Review of The Funeral (1996) by Brody M — 21 Sep 2010
Stronger than "King of New York" and equally prolific as "Bad Lieutenant," Abel Ferrara's "The Funeral" hits all the right notes in this period mob drama. With a simple plot that builds gradually throughout, "The Funeral's" greatest achievement comes in it's powerhouse performances.
The surprise here is that as good as Christopher Walken, Benicia Del Toro and Vincent Gallo are (are they really anything less than fun to watch in anything they've ever done...well, maybe "Balls of Fury" but C.
W. gotta eat, right?) it's the late Chris Penn who steals the show with what is certainly one of, if not THE best, performance of his career. Annabella Sciorra also turns in a great performance, albeit, with very few lines.
she makes up for it in a haunting monologue delivered during the film's rising action. "The Funeral" is a wonderful little gangster film...super moody, snappy dialogue and great performances all around.
Check out this overlooked mafia gem.
This review of The Funeral (1996) was written by Brody M on 21 Sep 2010.
The Funeral has generally received positive reviews.
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