BEYOND WISEGUYS: ITALIAN-AMERICANS AND THE MOVIES is a documentary that shows how Italian Americans transformed themselves from “outsiders” – stereotyped by the Hollywood establishment as mobsters – into industry insiders and a creative force to be reckoned with. Using a mosaic of interviews with well-known contemporary Italian American filmmakers like Chazz Palminteri, Stanley Tucci, Susan Sarandon, Jack Valenti, David Chase, Ben Gazzara, Isabella Rossellini and others, the documentary highlights the ways in which these filmmakers use their heritage to positively shape the art and craft of American cinema.
Is is a co-production of Beachcomber Films and Pacific Street Films. John Miglietta is the Director of Photography. Premiered on PBS station WNET-13 in New York.
