Reasons to See Campbell Scott and Stanley Tucci’s Big Night

Reasons to See Campbell Scott and Stanley Tucci’s Big Night

“To eat good food is to be close to God.” That just about sums it all up right there. This leading line is the main reason people should see Big Night. The passion that these words entail is what this story is all about. This movie revolves around character relationships, non-verbal communication and the importance of family. It is because of these things that Big Night is such a great film.

The relationships between all the characters in the movie create a tangled, intricate web. For example, Secondo Pillagi, business oriented and opportunistic, finds himself in love with two women. He plays both sides, enjoying the benefits of two lovers while ensuring their distance. However, at the pinnacle of his big night, he is caught at his own game. The interesting thing is, he seems surprised at their reactions. It is as if he never considered the possibility of this happening. On the other hand, we have Secondo’s brother, Primo, who has what might be considered a shy personality when it comes to women. Whenever he finds himself in the presence of Ann, the lovely local florist, he becomes flustered, speechless. He cannot find the right words, and merely makes a quick exodus. However, on his big night, he finds within himself the ability to communicate his feelings. Obviously, these relationships are polar opposites, but the interesting thing is, the effect that this big night has on them reverses their “luck.”

The non-verbal communication plays a major role in this film. It is mainly between the two brothers and helps develop their characters immensely. When Primo visits Ann in the flower shop, he is literally speechless. He tries to make small talk with her, but succeeds only in making his lack of comfort even more apparent. Ann, all the while, understands what Primo is insinuating, but cannot get it out of him. The importance of the situation, for them, is that even though he could not say it out loud, Primo communicated his point clearly. Another prime example of the importance of the non-verbal communication in