Big Night

Big Night

Year: 1996

Runtime: 107 min

Language: English

Drama

Two Italian immigrant brothers, Primo and Secondo, work tirelessly to keep their Jersey Shore restaurant, Paradise, from closing. Facing financial hardship, they seize an opportunity to cater a lavish dinner party for singer Louis Prima and his orchestra. Determined to showcase their authentic cuisine and passion, the brothers prepare an elaborate and unforgettable meal, hoping it will be their last chance to save their dream.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Big Night (1996)

Trace every key event in Big Night (1996) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

The Beginning of Paradise

In the charming setting of New Jersey during the 1950s, two brothers from Calabria establish their restaurant named Paradise. Their aim is to bring authentic Italian cuisine to their patrons, but they quickly find themselves at odds with the tastes of their customers.

1950s New Jersey
2

Primo's Culinary Struggles

Primo, the elder brother, is a gifted chef with a passion for traditional Italian cooking. However, he faces constant pressure from customers who prefer Americanized versions of Italian dishes, leading to frustration and disappointment.

3

Secondo's American Dream

While Primo is disheartened by their restaurant's struggles, Secondo is determined to make a success of their American venture. He believes in the opportunities that life in America can offer, contrasting sharply with his brother's traditional values.

4

Enter Gabriella

Secondo's personal life takes a complicated turn as he becomes romantically involved with Gabriella, the wife of a rival restaurant owner. This affair adds to the tension as it intertwines his personal and professional struggles.

5

Financial Struggles

Despite their collective efforts, Paradise continues to struggle financially. Secondo realizes that their restaurant may not survive unless he can find a way to boost business, setting the stage for a desperate plea for help.

6

The Proposal for a Loan

In a desperate bid to save the restaurant, Secondo approaches Pascal for a loan. This interaction reveals not only Secondo's vulnerability but also Pascal's smug confidence in the success of his own restaurant.

Pascal's Restaurant
7

The Plan to Attract Louis Prima

Pascal declines to lend money but instead proposes a scheme to help Paradise succeed: he will invite the famous Italian-American singer, Louis Prima, to dine at their restaurant. Excited and hopeful, the brothers start preparing for the big night.

Paradise
8

Preparing for the Big Night

The night before Louis Prima's expected visit, Primo and Secondo pour their heart and soul into crafting a magnificent feast, highlighted by a special dish called timpano. The event becomes a point of pride and desperation for the brothers.

9

The Celebration Night Arrives

Despite the brothers' enthusiasm, the night of the celebration unfolds with guests enjoying Primo's exquisite food. The atmosphere is filled with anticipation as the restaurant awaits the arrival of Louis Prima.

Paradise
10

The No-Show

As time passes on the night of the celebration, it becomes apparent that Louis Prima is a no-show. This absence casts a shadow over what was supposed to be a transformative evening for Paradise and its owners.

Paradise
11

Conflict Unfolds

The mood takes a dramatic turn when Phyllis discovers Secondo's affair with Gabriella. Her anger causes her to flee to the beach, igniting a series of confrontations that reveal the deeper issues within the brothers' relationships.

Beach
12

Pascal's Betrayal

In a shocking twist, Pascal admits to Secondo that he never contacted Louis Prima. His confession uncovers a scheme meant to sabotage Paradise, adding to the weight of pressure and disappointment the brothers already face.

13

The Brothers' Final Confrontation

Tensions reach a boiling point when Primo and Secondo face off in a heated argument about their conflicting visions for Paradise and life's challenges. This confrontation forces them to confront their fears and their deep-seated bond.

14

A Moment of Reflection

With dawn approaching, Secondo follows Phyllis to the beach, where their confrontation reveals the fragility of their relationship. He then prepares a simple omelette, signifying the humble yet enduring nature of family ties.

Beach
15

Shared Bonds

As the brothers share a quiet meal together, with arms draped around each other, they find a moment of connection amidst their struggles. This meal symbolizes their resilience and enduring bond despite the challenges they face.

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 15:28

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Big Night Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Big Night

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