Fading Gigolo

Starring: John Turturro, Vanessa Paradis, Woody Allen, Sharon Stone, Sofia Vergara
Directed By: John Turturro
Reviewed by Brendan Dousi

[Rating: 3.5/5] 

You probably will recognise John Turturro by face much easier than by name. A serial supporting character actor, Turturro is listed on IMDB as having appeared in almost one hundred different films and television shows over his career. Most people (perhaps shamefully) would recognise him as the pedantic government agent, Simmons, from the ‘Transformers’ franchise. Others simply may know him as that guy who was in that one episode of ‘Flight of the Conchords’. Either way, it’s usually been a case of the Heigl’s (always the bridesmaid, never the bride) for Turturro. It seems Turturro has decided to take matters into his own hands and 34 years into the business is taking the opportunity to be leading man. Sure, he has to write and direct it himself to get the gig but still… Will he impress us with his latent leading man charisma or would he be better off sticking to the tried and tested supporting act?

Fioravante (John Turturro) is a happily single and talented florist. Murray (Woody Allen), his neurotic older friend, is worried about the financial security of his family after his business has gone to dust until a unique opportunity falls into his, or more appropriately Fioravante’s, lap.  Murray’s dermatologist, Dr. Parker (Sharon Stone), has revealed to him her desire to try a Ménage à trois with her friend Selima (Sofia Vergara). After a lot of sweet talking, Murray convinces Fioravante to pursue a career as a male gigolo with Murray working as his pimp. Business goes smoothly until Murray approached Fioravante to help a windowed orthodox Hasidic jewish woman, Avigal (Vanessa Paradis), to overcome the intimacy issues instilled on her by her strict religious upbringing and community. Further complicating matters is Dovi (Liev Schreiber) a pseudo-cop intent on protecting his community and keeping a close eye on Fioravante and Avigal.

It’s strange how a film like this can be so sure of itself while simultaneously being uncertain about it what it wants to say. It is very deliberate and witty with its voice and comedic style, the first half of the film having the audience believe it was all about Fioravante and his journey and mishaps in the world of being a male gigolo. Instead, the film slowly morphs into a tale about institutionalised sexual repression in conservative religious communities and the almost-sexual awakening of Abival. Fioravante, while always present, becomes a tool rather than a leading character with a concrete emotional journey. He seems to simply be there to provide what the other characters need rather than taking anything for himself. While his story is brought full circle, you never get the sense that his character is in a truly different place than when he started. It is refreshing to see the lead male service his female counter parts in this way, but that does not stop it from being a slightly jarring experience when a film seems so sure of the direction it’s heading then flip-flopping so late into the game. This never feels truly bad in any sense, just a little odd.

All plot-turns aside, the truly best part of the film were the stellar performances. Turturro works great in the role he has crafted for himself but often steps back to give the other actors a chance to shine. Sofia Vergara is snappy and fun, Sharon Stone turns out a bravely raw performance and Woody Allen is fantastic as, well, Woody Allen. Though the true standout here is Vanessa Paradis as Abival who brings a true emotional poignance and vulnerability to her role. Regardless of any unevenness in plot, this was clearly a very personal work for Turturro who expertly managed to get the best from his impressive cast.

While at times uncertain of where it’s headed, Fading Gigolo is still a sharp, witty and emotionally resonant little film. An excellent alternative for those who may be getting a little sick of super-powered heroes and/or Cameron Diaz.