Review of Fading Gigolo (2013) by Sandra S — 25 Apr 2014

I loved this movie all the way through - until the ending. Woody was less frantic than he sometimes appears on film, solid all the way through, which was enjoyable. I first recall John Turturro from Quiz Show, when he played a deceived genius.

I thought he was marvelous in that role. I wasn't so sure I'd like him as an aging gigolo. There would have to be something about him that appealed to woman. In this movie, he displays an understanding patience within his personality, giving him a low key sensuality and making his interactions with women believable.

I kept trying to feel an awkwardness or inappropriateness about his role in becoming a gigolo at an older age after no previous experience which I've seen in other similar roles, but did not find it.

I kept being surprised at his kindness and willingness to please others, not in an animal or self-centered manner, but in a quiet sophistication from a deep personal education. The strength of the movie lies in the strength of Turturro's own essence as a man.

Up to the ending, Turturro's character appeared to be on a voyage of discovery with the benefit of wisdom, but the ending did not allow me to fulfill that expectation. Not to give away the ending, because it isn't what happened, MY ending would go like this: 1) Woody and John are talking.

2) Woody's phone rings. 3) He speaks enthusiastically, as if he's hearing about a new opportunity. 4) (and finally) he hands Turturro the phone and Turturro puts it to his ear having no idea what it's about and with no facial expression.

Fade out. We don't see any projection of what might happen next. The ending I saw hinted at invalidating the whole journey because it felt as though the journey might restart, but with less validity and/or personal change.

We never wanted to see Turturro as a lusty man looking to bang the chicks. We wanted him to be a classy guy who was "bringing magic to the lonely". In the latter context, it was a wonderful movie.