Hats Off to Hollywood: Moonstruck
Duke: Alright, folks, we're diving into the world of romance this week with a look at Moonstruck, the 1987 film that somehow landed the number 8 spot on AFI's Top 10 Romantic Comedies list. I have to admit, this one was pretty good for a movie about love, Italian families, and moonlit nights.
Rex: "Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies." Now, Moonstruck is a classic that really knows how to capture the magic of unexpected love. The film, set against the backdrop of a vibrant Italian-American community in Brooklyn, tells the story of Loretta Castorini, a widow played by Cher, who falls for her fiancé’s estranged brother, played by Nicolas Cage. The movie beautifully explores the complexities of love, family, and second chances.
Duke: You know, Rex, I usually can't stand all this mushy stuff, but there’s something about this movie. Maybe it’s that Brooklyn charm, or maybe it's Cher’s no-nonsense attitude. Reminds me of the folks back in the old Western towns—straightforward and to the point. And Nicolas Cage? That boy's got a fire in him, like a young gunslinger looking for trouble.
Rex: "The course of true love never did run smooth." The film’s historical perspective is quite interesting, Duke. It was released in the late 1980s, a time when America was experiencing a resurgence in films that focused on ethnicity and cultural roots. Moonstruck dives deep into Italian-American traditions and values, showing a side of New York life that wasn’t often depicted on screen. It was also a time when romantic comedies were exploring deeper, more mature themes beyond just the typical boy-meets-girl story.
Duke: Well, it sure was different from the usual fare. No high-speed chases or shootouts, just a lot of talking, eating, and moon-gazing. But I’ll admit, the dialogue was sharp, and the characters had depth. Felt almost like a Western in its own way—folks dealing with their troubles head-on. And that scene where they’re howling at the moon? I don’t know what they were thinking, but I suppose it added to the charm.
Rex: "Every heart sings a song, incomplete, until another heart whispers back." That moon motif is quite symbolic, Duke. It represents the unpredictable nature of love—how it can be wild, and irrational, and pull us in unexpected directions. The moon has always been a powerful symbol in literature and cinema, and in Moonstruck, it becomes almost a character of its own, influencing the fates of everyone in its light.
Duke: Yeah, yeah, symbolism and all that jazz. All I know is that Cher and Cage had some real chemistry, and the supporting cast wasn’t too shabby either. Olympia Dukakis played a tough old gal, just like I like 'em. The whole thing was like a big, dysfunctional family reunion. And I reckon there's some comfort in that—no matter how strange or tangled things get, family’s always there.
Rex: "The love of family is life's greatest blessing." Indeed, Duke, Moonstruck is as much about family as it is about romantic love. It portrays the different ways people can love and be loved, from the fiery passion of new love to the comfortable, enduring love of long-term relationships. And it does so with humor, warmth, and a bit of magical realism.
Duke: Alright, I suppose it wasn’t all bad. I can see why folks like it—it's got heart, and it’s a bit of a hoot. But don’t go thinking I’m softening up to all these rom-coms, Rex. I still got my hat to find and plenty of skepticism to spare.
Rex: "Variety is the spice of life, Duke!" So, if you haven’t seen Moonstruck yet, give it a whirl. You might find yourself howling at the moon, too.
Duke & Rex: Until next time, folks, keep your hats on and your remotes ready! See you at the movies!
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About the Authors
Rex, who speaks in maxims, loves every movie and TV show, making him the perfect counterbalance to Duke. Rex is also known for rescuing an armadillo and celebrating both Christmas and Chanukah.
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