Q&A with Danny Stewart, Author of The Greatest Gangster Movie You’ve Never Seen: Abel Ferrara’s The Funeral
Q: What inspired you to write this book about The Funeral?
Danny Stewart: The Funeral is one of the most haunting, beautifully crafted, and deeply philosophical gangster films ever made. Yet, for some reason, it never got the recognition it deserved. I wanted to change that. Abel Ferrara is a director with a singular vision, and this film—written by Nicholas St. John and brought to life by an incredible cast—stands as a testament to what crime cinema can be. It’s not just about violence; it’s about morality, grief, and the ghosts of the past.
On a personal level, this book is also a tribute to two people who were my guiding spirits: my sister, Sian Stewart, and cinematographer Ken Kelsch. Both of them passed away, but their influence kept me going. Ken’s cinematography gave The Funeral its unforgettable visual power, and my sister’s encouragement gave me the determination to see this book through.
Q: What makes The Funeral so unique among gangster films?
Danny Stewart: Most gangster movies focus on power, betrayal, or revenge. The Funeral is different. It’s about conscience. It’s about the weight of violence and how it corrodes the soul. Christopher Walken, Chris Penn, and Vincent Gallo deliver some of their most powerful performances, portraying brothers who are all haunted in different ways. Abel Ferrara, as always, brings a raw, almost spiritual intensity to the story.
And then there’s Ken Kelsch’s cinematography—his work on this film is stunning. The way he uses shadow and light creates a sense of impending doom, a funeral not just for one person but for an entire way of life.
Q: Abel Ferrara is known for being a fearless director. What was it like getting his perspective on the film?
Danny Stewart: Abel is one of the most honest, no-nonsense filmmakers out there. When we talked, it was clear how personal this film was to him. He doesn’t see crime stories as just genre pieces; he sees them as human tragedies. His insights into the characters, the choices they make, and the meaning behind those choices were invaluable to this book.
Q: Can you talk about the people who helped bring this book to life?
Danny Stewart: This book wouldn’t exist without the generosity of so many people. Production designer Charlie Lagola, costume designer Mindy Eshelman, and producer Mary Kane all gave me incredible behind-the-scenes insights. And Isabella Rossellini, who gives such a heartbreaking performance in the film, shared her thoughts on the emotional depth of the story. Their contributions helped me paint a full picture of what went into making The Funeral.
Q: What do you hope readers take away from this book?
Danny Stewart: I hope they walk away with a new appreciation for The Funeral—not just as a great gangster movie, but as a work of art that wrestles with the biggest questions of life and death. And I hope they get a sense of the passion that drove me to write this, a passion fueled by my love for cinema and the people who inspired me.