This is a great movie, don't know why it hasn't been recognized. I had never even heard of this film, though this issue is one that my family and I have long struggled with. Intended to be a comedy, I thought it would be something like "Pennies from Heaven", it has that look and feel. Of course there are funny moments, but it was much,MUCH more. The funeral scene at the beginning was so raw and real, it was hard to watch - the grief of the Aunt and of Anne Bancroft is so intense!
Though the family members are quirky, and very dramatic, you can tell that they really care for each other. There are not many films that show this realistically the bonds between siblings and cousins.
The Italian American family culture was authentic, down to small details (i.e., swishing Brioschi-an antacid-from one cup to another), and what a relief to have no Godfather-esquire stereotypes, so common to that time, and too long after.
But the reason to watch is the film's honesty - Dom's pain, confusion,guilt and self-loathing regarding his overeating, his failed though sincere attempts to change, and his fear that this will lead to an early death. The fear, attempts to control, anger and confusion of his sister and brother are very real, too.
I am part of a 12-step group having to do with food, and I hear this every day, no scripts needed. Dom's tears are REAL, and reflect the reality of many lives, now just as in 1980. What an open and honest performance by DeLuise. Anne Bancroft was always wonderful, whatever she did, I had no idea that she had written, directed and acted in this. Ron Carey I liked from shows such as "High Anxiety", but he was great here. The actress who played Lydia was good, too.
This movie touched my heart and strengthened my program of recovery. Anyone struggling with food (and those who love someone who struggles with food)can learn something here. Thank you to all involved, as others have said, most of these folks are no longer with us, but thanks to them, anyway!
Though the family members are quirky, and very dramatic, you can tell that they really care for each other. There are not many films that show this realistically the bonds between siblings and cousins.
The Italian American family culture was authentic, down to small details (i.e., swishing Brioschi-an antacid-from one cup to another), and what a relief to have no Godfather-esquire stereotypes, so common to that time, and too long after.
But the reason to watch is the film's honesty - Dom's pain, confusion,guilt and self-loathing regarding his overeating, his failed though sincere attempts to change, and his fear that this will lead to an early death. The fear, attempts to control, anger and confusion of his sister and brother are very real, too.
I am part of a 12-step group having to do with food, and I hear this every day, no scripts needed. Dom's tears are REAL, and reflect the reality of many lives, now just as in 1980. What an open and honest performance by DeLuise. Anne Bancroft was always wonderful, whatever she did, I had no idea that she had written, directed and acted in this. Ron Carey I liked from shows such as "High Anxiety", but he was great here. The actress who played Lydia was good, too.
This movie touched my heart and strengthened my program of recovery. Anyone struggling with food (and those who love someone who struggles with food)can learn something here. Thank you to all involved, as others have said, most of these folks are no longer with us, but thanks to them, anyway!