Customer Reviews

Italian Movie [VHS]

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This is sure to be the one that follows theBig Fat Greek to the Big Fat Italian bank. I loved every frame of this picture from the brilliant acting of James(Tony Soprano) Gandolfini, to the rich photography of Ray Preziosi. Beautiful music, beautiful sound, beautiful story. One from the heart that the whole family will enjoy. Kudos to those who put this one together. If you want to feel "Moon Struck" about life all over again, see Italian Movie.

I was attracted to this film because it stars Rita Moreno. Well, "stars" is kind. She must have needed a fast buck, and makes a small appearance. I have been in love with her since she first sang on a rooftop in West Side Story. Those days are gone. Ms. Moreno sadly looks a little long in the tooth. Perhaps she could succeed the late Clara Peller if Wendy's ever revives the "Where's The Beef" ads.

It also has James Gandolfini, of the Sopranos. Sadly, neither actor made much of an impression on this reviewer and both are wasted. Mr. Gandolini is miscast; he is fortunate The Sopranos can help him leave this Turkey Italiano off his resume.

This is clearly a low budget film, and looks it. This is why few may have heard of ITALIAN MOVIE (and deservedly so).

The plot is convoluted, and not worth explaining. Visually, it appears to have been filmed through cheesecloth. It is sloppily lit, and proceeds at an escargot's pace.

What is remarkable, however, is the quality of the soundtrack. The majority of the money spent on this film must have been on the remarkable soundtrack.

The sound reverberates with excitement, like the plaintive cry of an antelope on a crystal clear arctic night.

It is amazing what has been done with so little. This reviewer hopes the sound engineer responsible for this small miracle has the opportunity to work on a major film. I can only imagine what could be created by this person. At the very least, it saves this film.

Although ITALIAN MOVIE is frequently unwatchable, at least it is listenable.

KUDOS to the sound genius. It is a shame the Oscar nominating committee overlooked this person.