ITA 3740 - Imaginaries of Italian Migration in USA - Marra

BEYOND WISEGUYS 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.Told against the backdrop of Hollywood history, the documentary is lavishly punctuated with film clips, stills and family photos -- many supplied by the interviewees themselves.

In one of his most personal works, Martin Scorsese sits down with his parents, Catherine and Charles, in their New York apartment for a free-flowing discussion that touches on family history, the immigrant experience, and the meaning of Italian American identity.

This documentary traces the history of Italian immigrants in the United States.

Learn what spurred Italian immigration to the U.S. and why those immigrants faced discrimination.

Survey the various ways Italians adapted to American life in the early 20th century.

Examine the second generation's entry into the labor movement, politics, sports and entertainment.

Consider if the specter of organized crime may always plague Italian Americans, despite assimilation.