It's the start of the 20th century, and Tuccio, resident playwright of a theatre repertory company offers the owners of the company his new play, "Illuminata". They reject it, saying it's not finished, and intrigue starts that involves influential critic Bevalaqua, theatre star Celimene, young lead actors and other theatre residents
Acting
Walken and Sarandon devouring scenery like it's closing night.
Costume
Exquisite period pieces that scream 'we had a budget for velvet.'
Direction
Turturro's love letter to theatre kids everywhere.
Director
John Turturro
John Turturro
Tuccio
Christopher Walken
Bevalaqua
Susan Sarandon
Celimene
Rufus Sewell
Dominique
Beverly D'Angelo
Astergourd
Ben Gazzara
Old Flavio
Katherine Borowitz
Rachel
George DiCenzo
Jailor
Bill Irwin
Marco
Aida Turturro
Marta
Georgina Cates
Simone
David Thornton
Orlandini
Matthew Sussman
Piero
Kohl Sudduth
Concubine #1
Rocco Sisto
Prince
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
John Turturro wrote the screenplay with Brandon Cole, adapting Cole's play 'Illuminata' which had only run Off-Broadway.
The film bombed commercially but represents a rare moment of pure creative indulgence—Turturro financed it partly himself to maintain complete artistic control, much like Tuccio's struggle within the story itself.
US
