Film Preview: The Public (2019)

Page Revisions:

(March 17, 2019) Original

Release Date:

April 5, 2019

Synopsis:

From IMDb: “In “the public” an unusually bitter Arctic blast has made its way to downtown Cincinnati and the front doors of the public library where the action of the film takes place. The story revolves around the library patrons, many of whom are homeless, mentally ill and marginalized, as well as an exhausted and overwhelmed staff of librarians who often build emotional connections and a sense of obligation to care for those regular patrons. At odds with library officials over how to handle the extreme weather event, the Patrons turn the building into a homeless shelter for the night by staging an “Occupy” sit in. What begins as an act of civil disobedience becomes a stand off with police and a rush-to-judgment media constantly speculating about what’s really happening. This David versus Goliath story tackles some of our nation’s most challenging issues, homelessness and mental illness and sets the drama inside one of the last bastions of democracy-in-action: your public library.”

Poster Rating: C+

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Review: There’s only so much you can do with a public library reference in a poster design. At least that’s what this lackluster design would suggest. Staid character insets and a loose visual connection to the locale of the film.

Trailer Rating: C+

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Review: While one should never make the case that highlighting poverty and homelessness is a waste of time, this trailer doesn’t do a very good job making us care about the situation enough to watch this film.