Fading Gigolo

John Turturro is obviously a big fan of Woody Allen's work and decided to pay him homage with his project. What is most interesting is how he managed to capture Woody's style of the past decade. Allen used to have a reputation as a complicated creator who attempted to touch on big and significant issues in both comedic and dramatic forms, often provocatively. As he aged, he began making simple films, sometimes with trivial plots, in which he was simply refining his style and having fun. Turturro's film is precisely about having fun and fulfilling creative dreams. Another director would hardly dare to cast him as a lover and seducer, despite his undeniable acting skills; they wouldn't dare to go against his acting type. Fading Gigolo could fit right into the cycle of Allen's films being broadcast on TV or screened in a thematic section at a festival, and uninformed viewers would be convinced that it is his film. Turturro really captured the old man well, including the flaws that have plagued his work in recent years. The screenplay is essentially shallow, while the overall casualness and shallowness are saved by the star-studded cast and undeniable craftsmanship. Woody is clearly tired, but he comes alive in front of the camera, and you can still see sparks of mischief in his eyes. His presence in the film is beneficial and actually the reason why I lean towards giving it three stars. Unfortunately, my impression is dampened by Vanessa Paradis' casting, it doesn't sit well with me on a personal level, and as an actress, she simply doesn't work for me. Overall impression: 55%. (16/09/2018)