TETRO

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Francis Ford Coppola's first self-penned film since "The Conversation" (1974) is hampered by lack of forward momentum in a narrative of familial betrayal and rivalry.

Filmed in lush black-and-white by cinematographer Mihai Malaimare, Jr. ("Youth Without Youth"), the story consists of a contentious reunion of brothers in Buenos Aires' artists filled La Boca district where would-be writer Tetro (Vincent Gallo) took up residence ten years ago after abandoning his family.

Tetro's 18-year-old brother Bennie (well played by newcomer Alden Ehrenreich) unexpectedly arrives at Tetro's apartment dressed like a Naval cadet--he's fresh off a visiting cruise ship where he works as a waiter.

Tetro has changed his name from Angelo to an abbreviated version of his last name Tertocelli after a falling out with his famous symphony conductor father Carlo (Klaus Maria Brandauer).

Now living with his dancer girlfriend Miranda (Maribel Verdu), Tetro hobbles around on crutches recovering from being hit by a bus, and his condition adds to his character's metaphysical kinship to similar thematic material like Tennessee Williams "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof."

Bennie's idealized vision of his brother quickly evaporates as he discovers buried truths revealed in Tetro's code-written manuscript that Bennie furtively deciphers.

Coppola brings in flashes of color with flash back and musical sequences that give the film an operatic flare that tips the scales too much in a direction of self-aware commentary.

Nonetheless, there is a communal joy in performances from the film's vibrant female cast members, that include Leticia Bredice and Sofia Castiglione.

Stylistically, "Tetro" has its strengths, but it fails to connect with an emotional core before its overwrought third act comes crashing down.

Not Rated. 127 mins.