Joe Cortese Brings Life to "Here’s Yianni!" in a Stirring Tribute to Heritage and Humanity
JOE CORTESE IN Heres YANNI!
Tonight, December 8, 2024, the Dances With Films Festival will close its curtains on a poignant note with the highly anticipated screening of Here’s Yianni!. The feature film, starring Joe Cortese alongside Julia Ormond, Rosanna Arquette, and Kevin Pollak, has already made waves on the festival circuit for its heartfelt storytelling and resonant themes. As someone with deep Greek roots myself—all four of my grandparents immigrated to America from Greece—this film holds special significance for me. It’s not often that Greek representation is showcased so vividly and authentically in Hollywood, and Here’s Yianni! captures the essence of the Hellenic community beautifully.
I was particularly excited to speak with Joe Cortese, not just about this heartfelt project but also about his storied career, which includes standout roles in Green Book, American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace, and The Loudest Voice. Over the years, Cortese has been synonymous with tough-guy roles, often portraying mobsters or characters within similar archetypes. This film in CONTINUATION with his recent PERFORMANCES marks a dynamic shift—a departure from typecasting to a deeply human, tender portrayal that breaks away from stereotypes. Ahead of the film’s premiere at the festival’s Closing Night Gala, I had the privilege of sitting down with Joe Cortese to delve into his transformative performance and the significance of this moving tale.
A Film Rooted in Authenticity
Joe Cortese and Julia Ormond in ‘Here’s Yanni!’
Here’s Yianni!, written and directed by Christina Eliopoulos, tells the story of a Greek-American patriarch grappling with early-onset dementia. Inspired by Eliopoulos’ own father, the film captures the intricacies of cultural heritage, familial bonds, and the often-overlooked emotional nuances of living with dementia. Cortese’s portrayal of Yianni is a masterclass in subtlety and depth, balancing the character’s vulnerability with moments of profound tenderness and strength.
"When I read the script, I was immediately drawn to its honesty and its heart," Cortese shared. "It’s not just a story about dementia; it’s about love, community, and how we navigate life’s challenges together."
Eliopoulos’ personal connection to the narrative brought an unparalleled authenticity to the production. Cortese described how she shared intimate stories about her father, shaping the character and infusing the film with emotional truth. "There was a trust and a collaborative spirit on set," Cortese said. "Christina’s openness allowed me to fully immerse myself in Yianni’s world."
Greek Heritage at the Forefront
As a celebration of Greek-American culture, Here’s Yianni! paints a vivid picture of a tight-knit community, particularly in New Jersey, where much of the story unfolds. The film doesn’t shy away from showcasing the richness of Hellenic traditions—from church scenes to family dinners where food becomes a language of love.
For Cortese, whose Italian and Syrian roots share commonalities with Greek culture, stepping into Yianni’s shoes felt natural. "The Mediterranean cultures have a shared reverence for family, food, and faith," he noted. "These elements ground the story, making it relatable not just to Greek audiences but to anyone who cherishes their heritage."
The authenticity of the Greek-American experience in the film was a key focus for Eliopoulos and the cast. Cortese’s connection to New Jersey added another layer of realism to his performance, blending personal familiarity with the specificity of Yianni’s journey.
A Dynamic Collaboration
Joe Cortese and Julia Ormond in ‘Here’s Yanni!’
Central to Here’s Yianni! is the relationship between Yianni and his wife, Plousia, portrayed by the inimitable Julia Ormond. Their dynamic is the emotional core of the film, depicting the strains and joys of a long marriage tested by the complexities of dementia.
"Working with Julia was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career," Cortese reflected. "We didn’t have much time to rehearse, but the connection was immediate. There’s a scene where Plousia tries to feed Yianni, and he lashes out—it was deeply raw and challenging, but it felt real."
Cortese’s performance has already garnered critical acclaim, with many lauding his ability to humanize Yianni without resorting to caricature. "There’s a childlike innocence to the character that emerged organically," he explained. "I didn’t plan it; it just felt right."
