Fading Gigolo

Plot synopsis:
Dr. Parker (Sharon Stone), a wealthy dermatologist, mentions to her patient Murray (Woody Allen) that she and a woman friend, Robbie, wish to experience a ménage à trois and asks if he knows a willing man. Murray, whose used bookstore has failed, convinces his friend and former employee Fioravante (John Turturro) to take the gig, as both are short of money. Soon, they build a thriving gigolo trade with Murray as the pimp. Murray lives with Othella (Tonya Pinkins) and her children, one of whom gets head lice. Murray takes the boy to Avigal, the attractive widow of a Hassidic rabbi, for treatment.
Murray tells her Fioravante is a massage healer who can help her and takes her to see him. Too observant to even shake hands with him, she nonetheless allows Fioravante to massage her back and that touch, the first ever of that kind in her life, brings her to tears. Meanwhile, Dovi (Liev Schreiber), who works for Shomrim, a Williamsburg, Brooklyn neighborhood patrol, becomes suspicious and follows Murray. Dovi is in love with Avigal, but she does not encourage him. Fioravante and Avigal meet several more times, culminating in a kiss in the park.
Fioravante is summoned to the long planned ménage, but is unable to finish. The two women cheerfully realize the truth—he has fallen in love. Murray is kidnapped by a group of Hassids, taken to a Rabbinic Court, and interrogated. Avigal interrupts the court and confesses to violating the laws of modesty, but nothing more, explaining she was lonely. Avigal now accepts Dovi, but has him drive her to Fioravante to say good bye. Fioravante tells Murray he is leaving, but reconsiders after an encounter with a beautiful woman.

Tags: pornographic, romantic

Review:
So it's odd and potentially exciting that he agreed to take a rather key role in Fading Gigolo, a passion project for actor-turned-writer-and-director John Turturro.
Even when it doesn't work, the cheeky byplay between Allen and Turturro's characters remains a selling point.The story goes like this: bookseller Murray (Allen) encounters hard times in the bookselling business, and hits upon the novel idea of playing the pimp to his unexpectedly charming friend Fioravante's (Turturro) gigolo.
But, even in the face of such voluptuous and voracious beauties as Dr. Parker (Sharon Stone) and her girlfriend Selima (Sofia Vergara), he's particularly intrigued by Avigal (an intriguing Vanessa Paradis), the buttoned-down widow of an orthodox rabbi who's barely surviving the extremely strict rules and regulations that accompany her husband's death.There's a lot to enjoy and even love in Turturro's gentle, quaint film.
The gentlemanly respect with which Fioravante treats all the ladies brought to him by Murray help the film's slightly out-dated message - women need a man to help them break down the walls that surround their hearts - go down a lot easier.But Fading Gigolo also veers into considerably less successful territory, chiefly by turning Fioravante and Avigal's relationship into an uncomfortable love triangle with Dovi (Liev Schreiber), an orthodox Jew who serves in the community police force in Avigal's neighbourhood and has loved her from afar for years.
But Turturro's tale takes such an odd left turn at the end that it undermines a lot of Fioravante's own growth within the film, which comes about when he realises just how strong an emotional connection he's forged with Avigal.Fortunately, the film benefits greatly from the spiky chemistry between Allen and Turturro - their characters spar and tease with words and glances, as Murray talks Fioravante into a business that really doesn't seem to make a whole lot of sense.
And it's got Sharon Stone, still just as foxy as when she played Catherine Tramell in BASIC INSTINCT; the notion that a middle-aged man would get paid $1,000 to climb between her sheets is deliciously improbable (and very appealing to this middle-aged viewer).As we start another summer of CGI-heavy 3D blockbusters, FADING GIGOLO is a welcome return to They-don't-make-movies-like-that-any-more.
Also starring in supporting roles and fantastic to say the least; Sharon Stone, Sofia Vergara, Liev Schreiber, Vanessa Paradis, and New York's own, film legend Woody Allen.
But then the story does a sudden turn into deeper emotions when Allen connects him with the widow Avigal who is a devoted Jewess who after two years still mourns her dead husband...Although many scenes begin as a comedy some end on a very touching note.
And then there's the fuse that detonates this story: John Turturro, a flower seller and flower arranger turned gigolo by Woody Allen, who has had to go out of business as a rare book seller and, based on a casual remark by his dermatologist, finds pimping Turturro far, far more profitable.There are hilarious scenes.
