Vendetta

About Vendetta

Vendetta is a 1999 HBO film directed by Nicholas Meyer and starring Bruce Payne and Christopher Walken. It is a raw and dramatic story set in New Orleans in the late 19th century. The plot revolves around the killing of an Italian businessman which triggers a wave of violent persecution of Italian-Americans. Walken plays James Houston, a wealthy and influential man who creatively uses his political power and public manipulation to ignite this persecution.

Making / Production

The film's production was undertaken by HBO. Nicholas Meyer, a director known for his extraordinary vision, captures the tense atmosphere of the era. The screenplay was written by Timothy Prager, based on Richard Gambino's book, Vendetta, which revealed true incidences that occurred in the late 1800s.

Actors

• Christopher Walken as 'James Houston': Walken delivers a powerful performance as the wealthy and politically influential Houston, exposing the darker side of his character effectively.
• Bruce Payne as 'Deputy Charles Sydney': Payne's performance as the ruthless deputy masterfully personifies the anti-Italian sentiment of that era.
• Edward Herrmann as 'Thomas Semmes': Herrmann portrays the lawyer fighting a losing battle for justice with a compelling performance.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The movie is based on actual events known as the 1891 New Orleans lynchings.
• Vendetta was filmed entirely in Romania, although it is set in New Orleans.

Quotes

• "It's an American tradition to avenge one's enemies."
• "The law is only as good as the men who apply it."

Music, Soundtrack

• The movie features an original score by Maurice Jarre, known for his work on iconic films like 'Lawrence of Arabia' and 'Doctor Zhivago'.