Puccini for Beginners (2005)
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A woman who loves opera finds herself playing a romantic version of musical chairs in this independent comedy from writer and director Maria Maggenti. Allegra (Elizabeth Reaser) is a writer who has been involved with Samantha (Julianne Nicholson) for some time, but Allegra just isn't willing to make a commitment. Eventually, Samantha decides she's had enough, and she not only leaves Allegra, she jumps to the other side of the gender divide and starts dating a man. While Allegra is none too pleased with Samantha's actions, she unwittingly finds herself following suit when she meets Philip (Justin Kirk), a college professor, at a party. After a few cocktails, Allegra and Philip end up in bed, and while Allegra is content to leave it as a one-night stand, Philip has different ideas, and goes so far as to dump his girlfriend to pursue a relationship with Allegra, even though she's made it clear to him she's not at all serious about him. At the same time, Allegra strikes up a new romance with Grace (Gretchen Mol), but she doesn't know all that much about Grace's previous lovers -- who happen to include Philip. Puccini for Beginners was screened in competition at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Theatrical Feature Running Time:
- 82 mins
Complete Cast:
- Elizabeth Reaser - Allegra
- Gretchen Mol - Grace
- Julianne Nicholson - Samantha
- Brian Letscher - Jeff
- Kate Simses - Vivian
- Justin Kirk - Philip
- Jennifer Dundas - Molly
- Tina Benko - Nell
- Will Bozarth - Jimmy
- Director(s):
- Maria Maggenti
- Writer(s):
- Maria Maggenti
- Producer(s):
- Gary Winick, Jake Abraham, Eden Wurmfeld
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- Subtitles:
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