Before embarking on a little bit of a very belated Oscars post, I’d like to talk about Moonstruck. Made in 1987 and directed by Norman Jewison, Moonstruck is about an Italian restaurant owner, her looming marriage, and an absolutely bizarre weirdo she comes across one day who just happens to be her fiancee’s brother. It stars Cher and Nicholas Cage as Loretta and Ronny.
Honestly, I could not tell if it was meant to be as funny as it was. It rides this line between serious and tongue-in-cheek that was so good at confusing and entertaining me. Many people have called this couple the depiction of a fantastic and flawed romance. I will be honest: it’s not their romance that swept me up in this story. It is their responses to the attraction. It’s so over-the-top, so immature and silly. I believe flawed romance is valid, although these days I try not to give it as much credit as the rest of the audience of this movie feel like it deserves. Sure, it exists, and it can sweep you up like the moon on an unexpected Tuesday. Sure, it can look like everything your current relationship does not have. And maybe that’s real, but it’s not always worth messing with. That doesn’t mean it’s not fun to watch on screen.
About a week after I watched Moonstruck, my local indie movie theatre played it. I debated going for a second viewing, but I didn’t want to ruin the experience just yet. Then a little while later I saw it mentioned by a few people on Letterboxd, as well as people like Sleater-Kinney. Is this film going through some kind of filmophile resurgence? I’d never heard of it before I watched it and didn’t know it was so beloved. But I will say, if you haven’t seen it to give it a shot. Nicholas Cage is captivating and intense, Cher is headstrong yet open-hearted. I love her with her big curls and her vulnerable eyes. They both add so much to their respective roles.
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