BIG NIGHT

In the tradition of LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLITE, comes BIG NIGHT, a movie that brings you an Italian feast for the eyes. A low-key bittersweet story, it highlights the relationship of two Italian-American brothers in the 1950’s who wish to make a success in the restaurant business. Primo is an excellent chef, while his brother Secondo is the money-man. They settle in a small New Jersey town and open a restaurant called the PARADISE. They get a few customers, but most go to Pascal’s across the street. When Pascal tells the brothers that an Italian entertainer is coming to town, the brothers prepare for a big night of feasting. All seems set, including the wonderful dinner, until unexpected news makes the evening quite different than anticipated.

This movie has the same charm and feeling as THE POSTMAN, but it is set in America. The direction, editing and music of this movie even seems to be cut from the European mold. Slow yet unpredictable, it brings an artistic aesthetic to the American cinema. The cinematography of the food preparation will make you droll. Regrettably, BIG NIGHT has many obscenities and implied sex. Likewise, some crooked practices from two businessmen demonstrate that competition can be cut-throat and vicious. Yet, connoisseurs will find good acting and good food.