John Turturro knows how to make a good Woody Allen movie.
Allen's character is his usual self, while Turturro's clients - played by Sharon Stone and Sofía Vergara - remind one of Mrs. Robinson in "The Graduate".The main thing that I took from this movie is that Woody Allen does best when he simply tries to be funny.
His best friend Murray (Woody Allen) tells that his dermatologist Dr. Parker (Sharon Stone) dreams on having a threesome and would pay a thousand-dollar to have with her friend Selima (Sofía Vergara).
Murray proposes to be Fioravante's gigolo and they start a male prostitution business.When Fioravante meets the Jewish Avigal (Vanessa Paradis), who is the widow of a rabbi, they fall in love with each other.
But the Jewish Dovi (Liev Schreiber) loves Avigal and will make life difficult for Murray."Fading Gigolo" is a deceptive and pointless movie that is neither a comedy nor a drama.
Woody Allen only acts in the picture but the John Turturro directed and stared film feels like the movie Allen never made.The title Fading Gigolo is perfect as it reflects Turturro who plays the gigolo, a man who could use a little more cash in his pocket so with the help of his friend played by Allen, he becomes an escort to some high class women looking for love and affection.Personally I think Mr. Tutturro cast himself as the gigolo just so he can show off how good he looks for his age.
And of course I can never leave out Sofia Vergara, who plays a sexy vixen who openly embraces the idea of the gigolo Though I find Woody Allen charming, I'm glad that his was a John Turturro film.
"This could definitely be the beginning of a very beautiful relationship between the three of us."Fading Gigolo is John Turturro's fifth turn at the director's chair for which he also starred and wrote the screenplay, although Woody Allen's participation in the film makes you wonder how much of a factor he was in the screenplay because there are several scenes that you know were influenced by him.
Then there's Turturro's clearly confused idea about what he exactly wants to do with the film, whether it'd be turning the film into a comedy satirizing the lives of pimps and gigolos by having impish characters fill their shoes or a drama commenting on the desire to feel pleasure in the strangest of forms.
Through several slow, droning scenes and the utilization of less-than-interesting characters, it's astounding to note how little Fading Gigolo does that's memorable in any of those regards.Turturro (who also serves as the film's sole writer) plays Fioravante, who is good friends with an elderly bookstore owner named Murray (Woody Allen), who has just lost his store and is in need of serious money.
Murray tells Fioravante that his wealthy dermatologist Dr. Parker (Sharon Stone) is looking to engage in a ménage à trois with her friend Selima (Sofía Vergara) and are in need of a male to accompany them.
Both men are, in turn, satisfied, hopefully like their female clients.A film that has Turturro as a gigolo and Allen as a pimp should've been contagiously funny, wry, cleverly irreverent, and smartly executed.
Unfortunately, Fading Gigolo is dreary and slow, with conversations frequently taking place that do nothing but run dry, with Turturro failing to conjure up a screen personality and Allen, while clearly having fun, having a thoroughly wasted character.
Turturro and Allen spark comedic charm once in a while, but the film is littered with distractions that make the film a challenge to recommend to anyone who isn't an Allen completionist, so tolerant, they'll sit through even a film he allegedly inspired.Starring: John Turturro, Woody Allen, Sharon Stone, Sofia Vergara, Vanessa Paradis, and Liev Schreiber.
Also, the way people feel towards each other can change.Written by, directed by, and starring John Turturro as the unlikely gigolo Fiorovante, an ungenerous soul might suggest that this improbable sex-based comedy drama was just an excuse for him to film a nude scene with Sharon Stone.
John Turturro uses New York like an extra character as he shows us around his characters.I haven't seen anyone else mention Liev Shcreibers great comic turn.Everything is handled with a lightness and sensitivity and I was in turns chuckling and smiling from start to finish.It won't be everyone's cup of tea but it might just be your cup of 'coiffee'..
To actor-writer-director John Turturro's credit, he actually pulls that part off quite well: His innocuous and laconic Fioravente is so far off the radar of female sex fiends such as Sharon Stone (yeah, she's still got it -- not bad for a 55 years old mum of three) that he just about manages to come off as mysteriously attractive.
Allen himself is also pretty funny as Murray the pater familias of a black patchwork family, turned part-time mack.Enters former pop nymphette slash jailbait Vanessa Paradis as Avidal, an ultraorthodox Jewish widow from Williamsburg.
