By: debbie lynn elias
Stemming from revenge and under guise of kick-starting a landmark project that will put them on the map, graffiti “artists”, Malcolm and Sofia dream big within the throes of summer boredom. What could be better than tagging the big plastic apple that pops up in Citi Field in NY every times the Mets hit a home run. They will become “famous” for their tagging. (In Philly, we get a ringing Liberty Bell. In NY with the Mets, a pop-up apple.) And, of course, by pulling this off, Malcolm will have his revenge on Mets fans everywhere, including those same fans who repeatedly spray over his graffiti tags with eye-popping Mets blue and orange paint.
A couple big problems though. Neither is the next Banksy and neither has the money to even pay for materials to execute their project. So what do you do? Turn to crime. Lie, cheat, steal, sell illegal drugs – do whatever you can to scrape together the needed $500.00. Needless to say, this thievery is what gives rise to the film’s title and lays the groundwork for a clash of the classes. Adding a little fuel to the fire is a budding relationship between Malcolm and Sofia. Friends, but not yet lovers, their banter is like sweet foreplay.
It’s easy to see why Adam Leon picked up the Someone to Watch Award from Film Independent at the 2013 Film Independent Spirit Awards. As a first time feature helmer with GIMME THE LOOT, Leon adopts a lighter tone to the criminally spirited endeavor thanks to the characters of Malcolm and Sofia. There is an innocent “dreamer” sweetness to them and many times you almost see them as little kids playing house and the “Where will you be in 20 years” game. An interesting dichotomy that could easily have fallen flat without proper scripting and casting. Adding to this is the ying and yang of Malcolm and Sofia who, through strong performances by Ty Hickson and Tashiana Washington, paint their own youthful story.
Leon’s strongest suit, however, comes in his identification with New York. Capturing all of its nuanced sights and sounds, especially those off the touristy beaten path, adds multi-cultural and societal layers and commentary that is tacitly telling. Thankfully, Leon also scripted the film using street vernacular with elocution and cadence-perfect dialogue performances by Hickson and Washington. Their abilities with dialogue is particularly important here given some of the monologue heavy exchanges. Keeping in tune with the youthfulness of his characters, and the exuberant elan of the “ultimate crime”, Leon shoots with a casual looseness that mirrors the essence of youth.
Written and Directed by Adam Leon
Cast: Ty Hickson, Tashiana Washington
