Married to the Mob

Married to the Mob is a 1988 American comedy film directed by Jonathan Demme and starring Michelle Pfeiffer, Alec Baldwin, and Joan Cusack. The film was produced by Edward Saxon and Kenneth Utt, and written by Barry Strugatz and Mark R. Burns. With its unique blend of mafia satire and romantic comedy, the film has become a classic of American cinema, often compared to other notable films of the genre, such as Goodfellas and The Godfather. The film's success can be attributed to the talents of its cast, including Michelle Pfeiffer, who has also appeared in films like Batman Returns and Love Field, and Alec Baldwin, known for his roles in The Departed and 30 Rock.

● Film Overview

The film is a satire of the mafia lifestyle, with Michelle Pfeiffer playing the role of Angela de Marco, a woman who becomes embroiled in a world of organized crime after marrying a hitman played by Alec Baldwin. The film's tone is reminiscent of other comedy films of the 1980s, such as Planes, Trains, and Automobiles and Ferris Bueller's Day Off, which were also known for their witty dialogue and comedic character development. The film's screenplay was written by Barry Strugatz and Mark R. Burns, who have also worked on other notable films, including The Freshman and The House on Carroll Street. The film's soundtrack features music by David Byrne, who is also known for his work with the Talking Heads.

● Plot

The plot of the film follows Angela de Marco as she navigates her life as the wife of a mafia hitman, played by Alec Baldwin. After her husband is killed, Angela de Marco is forced to enter the witness protection program and assume a new identity, with the help of FBI agent Mike Downey, played by Matthew Modine. As she tries to start a new life, she must confront her past and the mafia figures who are still seeking to harm her, including Tony Russo, played by Dean Stockwell. The film's plot is full of twists and turns, with Angela de Marco facing numerous challenges as she tries to balance her old life with her new one, often finding herself in situations reminiscent of other classic comedy films, such as Some Like It Hot and The Apartment.

● Production

The film was produced by Edward Saxon and Kenneth Utt, who have also worked on other notable films, including The Silence of the Lambs and Philadelphia. The film was directed by Jonathan Demme, who is known for his work on films like The Silence of the Lambs and Something Wild. The film's cinematography was handled by Tak Fujimoto, who has also worked on films like The Sixth Sense and The Happening. The film's editing was done by Craig McKay, who has also worked on films like The Big Chill and Silkwood. The film's production design was handled by Kris Boxell, who has also worked on films like The Freshman and The House on Carroll Street.

● Cast

The film features a talented cast, including Michelle Pfeiffer, Alec Baldwin, Paul Lazar, Captain Haggerty, and Joan Cusack. Michelle Pfeiffer has appeared in a wide range of films, including Batman Returns, Love Field, and What Lies Beneath. Alec Baldwin has also appeared in a number of notable films, including The Departed, 30 Rock, and It's Complicated. Joan Cusack has appeared in films like Working Girl, In & Out, and High Fidelity. The film's cast also includes Dean Stockwell, who has appeared in films like Blue Velvet and Quantum Leap.

● Release and Reception

The film was released in 1988 and received positive reviews from critics, with many praising the performances of the cast, particularly Michelle Pfeiffer and Alec Baldwin. The film was also a commercial success, grossing over $20 million at the box office, and has since become a cult classic, often cited as one of the best films of the 1980s, alongside other notable films like Rain Man and Moonstruck. The film has been compared to other classic comedy films, such as Some Like It Hot and The Apartment, and has been praised for its witty dialogue and comedic character development. The film has also been recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, with Michelle Pfeiffer receiving a Golden Globe nomination for her performance.

● Cultural Impact

The film has had a significant cultural impact, with its influence visible in many other films and television shows, including The Sopranos and Goodfellas. The film's portrayal of the mafia lifestyle has been particularly influential, with many other films and television shows drawing on its depiction of organized crime. The film's satire of the mafia lifestyle has also been praised for its cleverness and wit, with many critics noting its similarity to other classic satires, such as Dr. Strangelove and The Producers. The film's influence can also be seen in the work of other directors, including Martin Scorsese and Quentin Tarantino, who have both cited the film as an influence on their own work, including films like Goodfellas and Pulp Fiction. The film has also been recognized by the Library of Congress, which has selected it for preservation in the National Film Registry, alongside other classic films like Casablanca and 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Category:American comedy films