I don't mind the odd artsy film. But when they are larded with arcane symbolism and murky dialogue and when it's obvious they were done for the filmmaker's ego rather than the viewer's benefit, I get upset. I'm not a stupid person yet I simply didn't understand what this film was trying to say. Or do. Film is a magnificent form of human communication. Why do some filmmakers use it instead for obfuscation?

Its very hard to describe this film. As far as backstage films go its not as emotionally stirring as The Dresser or as honestly funny as Noises Off, but there is a gentle humanity to the bergman like humor of the play. Unless you are in theatre,or even if you are, it demand complete attention to follow the film,but as you do,the more you like it.The direction of Mr. Turturro is splendid and he evokes some great performances from some wonderful actors. The late Donal McCann is wonderful in his comic role of the theatre owner's husband,It is very rare to see this fine actor doing comedy and He is one of the film's hifgh ponts,as is Christopher Walken as an Oscar Wilde like critic,Bill Irwin is also in fine form as the reluctant object of his affection. Turturro himself is wonderful in the key role of the playwright and its good to see Ben Gazzara on the big screen again. The film is far from perfect,it drags at times and there are momentsthat leave you saying, "what just happened?" but for overall effect its a good effort with a pleasing,if not brilliant ,product.

Susan Sarandon! Her work as Celimene is a comic sight to behold. Whenever she's onscreen (which isn't enough) the material's full comedic potential kicks into overdrive. "Illuminata" the movie, leaves a lot to be desired--namely more Susan Sarandon at her most breathtakingly beautiful. At an age when most women give up any hope of ever being thought of as sexually appealing or sexually viable, to be exact, Susan owns her many charms and certainly knows how to make the most of them. Her seduction of Tuccio (played by John Turturro) is one of the most erotic in recent cinematic history. And, that it contains one of the funniest "gradification sequences" ever captured on celluloid just goes to show that no matter what age she may happen to be, the one and only Susan Sarandon is and always will be one of the sexiest women alive and the definitive "thinking man's sex symbol" as well as a truly gifted actress quite adept at comedy. By the way, what you just read was written by a 22 year old man--when it comes to beauty, both inside and out, age is nothing but a number. A virtue that Ms. Sarandon continues to redefine with each passing year. I know a magnificient talent when I see it. Score: The film gets 6 out of 10/B-, Susan Sarandon gets a 10/A+ as always.

Does Turturro want to say something about theatre? Does he want to say something about love? Does he want to make a brilliant film like Woody Allen? Does he want to do all of these things? Probably. But he fails abysmally! The film is the most self-indulgent, pretentious piece of you-know-what I have ever sat through. The DVD version features a director's commentary. This one thinks will provide some glimmer as to what he thought he was doing. But no! Turturro and his young son chatter on in the most inane, inept, and ineffective babble ever recorded. Turturro should open a pizza parlor and leave film to artists. Who ever annoys me most this year will get this film for Christmas.