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Apr 28, 2014 By Zach Hollwedel Web Exclusive

Murray (Woody Allen) and his best friend, Fioravante (John Turturro), have fallen on hard times. Murray’s closing his bookshop, and Fioravante’s earning money here and there as a florist and handyman. It just so happens, though, that Murray knows a sexually curious doctor who is willing to pay for an extra-marital rendezvous. Fioravante’s always been good with the ladies, so Murray suggests the doctor sleep with him – for a fee. Soon, Murray is pimping Fioravante out. Both men are pleased, if not a little hesitant, with their new income-generating activities, until Fioravante meets and falls for his latest customer, the widow Avigal (Vanessa Paradis).

Though not a Woody Allen picture, it’s clear Fading Gigolo is heavily influenced by the work of its supporting actor and neurotic pimp. Fans of Allen’s fare will find much to enjoy in John Turturro’s best-known directorial work to date. Woody Allen delivers a performance worthy of his own pictures and is perhaps the most consistent part of the film. Turturro’s portrayal of the titular gigolo is at times a bit too muted for its own good. It’s never exactly clear why Fioravante’s customers fall so head-over-heels for him; he has a wall around him and never seems particularly interested in his current entrepreneurial endeavors. Whereas Allen’s Murray comes across as genuinely amused by their exploits, Fioravante is a little more blasé. Even when he falls for Avigal, Turturro plays Fioravante a touch too restrained. Does he care about the girl? It’s hard to tell, and so it’s harder to tell if we should care.

Turturro’s film isn’t unengaging – in fact, it’s often quite amusing. Perhaps this is why it’s such a shame the end product feels rushed. Fioravante’s transition from part-time florist to male prostitute is so fast, one can miss it while blinking. Why does Fioravante agree to the scheme when he doesn’t seem interested or in need of money? Why does Murray think pimping his friend out is an okay plan, and where does he find all the (gorgeous) clients he procures? These questions and others – specifically one concerning an odd subplot involving a very Chasidic Brooklyn community – muddle what could otherwise be a fun and simple film.

www.fadinggigolo-movie.com

Author rating: 6/10