Fading Gigolo – movie review

          Written, directed and starring John Turturro, “Fading Gigolo” is a comedy about a man who decides to become a professional Don Juan in order to provide money for his friend, Murray. Fioravante (played by Turturro) is a fairly non-descript guy you wouldn’t look twice at if you passed him on the street. He takes his part-time role of “ho” seriously, however, and successfully transforms from the not-getting-a-second-look guy into the man you want to be with. You want to be with him whether he’s just listening to you, providing platonic touch or servicing you and a friend in a ménage-a-tois. The story unfolds into an interestingly and slightly complicated tale of emotions and love and money.

          I loved this movie, and I loved John Turturro as Fioravante. His face and character stand up to close scrutiny in scenes with little dialogue. Yes, he’s just a plain guy but via his acting – in both the movie and in the change Fioravante’s psyche must undergo with each client – he superbly transforms into a handsome, sexy, and savvy gigolo.

          The movie also stars Sharon Stone and Sophia Vegara as a couple of Fioravante’s customers.  Also excellently participating in this lovely film is Vanessa Paradis who plays a Hasidic widow and Liev Schrieber, a Hasidic neighborhood patrolman who follows Paradis through her meetings with Fioravante.

          Oh, I forgot to mention Woody Allen…how did that happen? Allen rarely just acts in films but he plays Fioravante’s friend and manager, Murray. He is the beneficary of a portion of the money from the ‘business.’  [Regardless of guilty or not guilty, it’s too bad we’ll never be able to see Allen without always wondering. It detracts somewhat from his excellent acting.] Murray’s relationship with Fioravante is poignant and filled with the stuff we all want our friends to have:  quiet support, pushy support and encouragement, unfailing admiration, and lots of humor.

          Did I say I love this movie? Well, I do and recommend it highly. It receives five out of five ticket stubs from me.



 

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