The majority of movies that make it on my to-watch list are either classic films or the recent releases being talked about today. However, sometimes the best movie-watching experiences I have are those where I take a chance on a film that is recommended to me, that is neither a time-tested classic nor a movie presently being hyped. If I’m lucky, I not only get to watch a good movie, I also feel that I’ve made a kind of rare discovery.
Such was the case with Big Night, a clever culinary dramedy: a story of two Italian immigrant brothers (amusingly named Primo and Secondo — "First" and "Second") who run a superb restaurant that is failing because their inspired cuisine is on a different level from the unsophisticated palates of their few New Yorker patrons. The brothers, charmingly played by Tony Shalhoub and Stanley Tucci respectively, try to save it by going for broke on one big night to which they have invited renowned band leader Louis Prima. The star of the film, however, is the food, which takes center stage.
Before it was mentioned to me, I had never noticed Big Night on an AFI list or on comparable lists of must-sees. It’s not an old movie by any means, but its 1996 release date means that it came out considerably before I was paying attention to good cinema. So this underrated gem could have slipped right past me, were it not for the chance conversation that made me aware of it, and although it is sad that this movie is not as recognized as it deserves to be, at the same time that makes the experience of having come across it more valuable.
Perhaps the reason Big Night remains so unacknowledged despite its delightful story, excellent performances and stylistic flair is that the lead and supporting roles are all filled by character actors rather than major Hollywood stars. Those who are familiar with Tucci, Shalhoub, Minnie Driver, and Ian Holm know that they do very fine work, but they hardly rake in box office cash. The movie doesn’t feature grandiose effects and it’s not a blockbuster of epic figures and events. It’s just a story about a few ordinary people trying to create something extraordinary.
The film is primarily Tucci’s baby: he co-wrote, co-directed, and co-starred in it. And watching the final result, it is clear that he took great care in each of these steps, from the soundtrack full of wonderful Italian and Italian-American artists, to the beautiful long take of the final shot. If you enjoy seeing little known or underrated flicks, rent this fun movie for a night with friends and family. Watch it with a bottle of wine, heck, go all-out and cook a nice lasagna bolognese or risotto to go with it, and then sit back to enjoy Tucci and a mustachioed Shalhoub bantering in thick Italian accents. Fine movies, like fine cuisine, are the result of passionate and painstaking work. And they are something rare. They should be recognized and appreciated for what they are, and they need to be sought out.
“To eat good food is to be close to God” — Primo
25/30
It's interesting when you find a film of "name" actors who make a film that goes completely unnoticed. Thanks for bringing this to my attention - I put it on my list to see.
ReplyDeleteP.S. - we rented and watched it last night. It lived up to your review.
ReplyDeleteI, too, watched this based on your recommendation (Netflix streaming FTW). I really liked it - thanks for the heads up!
ReplyDeleteYeah good film. I'm always a little cautious with films that I've never heard of and have big name actors, but every once in a while there is a gem. Thanks for getting me to watch it Michael.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments, guys!
ReplyDeleteThis was one of those delightful films that the Odeon Theatre used to bring to town on a regular basis and Susan Woods' wonderful film society still does on a monthly basis. They usually aren't big budget and the stories are so interesting a good actor would love to be in it for free if their agent wouldn't sue them. Sadly, flicks like this never stick around in a place like Lansing long enough for word of mouth to help them out. Thank goodness for the dvd afterlife! Susan (Russick)
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