Review of Big Night (1996) by Stuart K — 17 Jan 2012
Directed by Stanley Tucci and Campbell Scott, based upon a screenplay by Tucci and Joseph Tropiano, this is a touching yet warm dramedy where the food that's created throughout is almost a character itself.
It was a huge independent hit at the time, winning awards and it's still stood up now. Set in the 1950's, Italian brothers Primo (Tony Shalhoub) and Secondo (Tucci) have come to America to find fortune, they've set up an Italian restaurant called Paradise in a small town on the Jersey shore.
Business is very slow, and what customers they do get aren't used to the traditional Italian food and how they do things, which infuriates Primo, who is a perfectionist in the kitchen. Business has got so bad, that the bank are threatening to foreclose on the restaurant.
In the same town, there is a rival restaurant, owned by Pascal (Ian Holm) who wants the two brothers to come and work for him, but Secondo refuses all offers as they want to make it on their own. But, Pascal offers him the chance to hold a night for singer Louis Prima, as Prima owes Pascal a favour, so the brothers prepare the night to end all nights, but will Prima turn up.
It's a well made little film, done almost like a play, set mostly in this one restaurant and it's kitchen. Shalhoub and Tucci play well of one another, while there's love interest from Isabella Rossellini and Minnie Driver.
Once you see this film, you'll want to try and make timpano like they do.
This review of Big Night (1996) was written by Stuart K on 17 Jan 2012.
Big Night has generally received very positive reviews.
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