But with his latest film, Turturro gets to portray what some may regard as a wish fulfilling role playing a successful gigolo who gets to sleep with many beautiful ladies.Fioravante (John Turturro) is a part-time florist who helps his old friend Murray (Woody Allen) – whose bookshop goes out of business.
But Fioravante's life is complicated by his relationship with an orthodox Jewish widow, Avigal (Vanessa Paradis).Fading Gigolo has advertised as a comedy with some of the main quotes on the poster focusing on the comic elements.
At a 90 minute running time Fading Gigolo has some parts which were only very minor, playing a bigger role in an earlier draft of the screenplay and should have been cut completely.Allen is the comic highlight of the film, bringing energy and expert comic timing.
Two scenes of note were Fioravante and Avigal first encountering and when the pair are in a park; given extra power by long takes and the lovely cinematography.The two women that want a threesome are Sharon Stone and Modern Family's Sofía Vergara, two of the least likely women who would struggle to find a man to join them.
There's some weird Jewish fetishness at play - I'm not sure if it's meant a tribute to Allen?It's definitely an interesting concept (ageing male prostitute and pimp), with plenty of comedic potential, but there's not too may laughs - Schreiber's wasted, Stone is boring and Turturro doesn't give himself much to do.
Woody Allen, Sharon Stone, John Turturro, Sofia Vergara, thanks for the promotion...
It gets increasingly difficult to believe in as its ninety minutes roll by.Passing delights include Sharon Stone revealing an unexpected comic flair, Vanessa Paradis' high cheek-boned beauty, Liev Schreiber excellent in an unlikely costume, and a cameo by Bob Balaban which re-assures you about not taking it all too seriously.Woody Allen plays it as if it's a Woody Allen film, which is fine if you like Woody Allen films (as I mostly do).The script's premise is so unbelievable that its striving towards something emotional towards the end cannot possibly work, in spite of the best efforts of the actors.It's a not unpleasant way to wile away an hour-and-a-half, in the company of some fine actors.
Laid back, casual, warm and amusing all the way this super little film (with a great performance from Woody Allen) tells a simple tale where Allen's dermatologist (Sharon Stone) tells him that she and her friend (the lovely Vergara) are looking for to have a menage a trois.
"If a man can't get a woman out of his guts, his heart, it means something." Fioravante (Turturro) is best friends with Murray (Allen).
'Fading Gigolo' finds Actor-Writer-Director John Turturro in fine form, as he delivers an entertaining film, that is funny & admittedly vulgar.
Very often when I go to talk with a friend or associate about this film I get shot down with "I don't like Woody Allen and "his" movies" and I get that(you don't like dry comedy that doesn't overwhelm but what needs to be understood is that this film is merely costarring Woody Allen as an enjoyable,humorously scheming accidental pimp in this film with John Turtorro handling the writing and direction excellent costars by the eternally seductive Sharon Stone and Sultry Sofia Vergara made this one interesting and fun for me especially Liev Schrieber as an overprotective neighborhood watch that gives sentimental and comedic value to the already comedic duo Of Turtorro and Allen..
But when it's the Woodman and Turturro or most anyone else on screen like his adopted black kids (lol) - and of course there's the whole running gag of beautiful women like Sharon Stone and Sofia Vegara paying to have sex, including a three way, with Vito from Do the Right thing as a middle aged man - it's exceedingly amiable.Occasionally it's very funny (and I was chuckling and or tittering through much) and in a couple of scenes Allen shows he's a good actor (which, you know, you always expect him to be wisecracking woody and he is but a couple of times he shows that he can reveal restraint, thinking on his feet, other things), but watch him in certain scenes, like when he comes to a realization with a woman character.
It's a good little New York City movie that is better than it has any right to be based on its silly but intrinsically amusing premise, and for a fair chunk of the run time it does take seriously the constructive world of Hasidics in Brooklyn and what happens when Liev Schreiber gets jealous and has to face his own complex emotions..
I always rate actors who can write and direct themselves so my respect goes to John Turturro who should be happy with the outcome.Budget: $30million Worldwide Gross: $13.3million (Terrible!)I recommend this movie to people who are into there romantic comedies about a gigolo whose pimped out by Woody Allen.