The Magic of "The Talk Show"
One of the film’s standout elements is Yianni’s surreal, imaginative talk show sequences inspired by Johnny Carson. These moments, both comedic and poignant, offer a glimpse into the character’s inner world as he navigates his condition. Collaborating with Eric Roberts in these scenes was another highlight for Cortese. "It was a joy to play with that concept," he said. "Those sequences add levity while deepening the emotional resonance."
These talk show interludes serve as an allegory for Yianni’s mental state, creating a bridge between his deteriorating grasp on reality and his enduring need for connection and validation. The blend of humor and tragedy in these scenes underscores the film’s overall tone, ensuring it remains emotionally resonant without becoming overwhelming.
A Celebration of Cultural Identity
Exclusive Clip: Joe Cortese in Here’s Yanni!
The film doesn’t just stop at addressing the challenges of dementia; it dives deeply into the importance of cultural identity and its role in shaping an individual’s journey. Through Yianni’s eyes, audiences experience the profound sense of belonging that comes from one’s heritage. From the richly detailed depictions of Greek Orthodox traditions to the joyful yet bittersweet gatherings around the family table, Here’s Yianni! captures the essence of what it means to be part of a close-knit community.
This dedication to authenticity was no small feat, as Eliopoulos worked tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of the film reflected the experiences of the Hellenic diaspora. The result is a narrative that feels both universal and deeply personal, resonating with viewers from all walks of life.
Closing the Festival in Style
The Dances With Films Festival’s decision to feature Here’s Yianni! as its closing selection is a testament to the film’s power. Its blend of humor, heartbreak, and cultural celebration makes it a fitting finale to an extraordinary lineup. "It’s an honor to close out the festival," Cortese said. "This film has been a labor of love for everyone involved, and seeing it resonate with audiences is the ultimate reward."
The Closing Night Gala screening in New York is not just the culmination of a festival but a significant milestone for a film that has touched hearts across the globe. As audiences prepare to experience the world of Here’s Yianni! tomorrow night, it’s clear that this story of love, resilience, and cultural identity will leave a lasting impact.
Watch The Trailer for Here’s Yanni! Below:
Don’t miss the Closing Night Gala screening of Here’s Yianni! at the Dances With Films Festival tomorrow, December 8, 2024. For Ticket & Festival Info Click Here:
Read The Full Interview Below
Friday Decemebr 6, 2024 at 9AM EST, New York, New York
Jonathan Moustakas: Good morning, Joe. Thank you for meeting with me.
Joe Cortese: My pleasure.
Jonathan Moustakas: I’m Jonathan with The Cinema Group. It’s an honor to finally meet you. I just wanted to say, someone with the Greek heritage, and my given name is Yanni, I felt an immediate connection to the story, which was beautifully captured in what I saw of it, in its representation of the Hellenic community. Your portrayal was deeply moving, and I’m excited to see more. Can we talk about the complexities and the kind of emotional tone you brought to the character?
Joe Cortese: So what would you like to know?
Jonathan Moustakas: Was there anything that initially drew you to the role, and how did you prepare for portraying a character navigating dementia?
Joe Cortese: Yeah. What happened was, a friend of mine called and said, “I’m sending you something, and I want you to read it. I’m recommending that you do it.”
I said, “Is it film or television?”
She said, “It’s film.”
I said, “Oh, great.”
She said, “Well, it’s a first-time director.”
I said, “Oh, and what’s the film called?”
She said, “Well, it’s a short film.”
I said, “Wait a second, let me hear this.”
So, she said, “Just read it. I’m recommending that you do.”
I read it. I fell in love with it. It was a different character. I was immediately drawn to what it was about, where it was, who the guy was.
Jonathan Moustakas: So the film, as I know, is inspired by the director and writer Christina Eliopoulos’ personal story, based on her father. That’s evident in the material. How did this shape your experience with her on set, and how did you build trust in taking on the role of such a personal story?
