The message behind the new film “Uncle Nino”–that family and friends are more important than status and success–is clear as a bell to Glen Ellyn musician Larry Pecorella.
At a recent private screening of the soon-to-be released movie at Downers Grove’s Tivoli Theatre, Pecorella was awash in a sea of nearly 1,000 relatives and well-wishers.
He was part of the Midwest crew that produced, wrote, directed, performed and scored the film’s music.
Pecorella, owner of music production company Comma Music, composed and produced the original music for “Uncle Nino.” Although Pecorella worked with the Czech National Philharmonic in Prague to record the Old World Italianesque score, home is where his heart is.
He worked with local musicians to record the movie’s garage band number, “You’re What I Want,” sung by Trevor Morgan, who plays a troubled 15-year-old in the film.
“Uncle Nino” is writer-director Robert Shallcross’ third feature film. He also has done “Little Giants” and “Bored Silly.”
Joe Amari of the Illinois Film Office said that, with the exception of a few scenes done in Italy, “Uncle Nino” was one of the last films shot and produced in the Chicago area.
The film stars Chicago native Joe Mantegna and Anne Archer as stressed-out parents of two teens. They learn a thing or two when Uncle Nino makes a surprise visit and decides to stay.
“I wanted to do a story about a family that was disconnected rather than dysfunctional,” Shallcross said.
The idea for the Uncle Nino character came to him while shooting TV commercials in Italy, he said.
Pecorella said “Uncle Nino” should be available for public viewing in the Chicago area in spring.
