Stanley Tucci stole the attention at the incredibly young film festival, Sands. Not only did he introduce Big Night, the film that he wrote, directed, produced and starred in almost 30 years ago but he also sat down with key festival supporter Joe Russo to discuss his inspiration for this film, exploring his love for food, and creativity.
Sands International Film Festival’s second incarnation hit St Andrews between 14th and 16th April. The screening of Big Night had us in stitches; a foodie’s film with a young Tucci, Isabella Rossellini, Ian Holm, Minnie Driver and Marc Anthony. It made for a brilliant afternoon, bolstered by an insightful Q&A session.Â
The film follows a restaurant owner struggling to keep the business afloat who is promised the appearance of a famous guest. The entirety of the film leads up to this night in the restaurant where expectedly, this promise is broken. The animalistic and frustrating way the owner and his brother (the talented chef that can cook a mean timpano) react in the silent end scene moves the audience and adds the meat, or the ragu, to the story’s recipe.Â
A timeless classic, Tucci’s film receives a joyful reaction that festival of this ilk deserves. Ania Trzebiatowska, Sands Festival Director, highlighted that this year they wanted to reflect on films such as Big Night in their line-up, as well as new releases. It was fortunate for the audience and St Andrews that they did; for Big Night was a real highlight of the festival, alongside Tucci’s trademark humour in his charismatic introduction.Â
For more on Sands International Film Festival visit Sands | International Film Festival of St Andrews (sands-iff.com)
