Shoot the Moon 1982
Directed by
Alan Parker
Made by
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Shoot the Moon (1982). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
In the sun-drenched valleys of Marin County, California, writer George Dunlap (George Murdock) alongside his wife Faith (Diane Keaton) makes their home in a meticulously restored farmhouse. They are blessed with four daughters: Sherry, Jill, Marianne, and Molly. As George is set to attend an awards banquet in his honor, he receives a secretive call from Sandy, a single mother entangled in a clandestine affair with him. Unbeknownst to them, their eldest daughter, Sherry (Tracey Gold), overhears their conversation, setting off a chain of emotional events.
The next day, as the children head off to school, Faith’s growing suspicions about George’s infidelity begin to boil over. Despite George’s efforts to ease her concerns, he ultimately chooses to leave the family home for his beachside retreat. The girls still visit him on weekends, however, their interactions with Sandy are fraught with complication, as she views them as an unwanted reminder of George’s responsibilities.
In the depths of her sorrow, Faith finds companionship in Frank Henderson (Albert Finney), the contractor building a tennis court on their estate. Meanwhile, George spirals into desperation, frequently trying to return to the farmhouse to give Sherry her birthday gift: a typewriter. Tensions mount when Faith denies him entrance, prompting him to lash out violently by breaking down the door and overpowering her to regain access.
As darkness envelops the night, George’s unpredictable demeanor escalates, leading to a physical confrontation with Sherry. Despite the intervention of her sisters, George stands firm until Sherry threatens him with scissors, a moment that compels Molly (Tina Yothers) to diffuse the situation, enabling Faith to comfort their troubled daughter while George retreats in shame.
Navigating the turbulent waters of divorce, George and Faith clash over joint custody of their children in court. When Faith shares the heartbreaking news of her father’s hospitalization, neither of them acknowledges the gravity of their failing marriage. However, following her father’s demise, the family is left to confront the aftermath of their choices.
After the funeral, George encounters Faith at a restaurant, and their ensuing dialogue ignites with tension; they both express their longing and resentment towards one another in a heated exchange, culminating in a passionate hook-up at the hotel where Faith and the girls are staying. Yet, following this fiery encounter, Faith’s request for George to leave her room starkly contrasts with their previous vulnerability, leaving an atmosphere fraught with unresolved emotions.
As the completion of the tennis court approaches, an outdoor gathering is organized by Faith and Frank, yet Sherry finds herself grappling with her own distress about her mother’s actions. In a moment of rebellion, she decides to leave the event, seeking refuge at George’s beach house. There, she discovers him engaged in a game with Sandy and her son. A chance encounter leads to a heartfelt moment between George and Sherry as he gifts her the long-desired typewriter, reigniting their bond.
In subsequent days, George takes Sherry back to the farmhouse for Faith’s tennis court celebration, where he feigns camaraderie with Frank while harboring a deep-seated rage. This façade quickly crumbles as George, unable to contain his fury, wrecks Frank’s newly constructed tennis court in a fit of destructive rage. This reckless act provokes Frank into a brutal attack on George, leaving him battered as their children rush to console their injured father. In that despairing moment, George reaches out for Faith, embodying the tangled emotions and unresolved tensions that have built up around them.
Timeline
Track the key events of Shoot the Moon (1982) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
The Dunlap Family at Home
In the sun-drenched valleys of Marin County, writer George Dunlap and his wife Faith create a loving home filled with their four daughters: Sherry, Jill, Marianne, and Molly. Their meticulously restored farmhouse serves as a nurturing environment, but underlying tensions are about to surface.
George's Secret Call
As George prepares to attend an awards banquet, he receives a secretive call from Sandy, a single mother with whom he is having an affair. Unbeknownst to him, their eldest daughter Sherry overhears the conversation, setting off a chain of emotional turmoil within the family.
Faith's Growing Suspicions
Faith's suspicions about George's fidelity deepen after Sherry reveals what she heard. Despite George's attempts to reassure her, the tension escalates, leading George to decide to leave the family home for a while to find solace at his beachside retreat.
Weekend Visits and Complications
Although the girls visit George during weekends, their encounters with Sandy become increasingly strained. Sandy feels threatened by the presence of the children, who serve as a constant reminder of George's existing responsibilities.
Faith Finds Companionship
In the midst of her despair over the crumbling marriage, Faith begins to find companionship in Frank Henderson, the contractor working on the tennis court in their backyard. This relationship complicates her feelings toward George, intensifying the emotional stakes.
George's Desperate Attempts
George struggles with the separation and tries to return home to give Sherry her birthday gift, a typewriter. When Faith denies him access, his frustration culminates in a violent outburst as he breaks down the door, asserting his need to see his children.
