I'd like to thank Arco Films for their generosity in supplying photos and information
about the film, On The Run in which Joaquim plays the part of Ignacio.
On The Run
John Ventimiglia and Joaquim de Almeida
On The Run is his first feature film and is garnering excitement at film festivals
all around the world. My prediction is that we will see and hear a lot more from this
brilliant, visionary director.
Joaquim plays the part of Ignacio, a gangster/pimp type of character.
I found out that On The Run was playing at the Nantucket Film Festival. Now,
for me, Nantucket isn't exactly a drive around the corner, but I can tell you seeing
this film was worth the trip! For Joaquim fans - I'll have to tell you his screen time
is short. His perfomance is brief, but oh-so wonderfully done. His fans all know
that he can do the "evil, bad guy" parts quite well, but there is an underlying
comedic tone to Ignacio. As a viewer, I couldn't quite decide if he was playing the
part straight (evil) or as a characture of a gangster/pimp. I think that was
the point... Good acting!
Albert and Louie have known each other since childhood, and of course whenver they do
something together there is trouble and it's Albert who always takes the fall.
The action of the film is based on the adventures that ensue from Louie's visit. On
The Run is a chronicle of mad-cap, zany, situations. However, Bruno de Almeida and
scriptwriter, Joseph Minion (After Hours), don't always take you where you expect to
go. There are twists and turns that add depth to this film. Of course there is plenty
of outright comedy, but there is much subtle humor here as well.
On The Run is a film by Bruno de Almeida (no, he's not Joaquim's brother...), who
is an award-winning director. His short film, The Debt, was the winner of the Best
Short Film at the 1993 Cannes Film Festival.My Review
Considering it was such a long trip to get to Nantucket, I am glad I liked the film
besides the fact that Joaquim was in it. In fact, I liked it a lot! The film centers
around two characters, Albert and Louie. Albert is a shy, retiring
sort, and Louie... well Louie is not. The story revolves around Louie's request to
Albert to let him come over to Albert's place for just a little while. Louie has
just gotten out of prison (we later find out that he's actually escaped).
Michael Imperioli John Ventimiglia
There are some downright good performances here as well. Albert is played
delightfully by Michael Imperioli. He has been in such films as Goodfellas, Clockers,
Malcom X, and the HBO series, the Sopranos. Louie is played by
John Ventimiglia, who imbues his character with a lovable, child-like quality. (no matter
what he does, you just gotta love Louie!).
Both these actors are excellent in their individual characters. With Imperioli, you'll want to hug him and bring him home to Mom. Ventimiglia, well, you won't know whether you should slap him or bring him home (and NOT to Mom!).
There are other stand-out performances as well.
The character of Rita is played by Drena DeNiro (yes, Robert's daughter). The audience
adored her. Talking with the others who saw the film it was fun to discuss whether it
was Albert or Louie who was their favorite of those two. But, everyone loved Rita!
Is this film perfect? No, I can't say that it is. There were many times I wished the director had had a bigger budget to work with. There were some scenes that cried out for more budgetary freedom. (Give this guy a decent budget to work with and I believe you are going to see a film that will make you stand up and notice.)
The ending sequence was a bit of a victim of budget. Yet, budget or no budget, the ending screen shot, in my opinion, brought together the talent of actor and director into a memorable, emotionally effective scene.
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Disclaimer: I am simply a fan of Joaquim de Almeida. I'm sorry, but e-mails sent to me cannot be forwarded to Senhor de Almeida!
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