Film Details
Director(s):
Joseph Pupello, Peter Panagos
Writer(s):
Joseph Pupello, Peter Panagos
Producer(s):
Oh Well Productions
Genre:
Crime, Drama, LGBTQ
Languague:
English
Country:
USA
Release year:
2023
Runtime:
1h 48m
Review
Our Rating
4 out of 5 (Great)
“Dress Code,” an independent film directed by Joseph Pupello, is a compelling and ambitious venture into the world of organized crime. The movie opens with all the allure and charisma reminiscent of classic Italian mob films, instantly drawing you into its world. Beware of spoilers, as the film dives right into the gritty realities of this life, exemplified by a dramatic ‘whacking.’ What follows is a captivating exploration of the Italian mafia folklore, which, by the end, morphs into a distinctive departure from gangster movie cliches.
At the heart of “Dress Code” is the tumultuous life of Bobby Russo, portrayed by Nicholas Giordano and Gerard Garilli. The film skillfully introduces a young Bobby and his friend “C-Low,” played by Aden Dixon and Kevin Williamson, offering an early glimpse into Bobby’s distinctiveness. Subsequent scenes, showcasing his normative yet turbulent life, make Bobby a relatable character. This portrayal resonates with viewers, as it reflects the struggles of the average American family, regardless of ethnicity – domineering fathers, suffering mothers, and teenagers grappling with societal judgments. “Dress Code” fearlessly delves into these issues, presenting a refreshing and unvarnished portrayal.
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One standout element of the film is its commitment to cinematography. The film relies heavily on scene composition to convey the tension within the script, employing its lenses with precision. “Dress Code” often opts to show rather than tell, a testament to its visual storytelling prowess. Scene framing and shot blocking are consistently excellent, forging an intimate connection with the audience.
However, the film’s acting may pose a slight distraction for some viewers, as some of the cast members appear relatively inexperienced. At times, the scenes may feel a bit too stiff and overly emotive. Nevertheless, this does not diminish the overall enjoyment of the film; it’s a minor drawback worth overlooking for the film’s other strengths.
Despite these minor issues, “Dress Code” has several commendable performances. Frank Osso’s portrayal of “Uncle” Rocco stands out as a solid and steady performance, providing a strong foundation for the rest of the cast. Alex Di Trolio delivers an expressive and passionate performance as Bobby’s mother, Joyce. The most notable performance comes from Gerard Garilli, who shines as Bobby. He tackles a multifaceted role with dedication, earning him the Best Actor award at the Oniros Film Awards. Additionally, Garilli’s role as an executive producer underscores the belief and dedication of the cast and crew to this project.
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In conclusion, “Dress Code” is an earnest attempt to capture the essence of cinematic masterpieces like “Goodfellas” and “The Godfather.” In a time where celebrating ethnic heritage can be a delicate endeavor, this film successfully evokes the nostalgia of Italian Americana. It’s a technically solid movie, but more importantly, it’s an inspiring one. Without the star power of a Tom Cruise or the backing of a big-budget studio, “Dress Code” is a testament to the blue-collar effort invested by everyone involved to share their vision with the world. This is a film worth supporting and watching.
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