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We are drawn to the compelling character of Lemon, whose deeply personal journey reflects larger universal themes—about the power and limitations of will, the claws of poverty, and the complexities of ambition. Because Lemon's poetry is as contemporary as his story is timeless, the film appeals to a broad audience—from traditional doc lovers to the so-called "hip-hop generation". To best reach this audience, we have remained true to the heart of classic documentary filmmaking, but have strayed in unexpected ways.
Veering from conventional, chronological storytelling, the film draws on a structure that is non-linear and inter-cuts through time—weaving together the explosive collision of Lemon's childhood and present day struggles. Lemon's unfailing - and ultimately, successful—drive to mount his show on the New York stage is interwoven with visits to the apartment where he was raised, Rikers Island prison where he discovered poetry, and his first visit to his mother's grave in Puerto Rico. The weave reveals that Lemon's relationship to his past is nothing short of complicated and entangled. The weave also suggests that it is Lemon's very past... that has equipped him with the fortitude and skills to survive and ultimately succeed.
Lemon's hard-edged, urban poems are his expression of struggle. In our treatment of them, they are highly stylized interludes—almost short films—unto themselves. We have chosen to film Lemon performing these poems in the locations that inspired them - in the courtyard of his youth, on the stairs to apartment D5, and by the Himalaya ride in Coney Island. Interstitially placed throughout, they serve as dramatic turning points and say more than any interview could about the complex character of Lemon.
Lemon is fighting his way out of the ghetto and desperate to give his children a better life; we have chosen to portray both sides of his ambition - the admirable will to succeed and the difficult choices that can come with it.
Lemon Andersen's story is bigger than Lemon. The film reflects the remarkable spirit and scope of his journey and the highest production values possible. It unfolds to a sexy soundtrack - from Mos def to Aloe Blacc to Talib Kweli and others. Ultimately, our film appeals to a unusually wide audience and speaks to anyone who has ever tried to better their lot in life. With its surprising climax, it will inspire and awe.
Veering from conventional, chronological storytelling, the film draws on a structure that is non-linear and inter-cuts through time—weaving together the explosive collision of Lemon's childhood and present day struggles. Lemon's unfailing - and ultimately, successful—drive to mount his show on the New York stage is interwoven with visits to the apartment where he was raised, Rikers Island prison where he discovered poetry, and his first visit to his mother's grave in Puerto Rico. The weave reveals that Lemon's relationship to his past is nothing short of complicated and entangled. The weave also suggests that it is Lemon's very past... that has equipped him with the fortitude and skills to survive and ultimately succeed.
Lemon's hard-edged, urban poems are his expression of struggle. In our treatment of them, they are highly stylized interludes—almost short films—unto themselves. We have chosen to film Lemon performing these poems in the locations that inspired them - in the courtyard of his youth, on the stairs to apartment D5, and by the Himalaya ride in Coney Island. Interstitially placed throughout, they serve as dramatic turning points and say more than any interview could about the complex character of Lemon.
Lemon is fighting his way out of the ghetto and desperate to give his children a better life; we have chosen to portray both sides of his ambition - the admirable will to succeed and the difficult choices that can come with it.
Lemon Andersen's story is bigger than Lemon. The film reflects the remarkable spirit and scope of his journey and the highest production values possible. It unfolds to a sexy soundtrack - from Mos def to Aloe Blacc to Talib Kweli and others. Ultimately, our film appeals to a unusually wide audience and speaks to anyone who has ever tried to better their lot in life. With its surprising climax, it will inspire and awe.
LEMON will have its international premiere at the Zurich International Film Festival on September 30th 2011, and also will be shown on October 1st and 2nd. Its North American premiere will be at DOCNYC as the centerpiece film in New York on November 4th 2011! Stay tuned for more details...
To receive a copy, please send us an email: laura@dandelion-films.com or contact us online.
To receive a copy, please send us an email: laura@dandelion-films.com or contact us online.
Follow @Lemonthemovie
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