Libraries are associated with books, a quest for information and knowledge, a place to read the daily newspaper for free and, recently, a place to hang out.
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Not many people would associate a library with a battlefield for democratic freedom and an exposition on human rights.
The Public is set in the Cincinnati Public Library during an Arctic freeze. The library is a place for Cincinnati's homeless to spend their day in the warmth of the library's interior before being ejected into the freezing nightscape when the library closes at 6pm.
As the freezing weather engulfs the city, one of the homeless men, Jackson, decides to occupy the library, along with the rest of his homeless companions - Big George, Caesar, Smutts and Chip - who frequent the library.
A number of conundrums immediately come into play. The public prosecutor and mayoral candidate Josh Davis (Christian Slater), police negotiator Bill Ramstead (Alec Baldwin), librarian Stuart Goodson (Emilio Estevez), security guard Ernesto (Jacob Vargas), and library manager Mr Anderson (Jeffery Wright) confront the reality of their ethical and humanitarian positions regarding homelessness and whether they are committed to their values, or merely speak the words without backing it with action.
Each person has a perspective that adds complexity to the occupation of the library, the political expediency of the matter, and the practical solution to resolve the occupancy.
Detective Ramstead is searching for his son, an addict, who has dropped off the grid.
Stuart's sympathy for Jackson's situation is underscored by his own history.
Davis is driven by his election campaign and the publicity he can get by taking a tough law and order stance.
Mr Anderson struggles with his managerial position at the library and his desire to provide a warm place for the homeless.
TV journalist Rebecca Parks (Gabrielle Union) manipulates the situation to further her career at the expense of accurate reporting.
The simple solution to this dilemma is obscured by their clouded vision.
The homeless become the centerpiece to highlight political inadequacy, media distortion, and human interconnectedness.
The Public is a film with a message. Director/scriptwriter Estevez delivers that message unashamedly because he wants to make some noise and make sure you don't forget the issues and the people.
Estevez builds a picture of the lifeblood of a city with people at its heart. It's preachy at times and self-conscious regarding its message. But by dressing it as a heartwarming story populated with engaging characters, you don't mind being hit with a velvet glove.
Every once in a while, a small, low-key production sneaks into our cinemas before gently fading from our screens. Make sure you catch The Public before it slips away.
