Construction worker Nick Murder (James Gandolfini) is married with Kitty (Susan Sarandon) and has three daughters. However one day Kitty discovers a written message Nick sent to another woman. After a fire where he takes service as a fireman with his best friend Angelo (Steve Buscemi) he goes again to his mistress Tula (Kate Winslet), and she asks Nick to choose between her or his wife. Nick has to choose between the extramarital affair or redemption, and has to do it before it's too late.
ROMANCE AND CIGARETTES is quite a strange experiment in its own way. From the plot it looks like a sentimental comedy yet it has also drama moments and looks a bit like a musical. This blending of genres worked greatly and I have to say it, I have never seen something like this before! The cast is full of great names (James Gandolfini, Susan Sarandon, Steve Buscemi, Kate Winslet, Christopher Walken in an explosive cameo as Sarandon's cousin who loves singing even in restaurants, Eddie Izzard, Elaine Stritch and Mary Louise Parker) which gives all entertaining performances. The direction by John Turturro (who even has a brief cameo as a male dancer) is slick and fluid.
If you are in the right mindset, you might probably love this movie especially if you want to see something unique.
