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Puccini for Beginners

Play trailer Poster for Puccini for Beginners 2007 1h 22m Romance Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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48% Tomatometer 62 Reviews 45% Popcornmeter 500+ Ratings
When her inability to commit leads to a breakup with her girlfriend (Julianne Nicholson), opera-loving writer Allegra (Elizabeth Reaser) winds up in the bed of amiable professor Philip (Gretchen Mol). He is so smitten with Allegra that he dumps his lover, Grace (Justin Kirk), and convinces Allegra to continue their affair. When Allegra meets Grace, sparks fly, and she begins a parallel romance, unaware that her new lover is the woman Philip left to be with her.
Puccini for Beginners

What to Know

Critics Consensus

A Woody Allen-ish film that needs more of the caustic wit expected from the best New York rom coms.

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Critics Reviews

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Andrea Gronvall Chicago Reader 12/17/2007
Fresh Manhattan locations prove as photogenic as the leads, and the supporting actors -- especially Tina Benko as a glacial, impeccably dressed amazon -- don't miss a beat of Maggenti's snappy dialogue. Go to Full Review Caroline Westbrook Empire Magazine 10/26/2007
3/5
It's amiable enough but there's nothing on show to make it stand out from the average rom-com. Go to Full Review Marc Savlov Austin Chronicle 04/14/2007
3/5
[Actress] Reaser is no slouch in the emotionally befuddled whirlwind department. In the end, it's all la dolce vita no matter how you look at it. Go to Full Review David Lamble Bay Area Reporter 05/21/2020
Maggenti sticks to a format of mildly clever verbal banter when the audience desperately needs to be distracted from the bad novel Allegra is making of her love life. Go to Full Review Brandon Judell New York Theatre Wire 06/08/2007
Puccini is the joyously refreshing romancer that it tries so hard to be. Its success has a lot to do with its casting directors who have peopled both the major and minor roles with aplomb. Even off-off-Broadway legend Helen Hanft has a cameo. Go to Full Review Jeff Vice Deseret News (Salt Lake City) 05/18/2007
1.5/4
Thankfully, Puccini for Beginners isn't quite as exploitative as you might expect for a movie about a bisexual love triangle. But that's about all the credit this flat-footed, would-be screwball comedy gets. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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03/05/2013 do not watch! why did i finish watching this dirty movie? i don't like the bisexual story. See more 02/06/2013 Some funny parts on offer but on the whole an incredibly mediocre film. See more 11/08/2012 I actually loved this more than I would have expected. ... I thought it was very well done, and to be honest, Elizabeth Reaser caught my attention in the movie Stay.. absolutely stunning performance here (as well as in Stay).. Now, if only the movie could make someone fall in love with ME.. then it would get that 5th star. See more 10/25/2012 movie was fucking hilarious See more 10/09/2012 What a gem and thanks to Netflix for recommending the film based on my viewing history! This romantic comedy takes place in NY where Allegra (Elizabeth Reaser) just broke up with her girlfriend due to a fear of commitment. She feels sad and lonely until a chance encounter with a college professor named Phillip (Justin Kirk) sparks feelings never felt before for a man. Allegra views the sex as fun but is not interested in a committed relationship with him whereas Phillip breaks up with his girlfriend of six years (Grace) since he is madly in love with Allegra. Since Allegra is gay, she meets a woman and decides to date her, eventually getting involved with her. But life has a big surprise for these people and a chain reaction takes place that will change their lives forever. Great script, witty, funny and romantic. Definitely a winner and highly recommended! See more 08/17/2012 petite comédie dramatique amusante. See more Read all reviews
Puccini for Beginners

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Cast & Crew

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Maria Maggenti

Director

Elizabeth Reaser

Allegra

Gretchen Mol

Grace

Justin Kirk

Philip

Jennifer Dundas

Molly

Julianne Nicholson

Samantha

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Puccini for Beginners

Puccini for Beginners (2006) A scene from the film "Puccini for Beginners." View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis When her inability to commit leads to a breakup with her girlfriend (Julianne Nicholson), opera-loving writer Allegra (Elizabeth Reaser) winds up in the bed of amiable professor Philip (Gretchen Mol). He is so smitten with Allegra that he dumps his lover, Grace (Justin Kirk), and convinces Allegra to continue their affair. When Allegra meets Grace, sparks fly, and she begins a parallel romance, unaware that her new lover is the woman Philip left to be with her.
Director
Maria Maggenti
Screenwriter
Maria Maggenti
Distributor
Strand Releasing
Production Co
InDiGent Entertainment
Genre
Romance, Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Feb 2, 2007, Limited
Release Date (DVD)
Jul 3, 2007
Box Office (Gross USA)
$89.4K
Runtime
1h 22m