By Way of Canarsie
A Feature Film
Screenplay by
Rob Cuccurullo and Stacey Nation
Based on the novel By Way of Canarsie
by Rob Cuccurullo
Embedded Files
In the shadow of his brother’s fame and his father’s control, a troubled but bright young man teeters on the edge, torn between loyalty, resentment, and the need to finally break free. Based on a true story.
Overview
The film traces how a bright, scrappy, emotionally sensitive kid who is slowly hardened by abuse, addiction, and family dysfunction finds and nearly loses himself.
As the overlooked youngest son in a working-class Italian-American family, Rob aches for love and validation from a father who rarely offers either. While his brother Warren rides a wave of fame as a guitarist, Rob spirals.
What begins as teenage rebellion by dropping out of school turns into something deeper and more dangerous. Rob turns to drugs, street crime, and anyone who might offer a sense of belonging. Meanwhile, Warren finds stardom and success, first with Frank Zappa, then with Duran Duran.
After hitting bottom, Rob joins the Army as a last shot at escaping a life that might kill him. It’s only in hindsight through the lens of war, violence, and love lost that we understand what really broke him... and what might still save him.
Editorial Reviews
Editorial Reviews
"By Way of Canarsie is an inherently compelling, impressively candid, and innately personal memoir that dramatically reflects the human condition and a persevering struggle to overcome incredible odds. Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, By Way of Canarsie is unreservedly recommended for both community and academic library Contemporary American Biography collections"
Midwest Book Review: Small Press Bookwatch Oct 2019
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse