Puccini for Beginners (2006)

User Rating:

5.9/10   

Director:

Maria Maggenti

Writer (WGA):

Maria Maggenti (written by)

Release Date:

7 February 2007 (France)

Genre:

Comedy | Romance

Tagline:

A love triangle of operatic proportions

Plot:

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

Plot Keywords:

Writer | Engagement Party | Party | Commitment | Affair

Awards:

1 win & 1 nomination

Cast

Elizabeth Reaser	...	Allegra
Gretchen Mol	...	Grace
Justin Kirk	...	Philip
Julianne Nicholson	...	Samantha
Tina Benko	...	Nell
Jennifer Dundas	...	Molly
Kate Simses	...	Vivian
Brian Letscher	...	Jeff
Will Bozarth	...	Jimmy
Ken Barnett	...	Scott
Becca Anderson	...	Waitress
Ashlie Atkinson	...	Woman on Bench
Jill DeMonstoy	...	Restaurant Patron
Yoshiro Kono	...	Sushi Chef
Nick Psinakis	...	Athletic Guy

Runtime:

USA:82 min (Sundance Film Festival)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

South Korea:15

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Company:

Eden Wurmfeld Films

Goofs:

Continuity: Philip's clothing changes three times during his date to the opera with Allegra. When they leave for the opera, he is seen wearing jeans, a sweater and a suit jacket. Immediately after the opera, he is wearing a button-up shirt and khakis instead of his sweater and jeans. During dinner, Philip is seen wearing the sweater with the khakis while his jacket is hanging over the back of his chair.

Quotes:

Allegra: Commit! Just listen to that word, it's what they do in insane asylums!

Movie Connections:

References "The L Word" (2004)

Excellent Movie

I was a little leery at first when I read the synopsis, but this is one movie I thoroughly enjoyed. The characters were interconnected, well chosen, and delivered good performances. However, I think the magic in this movie is the script and direction. As a gay person who loves gay themed movies, this one really stood out with a bizarre quad love story. People who found something in common with one person, whether they were alike or different. One of the things I liked most about the story had nothing to do with the main characters but the sushi chefs who added comedy at the right moment. I recognized the main male character from TRICK and I'm glad to see him in something else, his character free flowing style and intellect was the perfect counterpart for the main lesbian character to be mesmerized by. But we all too soon learn, she's easily mesmerized. Anyway, I say let's add this to our top 20 list gay movies that hits the A list as far as I'm concerned. Watch it, enjoy it.