Illuminata

Rating:
Summary: An intensely moving work of art
Review: Illuminata is nothing short of glorious: a warm, intelligent film that is beautifully staged, acted, directed and filmed. There are many standouts in the cast. Susan Sarandon is wonderful as an aging diva, and Jon Turturro delivers a fragile character who is both sad and humane. But the movie is carried by Katherine Borowitz, whose mesmerizing performance is simple, elegant and poised. This is that rare commodity, a film that takes huge risks dramatically and emotionally, and they all pay off. It combines the best of theater and of film, and the result is an intensely moving work of art.

Rating:
Summary: An intensely moving work of art
Review: Illuminata is nothing short of glorious: a warm, intelligent film that is beautifully staged, acted, directed and filmed. There are many standouts in the cast. Susan Sarandon is wonderful as an aging diva, and Jon Turturro delivers a fragile character who is both sad and humane. But the movie is carried by Katherine Borowitz, whose mesmerizing performance is simple, elegant and poised. This is that rare commodity, a film that takes huge risks dramatically and emotionally, and they all pay off. It combines the best of theater and of film, and the result is an intensely moving work of art.

Rating:
Summary: This is a flawed masterpiece.
Review: OK, let me make this succinct.... John Turturro has turned out an unusual film that deals with an acting company in an Italian town at the turn of the century. The movie, in true Pirandellian fashion, slides in and out of illusion and reality and focuses on love as the greatest of human foibles and mysteries. Turturro is fine in the lead role as the playwright, but his real-life wife must take top honors for her exquisite and unforgettable performance as a mature and sensitive stage actress. Christopher Walken is hilarious in the role of an aging, homosexual drama critic who, accused of liking nothing at all (actually he likes young men), insists that here are indeed many things he likes: "...chocolate, Caravaggio, revenge..." The film is thoughtful and often incisive, with, regrettably, occasional lapses into the grotesque, which will turn off some viewers. The great scenes, however, will linger in the mind long after the tawdry aspects of this incomparable film are but a dream. Highly recommended to anyone interested in the meaning of theater, in the illusion of stagecraft, in fine acting, in excellent and original writing for the screen. "Bravo" to Turturro for putting this ocular feast together; "Brava" to his extraordinary wife; and "Bravissimi" to all who participated in the creation of this film. And by the way: how refreshing to watch a distinguished film about Italians without a single mention of the Mafia!

Rating:
Summary: This is a flawed masterpiece.
Review: OK, let me make this succinct.... John Turturro has turned out an unusual film that deals with an acting company in an Italian town at the turn of the century. The movie, in true Pirandellian fashion, slides in and out of illusion and reality and focuses on love as the greatest of human foibles and mysteries. Turturro is fine in the lead role as the playwright, but his real-life wife must take top honors for her exquisite and unforgettable performance as a mature and sensitive stage actress. Christopher Walken is hilarious in the role of an aging, homosexual drama critic who, accused of liking nothing at all (actually he likes young men), insists that here are indeed many things he likes: "...chocolate, Caravaggio, revenge..." The film is thoughtful and often incisive, with, regrettably, occasional lapses into the grotesque, which will turn off some viewers. The great scenes, however, will linger in the mind long after the tawdry aspects of this incomparable film are but a dream. Highly recommended to anyone interested in the meaning of theater, in the illusion of stagecraft, in fine acting, in excellent and original writing for the screen. "Bravo" to Turturro for putting this ocular feast together; "Brava" to his extraordinary wife; and "Bravissimi" to all who participated in the creation of this film. And by the way: how refreshing to watch a distinguished film about Italians without a single mention of the Mafia!

Rating:
Summary: Inticing the Senses...
Review: This is a movie of free spirits, truely for romantics who can appriciate the brilliant colours and scenery, which this movie supplies. It has witty dialoge and will be sure to grab all of your senses. It is sensual and magnificent. Reds of pomegranate, and blues of lover's eyes... everything beautiful and pure. This movie is not dull, but subdued. If you are not in love, you will want to be.