 |
 |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
 |
|
|
|
 email this review to a friend
Originally scheduled for release in 2005, writer and director John Turturro had to fight many battles along the way to finally get this bawdy musical-drama in theaters. Produced by the Coen Brothers, the film is a combination of pulp fiction, working-class malaise, over-the-top comedy, and some touching dramatic moments. It isn't for everyone, least of all those who might be easily offended by sexual humor, but Mr. Turturro succeeds in walking the fine line between original entertainment and pointless foolishness. The film stars "The Sopranos" James Gandolfini as Nick Murder, a 1970's New York bridge worker. Married to Susan Sarandon, and with three teenage daughters, Nick is also conducting an affair with British lingerie saleswoman Kate Winslet. When Sarandon discovers the affair, she calls in assistance from her cousin (Christopher Walken) to punish the mistress. Meanwhile, she stops speaking to her husband altogether and hopes to make his life as miserable as he has made hers. There are a number of minor subplots, including one daughter (Mandy Moore) wanting to get engaged, and some of the films funniest moments involve conversations between Gandolfini and coworker Steve Buscemi, who is considered an expert on women and sexual topics. In the end, the plot takes a few dramatic twists, and even manages to churn up a moral or two. The musical numbers are a combination of the actors singing and dancing (along with unnamed people on the street who appear and disappear at random) over original or remake versions of the sixties and seventies songs, in an effort to express the characters inner desires and emotions. Songs like "A Man Without Love" or "Piece of My Heart" are given new life, and some of the production numbers (most notably those with Christopher Walken) are wonderful and hilarious at the same time. Gandolfini and Sarandon both play their roles well, balancing their displeasure in the marriage with the 70's Catholic attitude of sticking it out regardless of what happens. Kate Winslet is at one moment devilishly seductive, dancing in a red latex top with flames surrounding her; and later is seen as insecure and needy as everyone else, as she wonders if she and Gandolfini have a future together despite his wife and children. Always coming close to going too far, the script and music somehow teeter on the edge without tipping, always returning to the quieter, grounded moments where a couple who never loved each other much to begin with discovered they may have picked up some feelings for each other along the way. Consider the Murders a Tevye and Golde for a new generation. Besides, its almost worth the price of admission alone to see Ms. Winslet in her fishnets or red dress, or to listen to her manic obscenity-laced dialogue. email this review to a friend
Comment on this Review:
 Subscribe to MatchFlick Movie Reviews through RSS |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
RSS | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | About MatchFlick® | Press | Contact Us | FAQs
Partnership and Advertising Opportunities | Movie Database | Merchandise ©2004-2008 MatchFlick®. All rights reserved. ©MOVIE IMAGES ARE COPYRIGHT PROTECTED AND THE PROPERTY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS |