Illuminata (1998)

38% of critics liked it
(24 reviews)
63% of users liked it
(992 ratings)

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 repertory company owned by Astergourd (Beverly D'Angelo) and Pallenchio (Donal McCann). Egotistical… More 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 repertory 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

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: R, 2 hr.
Directed By: John Turturro
Written By: Brandon Cole, John Turturro
Genres: Drama, Comedy

In Theaters: Jun 1, 1998 Wide
On DVD: Oct 17, 2000
Studio: Artisan Entertainment

Critic Reviews

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 messy and unevenly acted; a step fown from his debut Mac
Michael Dequina, TheMovieReport.com
With a streamlined script--and a resulting clearer focus--Illuminata could have been a lot more than what it is
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Charming, but finally strangely unsatisfying.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
This clever comedy probes the fascinating intersection of love and creativity.