Brilliant movieOne of the best love stories ever madeI would challenge you to tell me of others .Terrific acting from John Turturro and some amazing acting from Vanessa Paradis.Greet movie describing the human condition from a variety of angles.Woody Allen is masterful in his genius exuding warmth and levity and propelling the movie forwardA masterful work of art Deserving of great recognition Full of wisdom and insights.
If you watch the films of Woody Allen you know that most are comedy drama types and focus on New York City and love and romance and off beat fun involving life.
Set in New York city Woody Allen is Murray an old classic bookstore owner who appears on his last leg, yet his younger buddy Fioravante(John Turturro)is a cooking chef who's cash strapped and only has like 600 dollars in his bank account.
FADING GIGOLO is at heart a comedy of two movements, which do not exactly cohere but are fascinating to watch nonetheless.One movement focuses on the male buddy relationship between Floravante (John Turturro), a flower-shop worker who decides to become an upper-class whore; and Murray (Woody Allen), who acts as his pimp.
Through such sequences Turturro makes some telling points about the ways in which women are still prevented from expressing themselves in patriarchal societies.Eventually the relationship between Floravante and Avigal ends (it has to, to endure the future health of the Jewish community), but we are left in doubt as to whether Avigal will enjoy future happiness, despite Dovi's protestations of love for her.Turturro - who wrote the script as well as directed the film - includes several nice jokes in the film, while focusing in detail on the relationship between the three protagonists.
He plays Fioravante who works at a bookstore run by his friend, Murray (Woody Allen).
If it's not already obvious from that set-up, Fading Gigolo is pretty much a Turturro homage to Woody Allen.
I have just watched John Turturro's "Fading Gigolo" and I am feeling very light-hearted and comfortably happy...I don't know if Woody Allen has any part in the scriptwriting of this movie, but the art piece has his watermark for sure.
I never thought I'd see the day where Woody Allen would play a pimp who had a male prostitute played by John Turturro.
Fortunately for everyone, that day has finally come, and I'm proud to say that I'm a big fan of the film 'Fading Gigolo'.We all know who Woody Allen is and most of us know John Turturro from a variety of acting roles he has done over the past couple of decades including Jesus Quintana ('The Big Lebowski'), Pete ('O Brother Where Art Thou'), Knish ('Rounders'), and of course Barton Fink.
Turturro worked very closely with Allen on the script for 'Fading Gigolo' and it completely shows.
An excellent New York actor, John Turruro stepping behind the cameras to direct both himself and Woody Allen in a Jewish tale seemingly tailor made for Woody's style of humor with backup support from actresses of no lesser stature than Susan Stone and French star Vanessa Paradis, plus Liev Schriver who seems to be in everything these days playing a tough neighborhood watch cop in Hassidic drag.
Saw the new Woody Allen --as actor only -- in "Fading Gigolo" a flick directed by and painfully starring John Turturro.
Have you seen this Turturro delight, everything that Mark Kermode says happens, but it is definitely not beyond the role of possibility for a hot Sharon Stone in a boring marriage to want more , and solicit Turturro for her needs.This is a cracker of a little film Woody Allen is brilliant and Turturro is at his poignant best , it is maybe a little too much to believe at times but don't we go to the movies for escape from reality NOT escape to!Big 4.5 stars from me and partner, can't recommend highly enough.
Woody Allen plays himself in every film, but he certainly knows what works for him.
Supporting players are Sofia Vergara ("Modern Family"), Liev Schreiber ("Ray Donovan") and Sharon Stone ("Casino"), the two ladies being actually typecast for roles that do not look too different than some of their work in the past.The best part of the film was probably Allen playing a pimp.
There was one scene where his character makes a quote about competition, which was pretty funny given Allen's long history of absence at award ceremonies.One of the most interesting things here is how all the women admired the name Fioravante as he must be some great Italian lover and the one he actually likes doesn't even know his name.
Fading Gigolo (2013): Dir: John Turturro / Cast: John Turturro, Woody Allen, Vanessa Paradis, Liev Schreiber, Sharon Stone: Faded is the innocence of youth, however, in John Turturro's hilarious comedy we learn that age and passion can mend together.
He stars as Fioravante who arranges flowers and is best friends with Murray, played by Woody Allen who works at a failing bookstore.
FADING GIGOLO writer\director\title character John Turturro channels Woody Allen's obsession with America as a melting pot in this White remake of the themes of that 2005 Afro-Centric film.