Dress Code (2023) or Mafia secrets in New Jersey, as I think of it, is an interesting tale of the Mob and the life they lead. On the streets and behind closed doors nothing is left to the imagination here. First time director Joseph Pupello helms this feature, written by Peter Panagos, with promising capability.
NOt the Sopranos
The movie is set in New Jersey. If at all in doubt, just listen to those topical sentences voiced by “Joisey” accented guys and gals. Gerard Garilli is Bobby Russo, the only son of Dominic (Freddie Maas) and Joyce (Alex Di Trolio). Uncle Rocco, played by Frank Osso, comes to visit often and he dotes on the young Bobby. *Nicholas Giordano does an excellent job as the youngster who wants to experiment with fashion. The Sopranos, Dress Code is not. Although, like Tony, there are links to the mafia and disturbing secrets.
The Setting
Like the “Sopranos” the locale is indeed New Jersey. Bobby exists in a nuclear family and the tension between the three is palpable. Dominic rules with an iron fist. He does not believe in sparing the rod. Joyce loves Bobby and tries to understand him. Bobby is not overly popular with the neighborhood kids. He has one true friend.
He is fascinated with his mother’s clothes and makeup. Dominic catches Bobby with lipstick on his face. He threatens to beat the boy with his belt. Bobby’s only salvation is his Uncle Rocco. Fast forward a few years and Bobby is a young adult. He still lives at home with his parents in New Jersey. Rocco is taking the young adult under his wing. Bobby is now in the Mafia proper.
The Secret
Bobby is into cross dressing. He tells his mother that it makes him feel alive. He feels “smothered” but this disappears when he dresses up. This secret could ruin the New Jersey mafia soldier if it ever gets out. Bobby’s fiance and soon to be mother of his child, has no idea of his passion.
No one in the mafia knows of his addiction to wearing women’s things. Bobby appears to be a regular mafioso, masculine and tough. He is, infact, all these things. His colleagues in the New Jersey mob, however, will not see this as a good thing. The only person he can talk to about it is his dead mother.
The Cast
Gerard Garilli is lowkey convincing as Bobby. He manages to pull off his transformation scenes with a panache that feels real. Freddy Maas as Dominic the dad and New Jersey mafia member also feels authentic. Frank Osso easily nails the uncle with a plan role.
Alex Di Trolio is perfect as the mom who loves her son regardless of his hidden passions. Lastly, Maria Marinaro, as Bobby’s grown up love interest and the rest of players in this film acquit themselves more than adequately.
Everything else
Panagos has written an almost “new age” drama here. Director Pupello ties it all together in a way that keeps us watching. The cinematography and editing by Andrew Froening is crisp and smooth. This film looks good. It is all too easy to see this film as another Sopranos but with a twist. It is not though. This is, indeed, a unique approach to the world of tough guys.
Dress Code is currently streaming on Tubi, a free streaming channel, and is well worth a look. Mike’s Film Talk gives this one a full 4 star rating. The subject material alone makes this a compelling experience. Have a look at the trailer and then head over to Tubi and watch the film.
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