Bruno de Almeida Movies
- 2000
Amalia Rodrigues was the greatest star of Portuguese music and the "Queen of Fado," a style of music that Rodrigues described as an expression of "a lament that is eternal." Blending traditional Spanish melodies with the influences of Arab and Gypsy melodies, Fado was the leading musical style in Portugal, and Rodrigues at once typified Fado and took it to places no other singer had before or since, performing in Europe and America and becoming Portugal's most beloved entertainer before her death in 1999. The Art of Amalia is a 90-minute documentary that follows Rodrigues' life and times from her rise to stardom in the 1940s to her retirement from performing in 1995; it includes a number of interviews with the reclusive star, as well as performance footage spanning the full extent of her career. The Art of Amalia was directed by Bruno de Almeida, who previously helmed Amalia: Uma Estranha Forma De Vida, a five-hour documentary series for Portuguese television on the vocalist's life and times, as well as a concert film of her appearance in New York City in 1990. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
An ordinary guy with a crooked friend discovers no good deed goes unpunished in the comedy On The Run. Albert (Michael Imperioli) is having a quiet evening at home when he gets a call from his old pal Louie (John Ventimigila), whom he hasn't heard from in years. There's a good reason for this -- Louie's been in prison. Ever since childhood, Louie has never been able to stay out of trouble, though whenever they're together, the blame for Louie's indiscretions always seems to fall on Albert's shoulders. Louie calls Albert to tell him he's just broken out of jail and would like Albert to meet him at the bus station. Albert calls the police to tell them a fugitive is due on the next bus, but he soon thinks better of it and makes a dash to the depot, hoping to warn Louie in time. Louie manages to evade the cops, but Albert soon finds himself stuck with Louie for the evening, as he's dragged along for a progressively more dangerous series of misadventures where he's always left holding the bag. Though directed by a Portuguese filmmaker and financed by French and Portuguese production companies, On the Run was filmed on location in New York City, with English dialogue and a primarily American cast. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Michael Imperioli, John Ventimiglia, (more)