Joe Cortese: Well, like I say, we did the short first, so I spent some time with her and did some research. In the time between the short and the feature, which was a good five or six years, there was a lot of growth that took place. We worked on the script—Valerie, myself, and Christina, of course. She shared a lot of great stories about her father.
I have a very good friend whose husband has dementia, and I know a couple of other people as well. Based on the research I did, it helped me shape the character.
Jonathan Moustakas: Was there a specific connection or moment that helped guide your understanding of what the character could be?
Joe Cortese: I just think the overall tone of love. Life is about love, and not much else. I think that comes across beautifully, and there’s almost a childlike innocence to the part.
Jonathan Moustakas: Totally, yeah.
Joe Cortese: I’ll tell you how that happens. I don’t make specific choices. I let it come from wherever my instinct tells me. For whatever reason, this childlike quality kept coming out, and I just left myself alone and tried to stay in that space. It wasn’t planned; it just organically happened.
Jonathan Moustakas: I think it worked, especially in the scene on the beach with the child. You’re coming out of one of the trances and just staring at the water. I was imagining Greece, almost. It had that regressive, emotional impact.
The film immerses audiences in the traditions and nuances of the Greek-American community, specifically in the tri-state area, particularly New Jersey. How important was it to ensure authentic representation—not only of your home state but of the Hellenic community?
Joe Cortese: Like I say, I grew up in New Jersey. First of all, I spent almost every summer with family. My heritage—my last name is Italian, but my mother is Syrian. I grew up with both cultures, which are very close to Greek culture.
To be honest, it wasn’t a big stretch for me. I know that life intimately. I was an altar boy; I know the church scene.
Jonathan Moustakas: Was there one thing that connected your heritage in the Italian community to portraying the Greek community?
Joe Cortese: It’s all about food. Food is the centerpiece—whether it’s Greek, Italian, or Syrian, they all have that in common.
Jonathan Moustakas: The relationship with his wife, Plousia played by Julia Ormond, is the heart of the film. How did you and Julia create such an authentic and emotionally charged dynamic?
Joe Cortese: It was one of the most interesting acting experiences I’ve ever had. Everyone remarks on it. We didn’t have much time to rehearse, but we both brought professionalism and a clear understanding of the roles.
Jonathan Moustakas: Was there a specific scene that required you to dive deep emotionally or collaborate closely?
Joe Cortese: There are two scenes. One is when I pack my little boy’s suitcase, lose track of it, and come in and out of awareness. The other is near the end, when she’s trying to feed me. I smack the spoon out of her hand, and she pleads with me.
Jonathan Moustakas: Was there a lot of improvisation?
Joe Cortese: There was some, but a lot of it was scripted. With a role like this, though, there has to be room for spontaneity.
Jonathan Moustakas: The dementia introduces this surreal, imaginative talk show inspired by Johnny Carson. How did you approach these scenes, and what was it like collaborating with Eric Roberts?
Joe Cortese: Christina told me her father used to sit in their living room and conduct a talk show. They’d play along with him. I’ve always been fascinated by that kind of character—a man who wants to be on a talk show.
Jonathan Moustakas: It had elements of comedy but was also deeply poignant.
Joe Cortese: Exactly. It was innocent and loving, not caricatured.
Jonathan Moustakas: The film has received incredible acclaim across the festival circuit. How does it feel to see it screen at home in New York?
Joe Cortese: It’s great. We’re proud of the movie, and it’s helping people. It’s entertaining and meaningful, which is the best combination.
Jonathan Moustakas: You’ve had a storied career with standout roles in Green Book, The Loudest Voice, and now Here’s Yanni. How does this role compare to your previous work?
Joe Cortese: It’s very different. I’ve played a lot of tough guys in the past, but this character was more human and likable. It’s a step outside the box, and I hope to keep doing roles like this.
Jonathan Moustakas: I’m excited to see the film on Sunday. Joe, thank you so much for taking the time.
Joe Cortese: Thank you. I really appreciate it.
Jonathan Moustakas: No, of course. I can’t wait to see it on Sunday!
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