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John Turturro, Katherine Borowitz, Christopher Walken, Susan Sarandon, Beverly D'Angelo ... see more see more... , Bill Irwin , Rufus Sewell , Georgina Cates , Matthew Sussman , Ben Gazzara , Leo Bassi , Donal McCann , Aida Turturro

Actor John Turturro, who made his directorial debut with the Cannes Camera d'Or winner Mac (1992), returned to directing with this period farce about a struggling, turn-of-the-century New York reperto... read more read more...ry company owned by Astergourd (Beverly D'Angelo) and Pallenchio (Donal McCann). Egotistical playwright Tuccio (Turturro) has written a new play, Illuminata, for the troupe's actress-manager Rachel (Katherine Borowitz), daughter of aging actor Flavio (Ben Gazzara), who's lost his memory. Tuccio would like to see Illuminata staged, but the owners feel the play is unfinished. Young Piero (Matthew Sussman) collapses while performing in Cavalleria Rusticana, and this provides the ambitious Tuccio with an opportunity to introduce his new work to audiences. Unfortunately, foppish critic Bevalaqua (Christopher Walken) is unimpressed and issues a vicious attack on the production -- while also making unsubtle overtures to company clown Marco (Bill Irwin). Diva Celimene (Susan Sarandon) seduces Tuccio with her promises to bring him worldwide fame and fortune. Other liaisons are played out with the juvenile leads (Rufus Sewell, Georgina Cates), a veteran clown (Leo Bassi), and a supporting actress (Aida Turturro). Shown in competition at the 1998 Cannes Film Festival. ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi

Flixster Users

63% liked it

999 ratings

Critics

38% liked it

24 critics

R, 2 hr.

Directed by: John Turturro

Release Date: June 1, 1998

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DVD Release Date: October 17, 2000

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Stats: 48 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (48)

  • shannylee38
    April 10, 2009
    shannylee38
    Amazing directing from Turturro and amazing cast (especially Christopher Walken)!
  • missythebadkitty
    June 18, 2007
    missythebadkitty
    Tuturo is amazing no matter what he does~this movie is just my style... Great story line and interaction of characters

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Critic Reviews

Emanuel Levy
December 12, 2006
Emanuel Levy, Variety

Clearly a labor of love, this sophomore effort from Turturro (a better actor than helmer), about fables and foibles of a tightly knit acting troup at turn of the century New York, is structurally mess... Full Review

Michael Dequina
May 10, 2005
Michael Dequina, TheMovieReport.com

With a streamlined script--and a resulting clearer focus--Illuminata could have been a lot more than what it is Full Review

Ken Hanke
November 24, 2003
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)

Charming, but finally strangely unsatisfying.

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
February 28, 2002
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice

This clever comedy probes the fascinating intersection of love and creativity. Full Review

Kevin Lally
January 1, 2000
Kevin Lally, Film Journal International

The movie takes on more than it can handle, but the cast is strong and there are a number of lovely and funny moments to savor. Full Review

Steve Rhodes
January 1, 2000
Steve Rhodes, Internet Reviews

Turturro overdirects his players with an athletic intensity. Full Review

Dennis Schwartz
January 1, 2000
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews

I can't see a general audience taking to this strictly for the theater crowd film. Full Review

Lisa Schwarzbaum
September 7, 2011
Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly

Click to read the article Full Review

July 21, 2005
Houston Chronicle

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March 19, 2002
Globe and Mail

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  • This actor played in this movies: *Illuminata *Pulp Fiction *Blast From the Past *Man on Fire *Romance and Cigarettes *Click Who is this actor?  Answer »
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