Butler's Cinema Scene

“PASSIONE” My rating: B- (Opening Oct. 7 at the Tivoli)

88 minutes | No MPAA rating

 “Passione” is American actor John Turturro’s musical travelogue through Naples, the city which nurtured his ancestors and which continues to fascinate him.

In addition to directing this documentary, Turturro serves as our on-screen guide, informing us early that “There are places you go to and once is enough…and then there is Napoli.”

Turturro’s premise is that more than any other Italian city, Naples is  identified by its musical culture, a melting pot brew of operatic, gypsy and North African traditions filtered through the Napolitanos’ hot-blooded, fiercely romantic perspective on life.

The film unfolds as a series of exquisitely staged and filmed music videos, often set in picturesque city squares, courtyards, alleys and beaches.

John Turturro

The music ranges from love songs to jazz to Middle Eastern-influence pop and the performers — among them Max Casella, Lina Sastri, Mina, Peppe Barra and James Senese — represent the cream of current Neapolitan stars.

These musical interludes are held together with artistically edited street scenes and vignettes of life in the city.

If you can’t afford an Italian vacation, this might help.

| Robert W. Butler