Shoot the Moon

Shoot the Moon

French Theatrical Poster
Directed by Alan Parker
Produced by Alan Marshall
Stuart Millar
Edgar J. Scherick
Written by Bo Goldman
Starring Albert Finney
Diane Keaton
Cinematography Michael Seresin
Editing by Gerry Hambling
Distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Release date(s) February 19, 1982
Running time 124 minutes
Country United States
Language English
Budget $12,000,000
Box office $9,217,530[1]

Shoot the Moon is a 1982 drama film directed by Alan Parker, written by Bo Goldman and starring Albert Finney and Diane Keaton, in their Golden Globe-nominated performances. The film also features Peter Weller, Karen Allen and Dana Hill. The film was entered into the 1982 Cannes Film Festival.[2]

Contents

Plot

The marriage of Faith and George Dunlap is in serious trouble. From a distance, it would seem a picture of domestic bliss, a successful author with a beautiful wife and four daughters living in a converted farmhouse that he helped refurbish himself. But a crisis has come to all involved.

George has a mistress, Sandy, and wants to be with her. The trouble is, he doesn't want Faith to be with someone else in return. George is trying to find the courage to leave home, but hates the thought of his family and possessions in another man's hands.

The handsome Frank Henderson is hired by Faith to construct a tennis court. It is not clear whether she develops true feelings for Frank or simply wishes to even the score with her unfaithful husband, but for whatever reason, Faith begins an affair.

Their daughters resent George for breaking up the family this way. Faith puts up a false facade, planning to attend an evening in George's honor as he accepts a book award, but George becomes increasingly irrational as the women in his life prepare for a life without him.

Reception

At the time of its release, the film received international acclaim and was embraced by America's most respected film critics:

Pauline KaelThe New Yorker

"Shoot the Moon is perhaps the most revealing American movie of the era.[3]

David DenbyNew York Magazine

The Picture seems like a Miracle. A Beautiful Achievement.” [4]

David EdelsteinThe New York Post

"One of the Best Films of the Decade." [5]

Cast

Actor/Actress Role
Albert Finney George Dunlap
Diane Keaton Faith Dunlap
Karen Allen Sandy
Peter Weller Frank Henderson
Dana Hill Sherry Dunlap
Viveka Davis Jill Dunlap
Tracey Gold Marianne Dunlap
Tina Yothers Molly Dunlap

References

  1. ^ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0084675/business
  2. ^ "Festival de Cannes: Shoot the Moon". festival-cannes.com. http://www.festival-cannes.com/en/archives/ficheFilm/id/1566/year/1982.html. Retrieved 2009-06-12. 
  3. ^ Kael, Pauline (January 18, 1982). "The Current Cinema". The New Yorker. 
  4. ^ Denby, David (January 1982). "Cinema Reviews". New York Magazine. 
  5. ^ Edelstein, David (January 1982). "Shoot the Moon". New York Post. 

External links