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Bullets Over Broadway

This article is part from The 10 best Woody Allen films

Table of contents

 

10 curiosities and facts

  1. The film was inspired by the works of playwrights such as Eugene O'Neill and Tennessee Williams

    "Bullets Over Broadway" is a tribute to the golden age of Broadway, and was inspired by the works of playwrights such as Eugene O'Neill and Tennessee Williams.

  2. The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards

    "Bullets Over Broadway" was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. It won the award for Best Supporting Actress for Dianne Wiest's performance.

  3. The film features an ensemble cast

    "Bullets Over Broadway" features an ensemble cast, including John Cusack, Dianne Wiest, Jennifer Tilly Chazz Palminteri and Mary-Louise Parker.

  4. The film was a critical and commercial success

    "Bullets Over Broadway" was a critical and commercial success grossing over $13 million at the box office and receiving positive reviews from critics.

  5. The film's title is a reference to a song from the 1920s

    The film's title is a reference to a song called "Bullets Over Broadway" by the composer Jimmy McHugh and the lyricist Dorothy Fields.

  6. The film is set in the 1920s

    "Bullets Over Broadway" is set in the 1920s and features period costumes and sets to recreate the look and feel of the era.

  7. The film's screenplay was co-written by Douglas McGrath

    The screenplay for "Bullets Over Broadway" was co-written by Woody Allen and Douglas McGrath, who would later direct the film "Emma" and write the screenplay for "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical".

  8. The film features several classic songs from the 1920s

    "Bullets Over Broadway" features several classic songs from the 1920s, including "Let's Misbehave" by Cole Porter and "I Ain't Gonna Play No Second Fiddle" by Fats Waller.

  9. The film's production was a family affair

    "Bullets Over Broadway" was produced by Jean Doumanian, who was Woody Allen's sister-in-law at the time. Allen's brother, Letty Aronson, also served as an executive producer.

  10. The film is a tribute to the art of theater

    "Bullets Over Broadway" is a tribute to the art of theater, and celebrates the passion and creativity of actors playwrights, and other theater artists.

About the movie

"Bullets Over Broadway" is a delightful comedy set in 1920s New York about a struggling playwright (John Cusack) who gets his big break when a gangster (Chazz Palminteri) agrees to finance his play in exchange for a role for his girlfriend (Jennifer Tilly). The film's period setting colorful characters, and witty dialogue co-written by playwright Douglas McGrath make it one of Allen's most delightful and entertaining works.

The film is a hilarious comedy with a great cast and some truly memorable scenes, my favorite one in the movie is when the actress Helen Sinclair (played by Dianne Wiest) is coaching the young playwright on how to write better dialogue. "Don't speak. Don't speak. Please don't speak. Please don't speak. No. No. Don't speak. Don't speak." The scene is both funny and insightful showing the dynamic between the two character. Memorable.

"Bullets Over Broadway" is that it was co-written by Douglas McGrath, who would go on to direct the Allen biopic "A Documentary." McGrath and Allen had previously worked together on the screenplay for "Bullets, " and their collaboration resulted in a script that is both witty and engaging.

When the movie was released in 1994 it was met with critical acclaim and was also nominated for seven Academy Awards including Best Director and Best Original Screenplay.

In my opinion "Bullets Over Broadway" is a real gem of a movie. It's a funny and clever satire that showcases Allen's talent for writing and directing. The performances are all excellent and the film's period setting gives it a unique charm. If you're a fan of Woody Allen this is definitely a movie you shouldn't miss.

 

Film sheet

  • Director: Woody Allen
  • Year: 1994
  • Cast: John Cusack Dianne Wiest, Jennifer Tilly Chazz Palminteri, Mary-Louise Parker Jack Warden, Rob Reiner etc.
  • Awards: Nominated for 7 Academy Awards (Best Supporting Actress, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Art Direction Best Costume Design Best Film Editing, Best Supporting Actor)
 

Film Reviews

  • "Bullets over Broadway is a fun and entertaining romp through the New York theater scene. The performances are excellent, and Woody Allen's direction is sharp and confident." - The New York Times
  • "With Bullets over Broadway Woody Allen has delivered a witty and charming tribute to the golden age of Hollywood. The film is a delightful romp that is sure to please audiences of all ages." - Rolling Stone
  • "Woody Allen's Bullets over Broadway is a delightful comedy that boasts a talented cast and a smart script. It's a film that will have you laughing from start to finish." - Time Magazine
  • "Bullets over Broadway is a stylish and entertaining film that showcases Woody Allen's unique brand of humor. The film is a treat for the eyes and ears and it's sure to please fans of Allen's work." - Variety
  • "Bullets over Broadway is a delightful comedy that is sure to charm audiences with its witty script and talented cast. Woody Allen has once again delivered a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking." - Roger Ebert