Rarely the protagonist, but consistently delivering a phenomenal performance: That's John Turturro in a nutshell. With his recent role as Carmine Falcone in The Batman being highly praised, many didn't have enough of the actor and still want more of Turturro's talent on their screens. Luckily, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Over his eclectic career, the New York actor has proven his range time and time again, and fans of the new Falcone have tailor-made choices to watch after The Batman. From the role of another mafioso in Sicily to poles-apart portrayals that might strike as surprising, the brilliance of Turturro's acting is evident in every one of his projects.
The Sicilian (1987)
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The Sicilian is the best option for those who want a smooth transition from The Batman to another Turturro film. Based on the book of the same name by Mario Puzo, this rewatchable movie from the '80s has the mafia style that ought to be expected from The Godfather's writer.
In the story, John Turturro plays Gaspare "Aspanu" Pisciotta, a "consigliere" set to kill the protagonist. Interestingly, seeing a young Turturro in Sicily can't help but feel like a prequel to his Carmine Falcone, who shares similar origins. Although the stories differ, The Sicilian offers classic mobster elements, just like the presence of Italian songs in The Batman.
The Color Of Money (1986)
Rent On Vudu
Funnily, just like Falcone plays pool in The Batman, the actor's character in The Color of Money happens to be a pool player.
In this Martin Scorsese film, Turturro stars alongside Paul Newman and Tom Cruise, in the role of a hustler who plays the game of nine-ball, the focus of the sports drama. While his character isn't in the spotlight throughout the narrative, this movie is a peculiar alternative for those curious about the actor's early career.
Quiz Show (1994)
Rent On AppleTV
Quiz Show is a massive shift from The Batman, making it an amusing option for appreciating the actor's wide range. Turturro plays Herbie Stempel, an underdog candidate from Queens who participates in a popular quiz program. This portrayal of an awkward but ambitious man shows how eclectic the actor can be, as this is also one of his most famous roles.
One couldn't imagine that the same guy that played Herbie Stempel also played the most dangerous gangster of Gotham City, but that's just how talented Turturro is. Watching Quiz Show after The Batman makes that comparison even more vivid, a parallel that speaks highly of the actor's chameleon abilities.
The Night Of (2016)
Stream On HBO Max
Those who enjoyed the actor in Reeves' film might also appreciate the grim atmosphere of this HBO drama series. In The Night Of, the actor plays John Stone, the lawyer of Nasir Khan (Riz Ahmed), a man accused of murdering a mysterious woman. As the most likable character in the HBO show, Turturro delivers a masterful performance of a man who has been overlooked in his profession and wants justice for his client.
The actor makes connecting with the lawyer easy, given his charisma and ability to play quirky characters. On opposite sides of the law, Falcone and John Stone share one middle ground: the presence John Turturro brings to the screen.
The Plot Against America (2020)
Stream On HBO Max
In The Plot Against America, the actor slips into the shoes of Rabbi Lionel Bengelsdorf, who, like Falcone, has a flair for politics. Following the politician, the show dwindles between reality and fiction by imagining what would have happened in America if Roosevelt had lost the 1940 election.
As usual, Turturro shines in the role of the eloquent Rabbi, making this mini-series a hidden gem for those who want to see more of the actor's latest work.
Do The Right Thing (1989)
Rent On Apple TV
One of his earliest projects, Do The Right Thing features Turturro as the antagonist Pino, a racist businessman who mistreats the protagonist Mookie (Spike Lee). The film tells the story of a hot summer day in New York, shedding light on crucial social issues but with space for humor.
While this might not be the performance where the actor has prolonged screentime, similar to his Falcone, Turturro steals every scene he's in. Even though he was just starting his career, he was already delivering memorable portrayals in minor roles, which speaks volumes of his mastery.
Barton Fink (1991)
Rent On DIRECTV
Barton Fink is one of Turturro's best films overall and fits on this list as a proper way to know the actor's filmography but also as an opportunity to explore a unique movie. Written and directed by the Coen brothers, the project follows Fink, a Broadway playwright hired by a Hollywood studio to write film scripts.
If his work before 1991 hadn't shown that he was bound to have a productive career, this film settled Turturro's reputation for delivering complex, original performances and got the actor the award of Best Actor at the Cannes Film Festival. Since Barton Fink turned 30 last year, going from Falcone to Fink seems like a delightful way to dive headfirst into Turturro's career.
O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)
Stream On IMDb TV
In another collaboration with the Coen brothers, Turturro plays Pete, a convict that escapes prison in the south during the 1930s.
Also including George Clooney and Tim Blake Nelson, O Brother, Where Art Thou? is one of the must-watch projects of the brothers, in which John Turturro delivers a superb performance as the supporting actor, similarly to what he does in The Batman, thanks to his chameleon skills.
The Big Lebowski (1998)
Stream On Peacock
The partnership between the actor and the Coen brothers worked as well as consecutive strikes. A couple of years after the acclaimed Barton Fink, the actor would star as Jesus Quintana in the cult-favorite The Big Lebowski, with his catchphrase "nobody f**** with the Jesus!" still being remembered nowadays.
Because Jesus is an eccentric character with particular mannerisms, watching this movie will likely be more fun after having watched the same actor as the elegant, well-composed Gotham mobster. Turturro's portrayal of the flamboyant character is one of the funniest portrayals of his career, as it seems to be one of the actor's favorites. In 2020, he revisited the role, writing and directing the sequel The Jesus Rolls, which, in turn, can be a fitting follow-up for this option.
Severance (2022-)
Stream On AppleTV+
Turturro's character in AppleTV+'s Severance is the opposite of Carmine Falcone, and that's why this is a fantastic choice to watch after The Batman. Disciplined and sweet, Irving is an employee at a company where workers undergo surgery to separate personal and professional lives. As the story unfolds, Turturro delivers a masterclass episode after episode, with a special mention to his heartstopping delivery of the line "you smug, motherf*****."
Apple's Severance has already inspired memes connecting both of Turturro's latest roles, and witnessing the actor in these poles-apart projects provides entertaining proof of how he can ace a myriad of performances. Between Falcone and Irving, the brilliance of John Turturro is unceasing.