Illuminata immerses you in the strange and magical world of the theatre, in this 1998 film from director John Turturro. On the surface, it is the tale of a playwright at the beginning of the 20th century named Tuccio (played by Turturro himself). He is married to Rachel (Katherine Borowitz), an actress who manages a troupe of actors of varying ability levels - but all of them characters in their own right. When they mount a dreadful production of Tuccio's play Illuminata, it is panned by the cruel critic Bevalaqua (Christopher Walken). But underneath the surface story there lies illicit loves, fears of failure, and the overblown egos of those who expose themselves to possible ridicule every night on the stage. Turturro's eye for detail is on display here, with delightful sets and cunning dialogue. With wonderful performances from some of the screen's most accomplished players - Susan Sarandon, Ben Gazzara, Beverly D'Angelo - Illuminata is a true masterpiece.moreless