Aside from only a small role in “Hannah & Her Sisters,” it’s actually a bit surprising that John Turturro never starred in a Woody Allen movie. He seems like the perfect, neurotic Allen surrogate but alas it has never come to pass. The pair also crossed paths nearly 15 years later in the little seen comedy “Company Men,” where Allen had a cameo role. Now, more than a decade on from that, the duo are set to share another film set, although this time, in a much larger capacity.
Allen along with Sofia Vergara have joined “Fading Gigolo,” the latest directorial effort from Turturro which also stars Sharon Stone. Writing and also starring in the pic, the story centers on Turturro’s character who, strapped for cash, teams up with his best friend (Allen) to go into the gigolo business. Working as Virgil and Bongo, Allen’s character pimps out Turturro who winds up falling for a yet to be cast Jewish widow. As for Stone, she plays Allen’s dermatologist who becomes a customer of Turturro’s, meanwhile Vergara plays a wealthy client who wants to have a threeway with Turturro and Stone.
Frankly, it sounds like a perfectly Allen-esque plot, and with the story taking place all under the roof of the hasidic Jewish community, it’s no surprise he’s taken a shine to the project. Turturro’s previous directorial outings have generally done little to no business, but this looks like it has the potential to be his widest reaching effort yet. And the premise sounds perfectly ridiculous (that’s a compliment), and the thought of Turturro and Allen — two guys who can play exasperated and out of their element brilliantly — teaming up in the leads, we’re definitely keeping our eye on this.
Cameras will roll on “Fading Gigolo” next month. [Variety]
