Romance and Cigarettes

USA 2005, 100 minutes
Dir. John Turturro
Rating: [R16] Sexual references and offensive language
Genres: Comedy / Musical, Romance

Topics: Mid-life.

Feat. James Gandolfini, Susan Sarandon, Kate Winslet, Steve Buscemi, Bobby Cannavale, Mary-Louise Parker, Mandy Moore, Christopher Walken, Barbara Sukowa, Elaine Stritch, Eddie Izzard, Amy Sedaris

Aroview: Actor John Turturro wrote, directed and self-released this bawdy and often brilliant 60's-pop-anthem-fuelled comedy musical, set in the director's beloved Queens.

Centring on a love triangle comprising a working-class, Italian-American husband (Gandolfini), his fed-up wife (Sarandon) and his saucy English mistress (Winslet), this has an energy and a sexually-charged zest that is vastly enjoyable: a unique experiment exploring the way classic pop songs form a ready soundtrack to the dramas of modern social and romantic life.

An unconventional treat for fans of the Coen Brothers, who unsurprisingly lent their name as executive producers, Turturro in fact conceived much of the film while playing the role of the eponymous writer in the Coen's BARTON FINK.