The Good Woman of Manhattan

REVIEW:

I recently viewed the short, independent film The Good Woman of Manhattan. My eyes were transfixed to the screen from the beginning to the end. The movie takes place in a small apartment in Manhattan during a blizzard. There are three main characters and colorful kabuki dancers in the film.

Shelly is a theater professor currently directing her students in a production of Good Woman of Setzuan, in the style of traditional Japanese kabuki theater. Nicole Kildoff Abate's performance as a panic stricken young wife both worried about and angry with her missing alcoholic husband is thoroughly convincing. Writer/Director, Wendy Lement, successfully mirrors Shelly's situation with the play that her students are rehearsing.

Dan is an economics professor and Shelly's friend and colleague. He is desperately and occasionally comically trying to calm Shelly and help her to take control of her situation. Actor Shelley Bolman's portrayal of Dan evokes empathetic emotions from the audience. Through his facial expressions and body movements, he is able to communicate much more about his character than is in his dialogue.

Richard is Shelly's irresponsible, out of control husband. Derek Nelson strikingly plays the role of Richard summoning up a myriad of emotions including anger, frustration, and indignation. Richard's reluctant return home brings the film to a dramatic and tense climax.

The film's conclusion integrates the lives of both "good women" in a truly compassionate manner. The audience is left wanting more. This short film begs to become a full-length movie.