Romance & Cigarettes (2005)

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

Director:

John Turturro

Writer:

John Turturro

Stars:

James Gandolfini, Susan Sarandon, Kate Winslet

1 win & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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

Storyline

Nick and Kitty Murder are married middle-aged working class New Yorkers. Kitty catches Nick in an indiscretion when she finds a love poem, extolling the virtues of one specific body part, Nick wrote to his mistress, Tula. The poem is the last straw for Kitty regarding their marriage. Kitty has the support of their three grown daughters - biological or other - her cousin Bo, her pastor and others at the church. They help her with among other things finding and thus dealing with Tula, who she does not know, and looking back at if she made a mistake in choosing Nick over her first love. On the other side, Nick turns to his co-worker Angelo, and a local police officer/ex-military man for advice, which he also gets unsolicited from his tough talking mother. Nick still has Tula, a frank-talking Northern English sex shop clerk, who truly loves Nick's body parts as he loves hers. A little emotional distance may provide Nick and Kitty the best perspective of what their future holds.

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Plot Keywords:

anal sex | pretty legs | sex | dream | redemption | 

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Taglines:

A Savage Musical

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Genres:

Comedy | Musical | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

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

Did You Know?

Trivia

Turturro began writing an outline of this film while on the set of Barton Fink (1991).

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Goofs

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.

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Quotes

Tula: When a woman bends over, a man sees a jelly doughnut. Her brain expands. His explodes. Dead on arrival in her powdered jelly doughnut.

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Connections

References Lust Combo (1970)

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Soundtracks

Taps
(uncredited)
Written by Daniel Butterfield

User Reviews

Bold and Beautiful

I just saw this wonderful film at the Toronto Film Festival and what a delightful experience it was. It's so refreshing to see a film-maker who is willing to take the huge, bold risks that John Turturo has taken in his direction. Also, what a treat it was to see James Gandofini, Susan Sarandon, Christopher Walken and Kate Winslet singing and dancing and making outrageous and exciting acting choices. A wonderful selection of music, a charming and literate script and consistently good performance....what else could you ask for in a movie. Watch for Elaine Stritch in a brief role that is should be required viewing for any acting student. Also loved the work of Aida Turturro. This film was a joy to watch!

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

2006 (Spain)

Also Known As:

Romance & Cigarettes

Filming Locations:

13023 150th Ave, Jamaica, New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Gross USA:

$557,471

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$2,935,242

Company Credits

Production Co:

United Artists, GreeneStreet Films, Icon Entertainment International

Technical Specs

Runtime:

105 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1