Misdemeanor

Thoughtful and provoking movie, which utilizes imagery and music to captivate the viewer. Realistic interpretation of the daily struggle for those less fortunate yet still able to assume a moral high ground for the movie's main character. The director makes the main character a sympathetic figure from the outset and the movie is quite refreshing and real - Wholeheartedly recommend it as a film that makes you think - a rarity in today's movie world.

I viewed this film at the Columbia University screenings in Los Angeles in spring 2002. The film presents a short narrative about a moral dilemma in the modern city. It works with compelling clarity, setting the story in crisp imagery of New York, filmed in black-and-white, and thoughtfully chosen music. It gives the viewer, filled with anticipation as the narrative reaches its climax, a powerful sense of the fractures and limits of normativity.

in my opinion, this was clearly one of the best short films at the tribeca festival. the story is simple yet very moving and achieves a sense of depth and character that is generally absent in short films. jonathan lemond establishes himself as a smart and talented young director with a keen sense of storytelling. actress abigail savage, who i met at the screening, is very convincing as an impoverished street child. the only weakness in the film is the performance of john di benedetto. visually, he is right for the role but lacks subtlety and nuance. despite this, lemond has directed a poignant and elegant film.

"Misdemeanor" is memorable for several reasons -- the setting, the medium, the actors, the music, and the moral questions that it raises. Based in New York, the movie makes great use of familiar scenes, such as the bodegas, stoops, rooftop views, and parks. The combination of black and white, no dialogue, and a great score give the movie a sophisticated feel. The music really sets the mood and moves the story along.

The actors and their direction really make the movie. The girl played the part of a homeless person very realistically, eating out of garbage cans, sleeping in a bin, collecting cans for money; and she accurately demonstrated the desperation of her situation. She brought life to the character, and the viewer had to be sympathetic.

It was interesting to see several sides of the shopkeeper: a businessman who will not tolerate stealing, and a loving father who cherishes his children. "Misdemeanor" does a great job of showing human nature's complexity, and how situations can bring out different facets of it.

The girl's decision to do the right thing is refreshing, and then the viewer is questioned at the end of the movie as to what the right thing really is. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, and I look forward to seeing the next production from this director.

I originally saw this movie at the Columbia Film Festival in New York, and then I was treated by Columbia to a DVD compilation of all of the films, so luckily, I can enjoy it whenever I want.

I went to see Double Whammy at the Tribeca Film Festival, prior to which Misdemeanor was exhibited, and I was pleased to see such a unique take on filmmaking for a change. The director/writer's ability to successfully communicate a meaningful story in a short, silent film in such a visually stunning manner was impressive. In a nutshell: what a talent.