Palookaville

Shown: 23 November 1998

U.S.A. 1996
Directed by Alan Taylor
Leading players - William Forsythe, Vincent Gallo and Adam Trese

Synopsis

Prepare yourself for a new take on gangster life as we follow three unemployed factory workers in their attempts to escape life on the dole by making a temporary shift in lifestyle. This trio of lifelong friends are ill prepared for a life of crime. Their excursions into this new line of employment produce some genuinely suspenseful situations, but primarily this is an amusing tale of human nature and kindness.

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Palookaville benefits from excellent casting, and the three leads turn in great performances very different from their usual roles portraying more competent villains. Calvin Klein model Gallo is a scene-stealer as leader of 'the gang', and Forsythe is the quiet wonder of the film.

The film is said to have been inspired in part by the 1958 Italian film "Big Deal on Madonna Street" and influenced by an Italo Calvino short story "Theft in a Pastry Shop": the latter's influence is most obviously seen in the hapless trio's initial robbery.

Rachel Portman wrote the distinctive score, and the recurring theme tune is well used throughout the film.

Producer Uberto Pasolini worked on this American indie prior to hitting the jackpot with "The Full Monty". As with that box office hit, Palookaville takes a wry look at real and gritty issues and upholds the dreams and aspirations of its down and out characters.