Confrontation with Sherry
During a heated moment, George confronts Sherry, leading to a physical altercation that frightens the girls. In a desperate attempt to assert herself, Sherry threatens George with scissors, prompting Molly to intervene and restore a fragile sense of safety.
Court Battle and Family Struggles
As the divorce unfolds, George and Faith clash fiercely over joint custody of their daughters in court. The emotional strain becomes palpable as neither party fully recognizes the depth of their marital issues when Faith receives news about her ailing father.
The Father's Funeral
Following Faith's father's passing, the family must navigate their grief while confronting the aftermath of their choices. The funeral serves as a grim backdrop for their ongoing struggles, highlighting unresolved feelings between George and Faith.
Heated Exchange at the Restaurant
After the funeral, George and Faith meet at a restaurant, leading to a highly charged conversation filled with longings and resentments. Their dialogue escalates into a passionate encounter at the hotel where Faith and the girls are staying, revealing their complex emotions.
Tennis Court Celebration
As the tennis court construction nears completion, Faith and Frank host an outdoor gathering. However, Sherry, troubled by her family's developments, opts to leave in search of comfort, reflecting her turmoil amid the celebratory atmosphere.
Sherry's Discovery
Sherry seeks refuge at George's beach house, where she unexpectedly finds him enjoying a game with Sandy and her son. This moment leads to a heartfelt reconciliation between George and Sherry, who gifts her the long-desired typewriter, rekindling their bond.
George's Rage Unleashed
During Faith's tennis court celebration, George's facade collapses as he feigns friendship with Frank. In a moment of sudden fury, he destroys Frank's completed tennis court, sparking a violent confrontation between the two men.
Aftermath of the Fight
The violent clash leaves George battered and bruised, prompting their children to rush to his side. In that moment of vulnerability, George reaches out for Faith, symbolizing the tangled emotions and unresolved issues that continue to haunt their relationship.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Shoot the Moon (1982) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
George Dunlap (George Murdock)
George is a complex character, torn between his family obligations and his desires. His initial charm is tainted by selfishness and an inability to confront his issues openly. As his circumstances unravel, George's erratic behavior leads to violence and emotion-fueled decisions that alienate him from his family.
Faith (Diane Keaton)
Faith epitomizes the struggles of a devoted wife facing betrayal. Torn between her love for George and the painful reality of his infidelity, she seeks solace and companionship outside her marriage. Her journey portrays a woman grappling with loss, sorrow, and the quest for independence amidst chaos.
Sherry (Tracey Gold)
As the eldest daughter, Sherry is acutely aware of the tensions surrounding her parents’ marriage. Her experience of overhearing George's infidelity pushes her into a role of protector for her sisters. Her character illustrates the impact of adult problems on children, showcasing her internal struggles amid familial chaos.
Frank Henderson (Albert Finney)
Frank serves as a secondary support system for Faith, embodying her search for emotional solace. Despite his intentions, Frank's involvement complicates both his life and Faith's, revealing how new relationships can ripple through existing familial ties. His character represents a blend of support and conflict in the wake of divorce.
Molly (Tina Yothers)
Molly is one of George and Faith's daughters, who navigates the chaos of her family with innocence. Displaying maturity beyond her years, she plays a pivotal role in managing her siblings during moments of conflict. Her character’s empathetic nature highlights the sensitivities of children caught in adult conflicts.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Shoot the Moon (1982), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The movie does not specify a distinct time period but captures the emotional complexities of familial relationships in contemporary society. Themes of divorce, infidelity, and the challenges of parenthood are central to the narrative, reflecting issues that resonate with audiences regardless of era.
Location
Marin County, California, Beachside Retreat
The movie is set in the sun-drenched valleys of Marin County, California, known for its picturesque landscapes and affluent suburban lifestyle. The main setting is a meticulously restored farmhouse, representing the family's history and memories. The contrast between the farmhouse and the beachside retreat symbolizes the emotional distance growing within the family.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Shoot the Moon (1982). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Divorce
The movie explores the painful and often chaotic process of divorce, particularly how it affects the children involved. George and Faith’s tumultuous relationship and their struggles for joint custody highlight the emotional upheaval that accompanies marital breakdown. The aftermath of their choices reverberates through their family, showcasing the lasting impact of separation.
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Family Dynamics
Family dynamics play a crucial role in the narrative, illustrating the struggles between parents and children amid the fallout of infidelity and separation. The siblings' interactions reveal their attempts to navigate their father's erratic behavior and their mother's sorrow. This theme highlights the resilience and vulnerabilities of family bonds during turbulent times.
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Betrayal
Betrayal is a pervasive theme that manifests through George's infidelity and the subsequent emotional turmoil it creates. Faith's growing suspicions and the complexities of her relationship with Frank complicate the healing process. The film captures the notion that betrayal can fracture not just romantic ties but familial relationships as well.
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