Romance & Cigarettes

Romance & Cigarettes 8 pm Tuesday 31.10.06

Dir: John Turturro USA 2005 105 minutes 16
Starring: James Gandolfini, Nick Cave, Susan Sarandon, Kate Winslet

Set in contemporary America, Romance & Cigarettes is a modern day musical, a dark and passionate comedy which tells the story of one man's journey into infidelity and redemption. It stars James Gandolfini as our hero Nick Murder and revolves around the repercussions of his adultery and doomed fascination with the flame haired seductress Tula (Kate Winslet). For Kitty (Susan Sarandon), Nick's long suffering wife, his treachery is the final straw. With faith in her husband shattered she surprises even herself with the ferocity of her anger as she struggles to cope with his betrayal. It is only through a tragic twist of fate that Nick finally understands the extent of the pain he has inflicted on his family. With time running out he discovers the essential value of Kitty's love and respect.
In Romance & Cigarettes Turturro has crafted a gritty, exhilarating and intense script. He describes the film as a savage musical. "When the characters can no longer express themselves in words, they break into song, lip-synching the tunes that are lodged in their subconscious. It is their way to escape the reality of their world: to dream, to remember, to connect to another human being" says Turturro. The film combines sharp snappy dialogue worthy of David Mamet at his most brilliant with the visual flare and exquisite originality of the Coen Brothers.
Employing a fabulously eclectic mix of contemporary and classic songs, and featuring such diverse artists as James Brown, Nick Cave and Bruce Springsteen, Romance & Cigarettes is a unique tale of sex and mortality that will mesmerise audiences.