Moonstruck

Moonstruck
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Name	Moonstruck
Director	Norman Jewison
Producer	Norman Jewison, Patrick Palmer
Writer	John Patrick Shanley
Starring	Cher, Nicolas Cage, Vincent Gardenia, Olympia Dukakis
Music	Dick Hyman
Cinematography	David Watkin
Editing	Lou Lombardo
Studio	MGM
Released	1987
Runtime	102 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English

Moonstruck is a 1987 American romantic comedy film directed by Norman Jewison and written by John Patrick Shanley. The film stars Cher, Nicolas Cage, Vincent Gardenia, and Olympia Dukakis, and features a strong supporting cast, including Danny Aiello, Louis Guss, and Feodor Chaliapin Jr.. The movie was produced by Norman Jewison and Patrick Palmer, and was released by MGM in 1987. The film's score was composed by Dick Hyman, and the cinematography was handled by David Watkin, who had previously worked on films such as Chariots of Fire and Out of Africa.

Moonstruck

The film tells the story of a woman who falls in love with her fiancé's estranged brother, and explores themes of love, family, and identity. The movie features a range of memorable characters, including Loretta Castorini, played by Cher, and Ronny Cammareri, played by Nicolas Cage. The film's cast also includes Vincent Gardenia as Cosmo Castorini, Olympia Dukakis as Rose Castorini, and Anita Gillette as Mona. The movie was filmed on location in New York City and Toronto, and features a range of iconic landmarks, including the Brooklyn Bridge and Times Square.

Plot

The plot of the film follows Loretta Castorini, a woman who becomes engaged to Johnny Cammareri, played by Danny Aiello. However, things become complicated when Loretta meets Ronny Cammareri, Johnny's estranged brother, and falls in love with him. The film explores the complexities of the relationships between the characters, and features a range of dramatic and comedic moments. The movie also touches on themes of family and identity, particularly in the context of the Italian-American community, and features references to La Bohème and Puccini. The film's plot is also influenced by the works of William Shakespeare, particularly A Midsummer Night's Dream and Romeo and Juliet.

Production

The production of the film was handled by Norman Jewison and Patrick Palmer, and was released by MGM in 1987. The film was shot on location in New York City and Toronto, and features a range of iconic landmarks, including the Brooklyn Bridge and Times Square. The film's score was composed by Dick Hyman, and the cinematography was handled by David Watkin. The film's cast, including Cher, Nicolas Cage, and Olympia Dukakis, was assembled by Norman Jewison and Patrick Palmer, and features a range of talented actors, including Vincent Gardenia, Danny Aiello, and Anita Gillette. The film's production was also influenced by the works of Francis Ford Coppola, particularly The Godfather and Apocalypse Now.

Cast

The cast of the film includes Cher as Loretta Castorini, Nicolas Cage as Ronny Cammareri, Vincent Gardenia as Cosmo Castorini, and Olympia Dukakis as Rose Castorini. The film also features a range of talented supporting actors, including Danny Aiello as Johnny Cammareri, Anita Gillette as Mona, and Louis Guss as Raymond Cappomaggi. The cast's performances were widely praised by critics, with Cher and Nicolas Cage receiving particular acclaim for their portrayals of Loretta and Ronny. The film's cast also includes Feodor Chaliapin Jr. as Old Man, and features cameos by Julie Bovasso and Catherine Scorsese.

Reception

The film received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising the performances of the cast, particularly Cher and Nicolas Cage. The film was also a commercial success, grossing over $80 million at the box office and becoming one of the highest-grossing films of 1987. The film's success can be attributed to the talents of its cast and crew, including Norman Jewison, John Patrick Shanley, and Dick Hyman. The film's reception was also influenced by the cultural context of the time, particularly the rise of Italian-American culture and the popularity of films such as The Godfather and Goodfellas. The film has since become a classic of American cinema, and continues to be widely admired and studied by film scholars and enthusiasts, including those at University of California, Los Angeles and New York University.

Awards_and_nominations

The film received several awards and nominations, including three Academy Awards and four Golden Globe Awards. Cher won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Loretta Castorini, while Olympia Dukakis won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Rose Castorini. The film was also nominated for Academy Award for Best Picture, Academy Award for Best Director, and Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. The film's success at the Academy Awards was a major milestone in the careers of its cast and crew, and helped to establish Cher and Nicolas Cage as major stars in Hollywood. The film's awards and nominations also include recognition from the Screen Actors Guild, the Directors Guild of America, and the Writers Guild of America.

Category:American romantic comedy films