The Misanthrope

Running time: N/A

World Premiere In this bone-dry comedy, failed actor, Arthur Artemis, has it all: a pathetic romantic life, a passionless day job as a sixth grade teacher, and a drinking problem. When he discovers that a local theater is putting on Molire's The Misanthrope, however, Artemis' passion is rejuvenatedÉuntil he loses the role to a less talented, but better-looking, actor. Meanwhile, the school principal, fed up with Artemis' tardiness and attitude, badgers Artemis to direct the school play, insinuating that this is his last chance to save his job. Reluctant at first, Artemis goes full bore into rehearsals deciding that the production will be his vision of The Misanthrope-despite the fact that Molire is not exactly what the principal or parents had in mind. Just as the play starts to take shape, though, Artemis becomes more and more obsessed with both the local theater production and its female lead, is having run-ins with the law, and finds out that his lead has a criminal record. At times exceedingly dark yet at others enormously comical, director Allen Colombo superbly crafts a compelling debut feature about redemption, obsession and how we all, at times, just want to be seen for our accomplishments. Reviewed by Sandy Wolf