Preview by Jon Donnis
Armand Assante, the Emmy®-winning actor celebrated for roles in Gotti, American Gangster and The Odyssey, returns to the screen in Don Q, an award-winning crime comedy arriving on UK digital 15 September from Reel2Reel Films. Directed by Claudio Bellante, the film takes the legendary story of Don Quixote and reimagines it through the eyes of a man lost in mafia fantasies.
Assante stars as Al Quinto, a long-time resident of Little Italy who has fed off decades of delusion. In his mind he is no longer just Al but Don Q, a powerful mob boss destined to restore his neighbourhood to its former glory. With a mix of charm, bravado and madness, he sets out on a self-styled crusade, accompanied by imaginary criminal allies only he can see.
His sister Antonia, played by Saundra Santiago (Miami Vice, The Guiding Light), grows increasingly worried about his fragile grip on reality. Her concerns prove valid when the line between imagination and truth blurs. The return of ruthless ex-con Rocco, played by Chuck Zito (Carlito's Way, Oz), pulls Al into a turf war that transforms his delusions into something deadly real.
The supporting cast is packed with mob-movie pedigree. Federico Castelluccio (The Sopranos, El Cantante) and Vincent Pastore (The Sopranos, Revolver) bring grit and authenticity, while the clash of loyalty, betrayal and ambition drives the story into darker territory. As Al finds himself surrounded by enemies, tested by a new protégé and threatened from within his own circle, he faces the ultimate question. Will he crack under the weight of his fantasy, or finally become the Don he always believed himself to be?
With its mix of humour, violence and heartfelt drama, Don Q plays as both a love letter to classic mafia cinema and a clever twist on a literary legend. Assante's commanding performance anchors a film that balances nostalgia with fresh energy, offering a crime tale as funny as it is dangerous.
Don Q arrives on UK digital 15 September from Reel2Reel Films.
