Big Night (VHS) 1996

The actor Stanley Tucci co-wrote (with Joseph Tropiano), co-directed (with Campbell Scott), and co-stars (with Tony Shalhoub) in this elegant, leisurely low-budget comedy about a struggling Italian restaurant run by a pair of immigrant brothers. Tucci has shaped the story into something that functions as both a demonstration and a vindication of the sort of subtle, finely detailed character acting that he and Shalhoub have practiced in relative obscurity throughout their careers. They work together beautifully, and their rapport appears to inspire their fellow-performers-an unusually happy, relaxed ensemble that includes Ian Holm, Isabella Rossellini, Minnie Driver, Allison Janney, and Campbell Scott. The big set piece-a lavish dinner in honor of the singer-bandleader Louis Prima-is a fitting climax to the movie's patient accumulation of savory and blissfully pointless delights: a convincing illustration of how keen pleasure for pleasure's sake can be. -Terrence Rafferty
Also starring Minnie Driver
VHS Tape New
Comedy
Stanley Tucci
Tony Shalhour
Isabelli Rossellini
R
Columbia