MovieChat Forums > Illuminata (1999) Discussion > Absolutely Beautiful

Absolutely Beautiful

posted 20 years ago by gillymorn28
6 replies | jump to latest

I have always admired John Turturro for his skills as a theatrical performer, and watching Illuminata only gives him more credibility in my eyes. What a great film! I couldn't take my eyes off the screen from the minute I started to watch this movie. It just has a certain magnetism all its own. The entire movie (not just the scenes in the theatre) was like an intricate theatrical production, and I felt as if I were in the room with the characters. If you are in love with the theatre, this is just the movie for you.

Too much of a good thing is wonderful- Mae West

[–] 20 years ago

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[–] riankimber 18 years ago

This is the absolute best movie I have ever seen. Hands down. Brilliant. Wonderful. I'm so glad someone else loved it.

[–] chouette69 17 years ago

i'm not in the habit of posting on this site because i am usually disgusted with the grandiose pans of movies too complex for those who deem themselves artistes, yet pander to an Industry of Mediocrity. i just read a review, unfortunately the one which leads the front page for this movie, and was reminded of my general distaste for this breed of critic. i don't know this person, but i can tell that he fails to recognize, much less comprehend, the nature of genius. it's *always* about what you know. any great work of art, at its root, reflects the psychology of humanity, and Illuminata succeeded brilliantly. this is a movie to be watched again, again, and yet again.

[–] net5519 18 years ago

You know, I wish everyone had your eyes. I see what you see and it makes me wonder why everyone else fails to. John lights up the stage w/ a single candle to illuminate his and Katherines' faces. He tries to make an art of it, and he does what he sets out to do. I see this film as a high comedy in a sense. The character Rachael seems to be the one in control, and still able to laugh off the fact that none of her actors are willing to take her seriously. Everyone in the repetory has their own agenda, and most of the time it isn't performing a play. Rachael seems to be the glue, yet her hold is not strong. Allowing them to rebel has caused her many a headache when all she really needs to do is get them wrangled. Nobody seems to conform until after the night of betrayal. It seems like sex makes one more apt and able to perform their tasks. Beforehand everyone is seeking it. They tend to stagger through until their next fix. Junkies, if you will. Well, there I go rambling again. Please keep these messages coming, I do love feedback. Good day to you all!

It's a slender curtain between theatre and life. Let's lift that curtain, shall we?

[–] callagal 12 years ago

The script was my favorite part of the movie. The acting craft is so deeply ingrained in these people's lives it's hard to tell what is acting and what is their real self- or need there be a difference?
Katherine Borowitz was beautiful and brilliant. Her face spoke volumes.

[–] 12 years ago

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