Puccini for Beginners (2006)

A recently-singled New York writer finds herself in two surprising and complicated relationships.

Director:

Maria Maggenti

Writer:

Maria Maggenti

Stars:

Ken Barnett, Julianne Nicholson, Brian Letscher

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ken Barnett	...	Catering Boss
Julianne Nicholson	...	Samantha
Brian Letscher	...	Jeff
Elizabeth Reaser	...	Allegra
Gretchen Mol	...	Grace
Justin Kirk	...	Philip
Tina Benko	...	Nell
Kate Simses	...	Vivian
Natalie Havermeyer	...	Turandot
Mimi Molligher	...	Woman in Elevator
Maggie Moore	...	Woman in Park
Craig Archibald	...	Man in Park
Yasu Suzuki	...	Sushi Chef 1
Yoshiro Kono	...	Sushi Chef 2
Jennifer Dundas	...	Molly

Storyline

Allegra, an opera-loving writer in New York, eschews commitment, so her girlfriend, Samantha, leaves her. Allegra misses Sam, and resents the accusation that she's afraid to say "I love you," but she's soon involved with two people - Grace and Philip - who, unbeknownst to her, have just broken up with each other. Allegra juggles the two affairs, telling neither about the other; each likes her more and more as her old fears start making her itchy. Things come to a head at an engagement party where Allegra is pinch-hitting as a catering assistant.

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Plot Keywords:

writer | affair | party | love | engagement party | 

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Taglines:

A Comedy of Operatic Proportions

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Genres:

Comedy | Romance

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

7 February 2007 (France)

Also Known As:

Triangle of Love

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$13,380 (USA) (2 February 2007)

Gross:

$89,417 (USA) (22 June 2007)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Eden Wurmfeld Films, InDigEnt (Independent Digital Entertainment)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

82 min 82 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

If you look really close during the first sex scene between Philip and Allegra, you can see Philip's underwear.

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Quotes

Allegra: It's hell being alone.
Woman on Bench: No honey, hell is other people.

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Connections

References The L Word (2004)

User Reviews

Delightful, Effervescent

I saw this film at Sundance and can't wait for it to get distribution so that I can see it again and again! This is the kind of film that doesn't really get made anymore: witty, fun, intelligent, truly entertaining, reminiscent of classic Hollywood screwball comedy. Wonderful use of New York City as a set, sparkling script, winning performances. Even the smaller roles are wonderfully cast and written. Every detail of the film is beautifully executed. This is how film-making should be, and as an audience member, how experiencing a film should be. The late-night audience at Sundance LOVED this film, gave a standing ovation for the director. I am hoping nationwide audiences will soon have the same opportunity to enjoy this delightful film.