The Book of Life: Review of The Public

The Public

Director: Emilio Estevez

By Alex Watson


As a director, Emilio Estevez movies only come along when he is truly ready. His last picture, the Martin Sheen starring 'The Way' was a touching and authentic story of self-discovery which showed a maturity and a keen eye for humanity. His new effort, The Public is a movie which gives a compelling voice to the homeless and a sharp commentary on the lack of resources that are available. 

Stuart Goodson (Emilio Estevez) is a librarian in Cincinnati, Ohio who each day encounters a number of homeless members such as Jackson (Michael K. Williams). While happy and content in his job, things become more complicated when his superior Mr Anderson (Jeffrey Wright) announces he has been named in a lawsuit against the library. One night a brutal Midwestern cold front is about to hit the city and all the shelters are maximum capacity. What follows will result in a tense stand-off between Detective Bill Ramstead (Alec Baldwin), local D.A Josh Davis (Christian Slater), the staff and the homeless.

While its message might be a little overstated in places, The Public still makes good use of its setting and the sheer quality of performers. Estevez has always a preference for showing the plight of the average person and Stuart Goodson is a weary yet personable library supervisor. Along with his co-worker Myra (Jena Malone), the pair are simply trying to do their jobs without causing a fuss. The homeless who frequent the space are tolerated as this is the only safe place they can go without being hassled or rejected. The library tries to maintain order and give support as best it can, but Estevez shows what a tough role this can be, especially when dealing with patrons with severe mental health disorders. Goodson is a man who is doing his best to be supportive but his hands are tied by bureaucracy.

The cold front hitting Cincinnati has resulted in more and more people freezing to death each night. During this movie, there is a firm statement on the lack of shelters available and many of the homeless are simply trying to keep warm. Stuart himself is dealing with his apartment heating being down, which has him making contact with his attractive apartment manager (Taylor Schilling). When the stand-off occurs, Jackson and the others simply just want a place to send the night. Stuart despite reservations allows this to go ahead and they barricade the doors. Everyone outside the library just wants this to be done with- Ramstead is a negotiator who is also looking for his drug-addicted son. He simply wants everyone to go home and not have to deal with the slimy and corse Davis whose campaign for Mayor is not going to plan.

The final act of The Public might seem formulaic and has a number of slightly cliched moments (complete with quoting the Grapes of Wrath). Plus there are some side stories that perhaps overstay their welcome- particularly Gabrielle Union's vampirish newswoman who portrays Stuart as a kidnapper. However, despite these flaws, there is still a nice sense of authenticity and comradery. While there is a heavy-handedness to Estevez's direction, he is still able to emphasize the struggle the homeless face to be heard. Libraries are increasingly considered to be a safe haven because few places offer them a place to simply be and access services that can help turn their lives around. Stuart desire to help is made clearer during the final act and credit to Estevez for giving this subtle touch. Within the walls of the library, there is a tension building that could potentially give the police a reason to storm. The resolution to this may divide audience members, but it will still leave a smile on our lips.

Emilio Estevez has always been a capable performer as well as director and once more he is on double duty. As Stuart, Estevez conveys a good sense of weariness alongside a fighting spirit. While he may be a reluctant participator, he is also a leader with a sense of compassion. The supporting cast alone elevates this picture and Alec Baldwin gives a fine turn as Ramstead, whose fear for his son's safety is in conflict with his role in attempting to end the stand-off. Christian Slater is also in fine form as the particularly nasty Davis. While this role may see him permanently in one gear, Slater makes full use of his distaste of this tricky situation.

The Public is a movie which gives some much needed focus on the problems the homeless face each day. It might not see much action comes awards time, but Estevez still shows he is a director who makes us think.