Bullets Over Broadway
A killer comedy!
Overview
After young playwright, David Shayne obtains funding for his play from gangster Nick Valenti, Nick's girlfriend Olive miraculously lands the role of a psychiatrist—but not only is she a bimbo who could never pass for a psychiatrist—she's a dreadful actress. David puts up with the leading man who is a compulsive eater, the grand dame who wants her part jazzed up, and Olive's interfering hitman/bodyguard—but, eventually he must decide whether art or life is more important.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
The film satirizes the world of 1920s Broadway, drawing inspiration from gangster films and the artistic temperament often associated with theater. It also subtly comments on the influence of money and organized crime on art, suggesting that even the most high-minded creative endeavors can be corrupted by external forces.
- Dianne Wiest's Oscar-winning performance as the aging, delusional actress Helen Sinclair is a masterclass in comedic timing and dramatic depth.
- The darkly comedic plot, exploring the compromises and moral ambiguities of artistic ambition, is both hilarious and thought-provoking.
- The film features witty, fast-paced dialogue characteristic of Woody Allen, filled with memorable lines and observations about the creative process.
- The supporting cast, including John Cusack and Jennifer Tilly, deliver strong performances, contributing to the film's overall comedic brilliance.
Fun Facts
- Woody Allen originally conceived of the character of Cheech as a painter, but changed it to a gangster to heighten the dramatic stakes and comedic potential.
- Jennifer Tilly's distinctive voice was developed specifically for the role of Olive Neal, and she reportedly struggled to maintain it throughout filming.
- Many of the jazz songs featured in the soundtrack were meticulously researched and chosen by Allen to accurately reflect the music of the era.
Available Languages
English
US
Title:
"A killer comedy!"
Italiano
IT
Title: Pallottole su Broadway
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Español
ES
Title: Balas sobre Broadway
"Un Film de Woody Allen"
Français
FR
Title: Coups de feu sur Broadway
""
Türkçe
TR
Title: Broadway Üzerinde Kurşunlar
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普通话
CN
Title: 子弹横飞百老汇
""
Where to Watch
Cast
Crew
Reviews
Despite his obvious enthusiasm, "Shayne" (John Cusack) can't convince producer (Jack Warden) to raise the cash to put on his latest play. There's just no demand for it, especially as his first two efforts didn't exactly set the heather on fire. Then an opportunity presents itself. It's one with compromise, though. He can have the thing fully funded if he agrees to cast "Olive" (Jennfer Tilly). Snag? Well she couldn't act her way out of a paper bag and has one of those squeaky voices that killed so many a silent-film star! Her boyfriend, "Nick" (Joe Viterelli) is the local kingpin so it's a straight choice - cast her or no cash. Much to the chagrin of the uber-theatrical "Helen" (Dianne Wiest) he decides to sacrifice his honour for his art, and what now ensues sees this mix of thespians, crooks, amateurs and temper-tantrums try to get the play on the stage. Just to make sure she's OK, her boyfriend has sent his enforcer "Cheech" (Chazz Palminteri) as a bit of security for "Olive" and his no-nonsense approach to the production histrionics of the whole thing initially brings him into conflict with the director, but gradually "Shayne" begins to realise that "Cheech" has a bit of an aptitude for writing, and so a collaboration of sorts emerges that against all the odds might just give this thing a fighting chance. Wiest is at her best here delivering a sort of "Streisand" meets "Norma Desmond" character that epitomises that generation of film star who really did believe their own publicity machine. Cusack also does well, as does Palminteri and there's an engagingly (and annoyingly) lively effort from Tilly who plays the rather witless moll to a T. It's funny at times, especially if you've ever worked in the theatre and packs quite a lot of entertainment, and swipes at that very industry, into a ninety minutes that hits the ground running and rarely stops for breath. One of Woody Allen's more original concepts that takes him away from his routine man-with-neuroses comfort, is stylishly put together, and is well worth a watch.
Oscar Awards
Wins
ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE - 1994
Dianne Wiest
Nominations
ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE - 1994
Chazz Palminteri
ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE - 1994
Jennifer Tilly
ART DIRECTION - 1994
Santo Loquasto, Susan Bode
COSTUME DESIGN - 1994
Jeffrey Kurland
DIRECTING - 1994
Woody Allen
WRITING (Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen) - 1994
Woody Allen, Douglas McGrath