Moonlight and Valentino

Moonlight and Valentino is a 1995 sentimental, touching and comedic drama, designed to resonate keenly with anyone who has experienced the depths of profound loss, and the subsequent struggle to rediscover meaning and joy. This film weaves an emotionally resonant story about loss, grief, self-discovery and the enduring power of friendship. With big screen legends like Elizabeth Perkins, Whoopi Goldberg, and Kathleen Turner leading the cast, the film is rich in performances that swing naturally between earthy humor and touchingly quiet moments of shared pain and support.

Elizabeth Perkins plays Rebecca Lott, a poet and English teacher with a creatively satisfying life that gets shattered when her adored husband suddenly dies. Still relatively young and financially unindependent, Rebecca becomes a widow, struggling to come to terms with the abrupt void in her life. The film does an excellent job of chronicling Rebecca's early journey through her new world of grief, realistically fluctuating between moments of lucidity and times of deep despair, as the life she once knew seems irrevocably altered.

Further characters include Rebecca's sisters. Whoopi Goldberg delivers a poignant and humorous performance as Sylvie Morrow, Rebecca's upbeat, witty, and slightly meddlesome sister who attempts to lighten the mood with her comedic banter while offering support. Kathleen Turner, on the other hand, takes on the character of Alberta Russell, their more practical and somewhat headstrong sister who advocates for Rebecca to take charge of her life and move forward despite her agony.

The narrative expertly weaves in the essence of sisterhood and friendship as the grieving process progresses. These women with distinct personalities all rally around Rebecca, helping her through the appalling reality of her husband’s demise, despite often not knowing how best to support Rebecca or manage their grief.

The title Moonlight and Valentino doesn't just hold a whimsical feel, but also introduces a pivotal character to the story: a young, handsome house painter named 'The Painter', charmingly portrayed by Jon Bon Jovi. He arrives to paint Rebecca's house and embodies the 'Valentino' aspect of the title, bringing a sense of unexpected softness and romance to the emotionally charged atmosphere.

On a technical level, Moonlight and Valentino shines with director David Anspaugh's ability to balance oppressive grief with life's more amusing, awkward incidents. His direction teases out strong performances from the entire ensemble, allowing them to portray their characters with grace, charm, and an organic feeling of camaraderie that only intensifies as the movie advances.

The film also reveals a beautifully depicted suburban New England setting that offers the perfect stage for this poignant drama. Cinematographer Julio Macat captures stunningly composed shots that filled with beautiful autumn hues, offering a visually pleasing look. The atmospheric soundtrack offers an assortment of songs that superbly accentuates the mood of each scene.

Written by Ellen Simon, daughter of legendary playwright Neil Simon, Moonlight and Valentino is peppered with heartfelt and witty dialogue that is equal parts profound and entertaining. Simon's touch guides the narrative, effortlessly marrying moments of heart-wrenching sadness with light-hearted levity.

Moonlight and Valentino is not just a film about losing a loved one, but a profound exploration of female relationships and the therapeutic act of collective grieving. This movie provides an empathetic look into the process of picking up the shattered pieces of life and mending it with friendship, support, and resilience. Therefore, it serves as a sincere testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the unyielding support that sisterhood and friendship provide during life's harshest trials.

Moonlight and Valentino is a film filled with both laughter and tears, and it encourages viewers to deeply explore the sweet, heartbreaking, yet strangely hopeful corners of the human experience. Importantly, this 1995 drama is a richly rewarding watch, filled with commendable performances, an introspective storyline, and expertly crafted characters that will remain with viewers long after the credits roll.