Tarantella (1995)

Diana, a young Italian-American photographer, returns to the city in which she grew up in order to settle her mother's estate. She had not gotten along well with her mother in recent years.... See full summary »

Director:

Helen De Michiel

Writers:

Helen De Michiel, Richard Hoblock

Stars:

Mira Sorvino, Rose Gregorio, Matthew Lillard

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Mira Sorvino	...	Diane
Rose Gregorio	...	Pina
Matthew Lillard	...	Matt
Frank Pellegrino	...	Lou
Stephen Spinella	...	Frank
Maryann Urbano	...	Mother
Antonia Rey	...	Grandmother
Melissa Maxwell	...	Young Diana
Magda Lang	...	Home Buyer Woman
Sean Baldwin	...	Home Buyer Man
Derek Vontreras	...	Home Buyer Young Man
A.J. Lopez	...	Home Buyer Young Man
Gaetano Lisco	...	Father
Carol Dante	...	Tarantella Dancer
Andrew M. Fuchs	...	Tarentella Trio

Storyline

Diana, a young Italian-American photographer, returns to the city in which she grew up in order to settle her mother's estate. She had not gotten along well with her mother in recent years. While packing up the house, she meets a close friend of her mother's and grandmother's, who gives her her mother's last gift. As she learns more about her mother's history, Diana comes to terms with their relationship and her own Italian heritage.

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Plot Keywords:

friendship | photography | independent film

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Taglines:

Life's a Dance.

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 March 1996 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Elizabeth, New Jersey, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Independent Television Service (ITVS)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

"Nonna's Lullaby"
Music by Peter Napolitano
Music by Norman Nell
Performed by Antonia Rey

User Reviews

Touching drama

Feisty young photographer Diana Di Sorella (a fine and appealing performance by Mira Sorvino) has to come to terms with her rich Italian heritage and her mixed feelings about her immigrant mother in the wake of her mother's untimely passing. Director/co-writer Helen De Michiel neatly crafts a low-key and thoughtful drama about emotional closure and making peace with your past that doesn't get bogged down in icky cute sentiment or cheesy melodramatics. Sorvino brings a warmth and vitality to her part which holds the picture together. Rose Gregorio gives a terrific portrayal of Pina, a kindly neighbor and loyal family friend who helps Diana on her turbulent personal journey. Matthew Lillard also contributes an engaging turn as Diana's nice boyfriend Matt. Moreover, there's a nifty use of puppets used for the poignant flashbacks about Diana's childhood. The deliberate pace takes a little getting used to, but overall this movie tells a pleasingly simple story with great tact and clarity and delivers a considerable amount of poignancy. Both Teodoro Mariaci's crisp cinematography and Norman Noll's melodic score are up to speed. A real sleeper.