Students at the University of Iowa love bombastic professor Jay Holstein. He practically goads his students into being interested in his lectures on religion and history. And he's entirely unapologetic for his brusque manner and unorthodox style. While he's an interesting man, Holstein probably would be one of my least favorite professors. His tangental style of lecture would drive me nuts: "Am I taking notes? Notes on what?!? That rant is in the test? Really? There weren't any facts in there, only opinion. And certainly no core theme." He'd be a very fun guy with whom to get a drink, but not from whom to hear a lecture.

  

Although initially put off from this film, I was intrigued by the press kit. It is being touted as one in a series of films modeled after Studs Turkel's book, "Working." "Working" is a fantastic read, so I decided to give the film a second look. After seeing "Professor," I hope the other films fit Turkel's tone a little better. While this film is made from Holstein's voice, I don't get a clear impression of what a professor does from this film. Which isn't good, since I know a few.

 

This film was an Audience Award Contender at Cinequest 20.