Lesser Prophets

Lesser Prophets is a 1997 film directed by William DeVizia that offers a unique look into the world of underground gambling, crime, and the individuals who skim through the shadows of society, each for their own reasons. Starring an ensemble cast, the film is able to effectively entwine multiple narratives into an engaging plot, diving deep into the gritty underbelly of society and the complexities of human relationships in the backdrop of crime.

One of the key characters is Leon (Michael Badalucco), a man who comes off initially as a middle-of-the-road kind of guy, working as a cop in a police precinct. However, as the film progresses, audiences discover that Leon is not the by-the-book officer he seems to be, and finds himself immersed in a world that goes against everything his uniform stands for.

Another major character is Iggy (Zachary Badalucco), a young man struggling to figure out his place in society. He's not the typical outcast, but rather someone who is stuck in a revolving door, finding it tough to step outside the petty crime environment he has come to find comfortable. His association with Leon leads him on a path he neither sought nor expected, creating a unique mesh of contrasting and intertwining personalities that keep audiences gripped.

The story takes a sharp turn when Leon's infatuation with their soon-to-be victim's charming and street-smart wife, Deborah Sullivan (Amy Brenneman), comes into the picture. Deborah is not a typical femme fatale; she's an intelligent, realistic, and distinctive character whose motivations and intricacies Brenneman portrays powerfully.

The narrative is further complemented with a well-drawn supporting cast, each adding richness to the plotline and bringing out various layers into the dynamics of their criminal world. Their interactions with the main protagonist add a different level of complexity, as they all operate as "lesser prophets," individuals who are overlooked but have a significant influence on the overall outcome of the plot.

The setting of the movie is exquisitely laid out, capturing the nitty-gritty of the underground life in the city, with every background noise and play of shadows adding to the overall noir atmosphere. Combine this with the striking cinematography and the careful attention to location, mood, and character detail, and you get a immersive and unsettling vision of urban corruption and decay—an essential background for the characters' activities and lives.

Despite the crime-centric plot, Lesser Prophets primarily thrives on its characters and their distinct personalities. Each character brings a unique perspective which adds depth to the storyline, allowing viewers to experience the plot from various angles that keep guessing until the end.

The director, William DeVizia, cleverly weaves this multi-faceted narrative together, pushing the characters through compelling situations that test their moral grounds and personal relationships, while simultaneously undertaking a high-stakes criminal endeavor. His greatest accomplishment in Lesser Prophets is maintaining a steady pace, equal part suspense and psychological exploration, never veering too far into either to lose its sense of identity.

While the plot delves into the darker corners of society, Lesser Prophets refuses to lose its wit in the process. There’s a sporadic but well-placed humor laced throughout the film, often playing out in the most unexpected scenes. The banter between characters, the element of unpredictability, and humorous undertones provide comic relief, offsetting the grim realities of their lives and dangerous situations they find themselves in.

The strength of Lesser Prophets lies in its unique approach to storytelling and compelling character development that showcases the best of its talented cast. Despite its bleak setting and dark storyline, it still maintains enough humor and charm to keep audiences engaged. This film is a must-watch for those who enjoy plot-driven narratives with relatable human connections explored through the lens of crime and life choices.