Romance & Cigarettes (2005)

Director:

John Turturro

Writer:

John Turturro (written by)

Release Date:

2006 (Spain)

Genre:

Comedy | Musical | Romance

Tagline:

A Savage Musical

Plot:

A down-and-dirty musical set in the world of working-class New York, tells a story of a husband's journey into infidelity and redemption when he must choose between his seductive mistress and his beleaguered wife.

Plot Keywords:

Redemption | New York | Adultery | Dark Comedy | Cult Favorite

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

James Gandolfini	...	Nick Murder
Susan Sarandon	...	Kitty Kane
Kate Winslet	...	Tula
Steve Buscemi	...	Angelo
Bobby Cannavale	...	Fryburg
Mandy Moore	...	Baby
Mary-Louise Parker	...	Constance
Aida Turturro	...	Rosebud
Christopher Walken	...	Cousin Bo
Barbara Sukowa	...	Gracie
Elaine Stritch	...	Nick's Mother
Eddie Izzard	...	Gene Vincent
Amy Sedaris	...	Frances
P.J. Brown	...	Police Officer
Adam LeFevre	...	Fruitman

MPAA:

Rated R for sexual content including some strong dialogue, and language.

Runtime:

105 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Netherlands:12 | Finland:K-11 | Sweden:11 | Switzerland:14 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:14 (canton of Vaud) | Argentina:16 | Ireland:16 | UK:15 | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA

Company:

United Artists

Trivia:

The movie was delayed for almost two years because of James Gandolfini's commitment to "The Sopranos" (1999).

Goofs:

Revealing mistakes: When Nick first comes into the house toward the beginning of the movie, his daughter's band is playing outside. When he shuts the front door, the music volume does not change. It should become more muffled with the door shut.

Quotes:

Constance: Porkchops!
Rosebud: Porkchops!
Constance: Lambchops!
Rosebud: Lambchops!

Movie Connections:

References Casablanca (1942)

Soundtrack:

Answer Me, My Love

Great movie - don't be put off by the "musical" tag

John Turturro has created something very special here. Look at the cast list. The names alone make it a must-see for many cinema lovers, yet the description of musical might also put many off. Well don't worry. This film uses existing songs to enhance emotional statements at intervals throughout this gritty film. It mixes them with Brooklyn working life, some sex, lots of humour and pathos and fantastically it all works. The songs are used a la Dennis Potter and seep in and out of the narrative flow as easily as a gentle voice-over. Great performances by everyone but stunners from Kate Winslet (now that's a proper body), Elaine Stritch ("Every breath is a victory") and Christopher Walken, always riveting. James Gandolfini plays a slightly different Tony Soprano but that fits in just right. Quite simply a pleasure from first 'til last. Thank you John.