New Jersey Stage - September 2014 | Page 75

Along with its slyly dextrous dialogue, A Public Ransom also strives for visual virtuosity: D’Stair takes care to frame his shots to make expressive use of space and lighting; wide angles that emphasise the sharp angles and enclosed spaces that the characters are trapped in, white hot key lights that slash shadows across the filthy damp concretes of downtown. A Public Ransom’s world is one suffused with threat, and a morality that is neither black nor white, but a deepening shade of grey. Of course, as with any micro-budgeted independent project, A Public Ransom is not without flaws. While the nighttime shots of Stephen - stranded, wandering, lost - are well filmed, and the film is usually interesting to watch, there is a distinct sense of indulgence at times; a seemingly endless sequence close to the film’s end of Steven walking and smoking, walking and smoking, veers dangerously close to self-parody. Also, there are a few too many scenes involving Steven on the phone, chewing someone out in his familiar passive aggressive manner. Presumably this was a practical decision due to budgetary concerns (the director/actor could work the scene on his own, while still developing the plot), but not only are these scenes repetitive, but they become confus- Have you ever priced out what it would cost to purchase an ad this size in a newspaper? It’s pretty steep, but for us here... it’s just $50. We get the arts. We understand tight budgets (believe me). Call us at: 732-280-7625 or click here for more info.