Beyond Wiseguys: Italian Americans & the Movies

Without Italian-American actors and stories, there would be no Little Caesar, The Godfather, or countless other classics. Beyond Wiseguys celebrates the triumphs while also pondering the stereotypes. Authors, historians, and scholars use words such as “jealous,” “passionate,” and “voluble” to describe the archetypal onscreen Italian, although screenwriter Richard LaGravenese finds catharsis in characters who express their emotions freely and suspects many non-Italians feel the same way, and Oscar winner Marisa Tomei feels no regret about the “gum-smacking, fast-talking” dame she played in My Cousin Vinny (but admits she's shied away from such parts since). Other speakers range from up-and-coming performers to famous names like Susan Sarandon, Chazz Palminteri, Isabella Rossellini, Paul Sorvino, and Spike Lee, who has often worked with Italian-Americans. Director Steven Fischler also looks at historical figures such as Frank Capra and Espera DeCorti (aka Iron Eyes Cody), who specialized in playing Native Americans. Says John Turturro, who helped produce the documentary, “If you're dark, that's what you get”—ethnic roles. The title is a little misleading, since Fischler also touches on The Sopranos and includes cast member Dominic Chianese and creator David Chase. Granted, the series may be one of the small screen's more cinematic properties, but it isn't a movie. Furthermore, the film's format is fairly pedestrian—simply mixing interviews with movie clips and stills. But the personal stories are compelling, as when Ben Gazzara angrily remembers when he was encouraged to change his name to something more generic to make it in show business. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)