and dismissive Philip who finds pleasures and contentment in his isolated world of resentment and arrogance. Philip refuses to promote his new book, mirroring his generally confrontational attitude towards people.

The film doesn't just present a singular perspective but also exceedingly succeeds in revealing the other characters and their nuanced, pertinent stories. Elisabeth Moss impeccably portrays Philip’s long-suffering girlfriend, Ashley Kane, a successful photographer, who’s tolerance towards Philip's egocentric behavior ultimately becomes endurance. Moss brilliantly portrays a mix of frustration, self-discovery, and independence in the face of a diminishing relationship. The complexity and depth of Ashley's character add layers to the plot, amplifying the subject matter and themes the movie seeks to underline.

Jonathan Pryce's character, Ike Zimmerman, is a role that stands out with a commanding presence. Renowned but aging, Zimmerman is a once-lauded novelist whose fame has dwindled over the years. Spotting talent and perhaps a kindred spirit in Philip, Zimmerman invites the young writer to his summer home, foreseeing a mentor-mentee relationship. Pryce brings this bitter, self-absorbed, and sometimes pathetic character to life without exaggeration, contributing a profound depth to the narrative's discourse on writer's ego and identity.

The character dynamics present an interesting discourse, blending sardonically whimsical moments with profound drama, and depicting a self-aware, sometimes excruciating exploration of the protagonist’s personality, and how it affects their relationships and their work. Scenes are enlaced with artistic shots and literary style narration earnestly voiced by Eric Bogosian, making Listen Up Philip far more than just a character study.

The film’s setting—that of literary New York, complete with hip gatherings and antiquated apartments—provides a contemporary irony contributing to the film’s overall comment on art, literature, fame, and egoism. The cinematography by Sean Price Williams is vivacious and conspicuous, employing strong compositions—often with the characters seeming to be caged by their environment. Through the camera lens, we see their world through a claustrophobic, yet insightful perspective—the same perspective through which the characters often view their lives. This effective visual storytelling allows the viewer to witness firsthand the physical confinement reflecting the characters' mental state.

The title, Listen Up Philip, comes across as ironic given the fact that Philip himself barely ever listens to anyone else - whether it be advice, admonishment, or even simple conversation. This ultimately becomes a part of his character, a deep-seated inability to recognise and accept his own faults.

It is notable how each character in Listen Up Philip is fully fleshed out with believable motives and characteristics. The script is sharp with dialogues that range from darkly humorous to discomfortingly real. However, the film does not shy away from presenting the unlikability of its characters. Instead, it showcases their complex personalities with sincerity and authenticity, elaborating on their attitude towards art and creativity, their pursuit of individuality, their personal relationships, and the profound effect of ego on all of these aspects.

By delivering a nuanced and intricate portrayal of writers, their psyche, and their creativity, Listen Up Philip provides a profound commentary on egoism, narcissism, and the creative process itself. The engaging narrative is further enhanced by the compelling performances from Schwartzman, Moss, and Pryce.

In conclusion, Listen Up Philip delivers an intense study of the artistic ego. The film may not offer a comfortably pleasant viewing experience; instead it requires one to examine the creative persona without sentimentality or romanticized perceptions. The result is a thoughtful, incisive, and unflinching exploration of the struggles of an artist wrestling with their ego, their craft, and its effects on their personal relationships.