Bullets Over Broadway
After young playwright, David Shayne obtains funding for his play from gangster Nick Valenti, Nick's girlfriend Olive miraculously lands the role of a psychiatrist—but not only is she a bimbo who could never pass for a psychiatrist—she's a dreadful actress. David puts up with the leading man who is a compulsive eater, the grand dame who wants her part jazzed up, and Olive's interfering hitman/bodyguard—but, eventually he must decide whether art or life is more important.
Critics Sentiment
Cheech is shot backstage during opening night and gives David final words
Ellen leaves David for his hedonistic friend Sheldon Flender
The dramatic leap from Ellen's departure (6.7) to Cheech's poetic death scene (8.9) represents the film's most significant emotional shift.
Critics consistently praised Bullets Over Broadway as a return to form for Woody Allen, with the central conceit of the murderous gangster-playwright earning widespread acclaim. The film builds momentum through strong ensemble performances, peaks with Cheech's shocking yet poetic demise, and concludes on a satisfying note of artistic humility. While some found certain romantic subplots familiar, the unique blend of Broadway satire and mob violence was universally appreciated.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 64
John Cusack
David Shayne
Chazz Palminteri
Cheech
Dianne Wiest
Helen Sinclair
Jennifer Tilly
Olive Neal
Mary-Louise Parker
Ellen
Tracey Ullman
Eden Brent
Jim Broadbent
Warner Purcell
Joe Viterelli
Nick Valenti
Harvey Fierstein
Sid Loomis
Rob Reiner
Sheldon Flender
Jack Warden
Julian Marx
Tony Sirico
Rocco
Victor Colicchio
Waterfront Hood
Louis Eppolito
Waterfront Hood
Gene Canfield
Waterfront Hood
Peter Castellotti
Waterfront Hood
Tony Conforti
Waterfront Hood
John Di Benedetto
Waterfront Hood
John Ventimiglia
Waterfront Hood
Lisa Arturo
Three Deuces Chorus Line
Crew
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