"The Funeral" Takes Conversions

Arizona Daily Wildcat Christopher Walken Courtesy of October FIlms

The story, which takes place in New York, concerns the organized crime family of three Italian brothers. Johnny, the youngest brother, ardently portrayed by Vincent Gallo, attends local communist meetings and is convinced that his family's involvement with the union is the last stronghold of the working man. His two older brothers Chez (Chris Penn) and Ray (Christopher Walken) try to quell his idealism as the family is offered more money to protect the factory owners instead -allowing them fire workers and lower salaries. Rival mob boss Gaspare Spoglia, played with pinstripe perfection by Benicio Del Toro, pressures the brothers to join the forces of capital; and tensions mount within the family.

When Johnny is shot and killed by an unknown assassin, Ray swears revenge. His wife Jenette, played by Annabella Sciorra, cautions him, and they engage in arguments over religion and morality. The chemistry between these two actors is magnificent, they come across with all the complexity and depth of a couple that has been married for 20 years.

The rest of the acting in the film is superb as well. Chris Penn contributes a striking portrayal of Chez, the happy middle brother whose desire to keep the family together is matched only by his unpredictable violent outbursts. Isabella Rossellini, who portrays his wife Clara -a women who is always slightly sad- provides an utterly believable counterpart.

Even Christopher Walken, who usually never surrenders his poise, is brought down to earth in this film. During the scene where Ray interrogates Gaspare about Johnny's murder, Walken adds a sense of self-doubt to one of his characteristic monologues. This attention to the fine and complex details of human interaction is what makes "The Funeral" feel so true to life.

To counterbalance its philosophical edge the film includes a myriad of lighter scenes. During one of the gang's parties, for example, we are treated to a screening of a 1930s pornographic film, projected in black and white on a small screen. And there is quite a bit of dancing and swing music in the film as well. Chris Penn actually contributes, in an on screen performance, to the soundtrack.

"The Funeral" is driven more by its ideas and performances than by its story. Although it is a captivating film all the way through, the ending leaves something to be desired. It is one of those movies that has trouble coming together in your mind after you've seen it. But it's also one of those films that will stay with you -a scene or line popping up in your mind every so often- and enrich your life.

"The Funeral" opens tomorrow at The Loft Cinema. Call 795-7777 for showtimes.