Silver Latex and Surrealism

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MOVIE REVIEW
The Linguini Incident (Director's Cut)
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Genre: Comedy, Drama
Year Released: 1991, 2024 MVD Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 33m
Director(s): Richard Shepard
Writer(s): Richard Shepard, Tamar Brott
Cast: Rosanna Arquette, David Bowie, Andre Gregory, Eszter Balint, Buck Henry, Viveca Lindfors, Marlee Matlin, Eloy Casados
Where To Watch: available July 23, 2024; pre-order your copy here: www.mvdshop.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: In the heart of New York City, amidst the surreal settings of a chic eatery, unfolds THE LINGUINI INCIDENT—a film that spins a romantic comedy with a heist twist. Under Richard Shepard’s direction, this film blends whimsy with misadventure, anchored by Rosanna Arquette's Lucy and David Bowie's Monte. Lucy, a waitress with grand illusions of escapology, and Monte, the bartender needing a green card, hatch a plan to rob their workplace, catalyzing a chain of events as chaotic as they are comedic.

With the creative support of Vivian “Viv” (Eszter Balint), a lingerie designer and Lucy’s partner-in-crime, Lucy and Monte dive into a plot fraught with pitfalls. Their quirky dynamics shine through as Lucy’s grandiose but impractical schemes contrast sharply with Monte’s more calculated, albeit desperate, approaches. This odd coupling enriches the narrative, layering the comedy with a poignant examination of their personal stakes and mutual dependencies. Their plan, brimming with good intentions but lacking in savvy, spirals into slapstick yet poignant mishaps.

Upon its release, THE LINGUINI INCIDENT split critics down the middle. Nonetheless, the film has etched a place in the hearts of a loyal fan base, celebrated for its off-kilter humor and memorable performances, notably by Marlee Matlin as Jeanette and Andre Gregory’s performance as Dante, who bring additional zest to the ensemble cast.

Despite its plot, which packs in a lot, the vibrant performances keep the narrative engaging. Arquette's Lucy is irresistibly quirky, ensuring audience empathy despite her quirks. Bowie's Monte provides a composed foil to Lucy’s frenetic energy. Their supporting cast, especially Matlin and Gregory, infuse the film with a flair that maintains the comedic tempo even as the storyline falters.

The film’s aesthetics, driven by Thomas Newman’s score and Robert Yeoman’s cinematography, strive to elevate the unconventional narrative but sometimes clash with the film’s modest budget: these elements and Sonya Polonsky's editing aim to enhance the film's quirky charm. I feel like they knew the look and feel they wanted to go for but struggled to reach that point at times.

Ultimately, THE LINGUINI INCIDENT redefines the contours of romantic comedies. Its upcoming re-release in a remastered director's cut breathes new life into the film, reintroducing it to seasoned fans and new audiences alike. It is a bold testament to the enduring appeal of films that dare to deviate from the norm, engaging viewers with a blend of the surreal and the sincere.

Bonus Materials
High Definition (1080p) presentation of the director’s cut of the main feature in 1.78:1 (struck from a brand new 4K transfer from film interpositive)
Audio: LPCM 2.0 Mono
Optional English Subtitles
Introduction by Director Richard Shepard
Commentary with Director Richard Shepard, actors Rosanna Arquette and Eszter Balint, co-producer Sarah Jackson, and co-screenwriter Tamar Brott, moderated by “Cereal at Midnight’s” Heath Holland
Commentary by Director Richard Shepard
“The Making of The Linguini Incident” – Full-length documentary feat. Interviews with Richard Shepard, Tamar Brott, Rosanna Arquette, Eszter Balint Marlee Matlin, Sarah Jackson, Marcia Hinds & Richard von Ernst (1:44:26, HD, w/ optional English subtitles)
Photo Gallery with commentary by Richard Shepard
The Linguini Incident – Original Theatrical Version (SD, 98:00)
2024 Theatrical Trailer (HD)
Original Theatrical Trailer (HD)
Reversible Artwork
A booklet with essays from film historian Graham Rinaldi and director Richard Shepard [First Pressing Only]
Limited Edition Slipcover [First Pressing Only]

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