i luv cinema

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Tumblr
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Home
  • 100 “Must-See”
  • About Me
Home Overlooked Films Tuesday’s Overlooked: The Man in the Moon (1991)

March 13, 2012 By iluvcinema 8 Comments

Tuesday’s Overlooked: The Man in the Moon (1991)

Directed by Robert Mulligan (To Kill a Mockingbird), The Man in the Moon marked the feature film debut of one Reese Witherspoon. Set in the Louisiana backwater of the 1950s, it is a coming of age story that is both tender and touching.

In short, during the summer of 1957, 14-year old Dani (Witherspoon) finds herself at first repulsed by and then attracted to her neighbor, Court (Jason London). As she comes to terms with her feelings, betrayal and tragedy take hold, leaving Dani devastated.

If there is a criticism I have noticed has been launched upon the movie, it has to do with audience manipulation when the story takes some fateful and tragic turns. Personally, I was okay with these, as it seems to be common convention for films of this genre.

Another reason that this film has a positive effect on me is that I was a similar age as Reese and her character when I first saw it. So in many ways, it feels like a part of my own ‘coming-of-age.’

As previously mentioned, this was Witherspoon’s first film. She handles the role with an assurance and confidence that far surpasses her years. Her performance is hers alone, but is obviously bolstered by Tess Harper and Sam Waterston, who were great in their performance as her parents. In what would be his last film, director Robert Mulligan proved once again his ability to be an effective storyteller, like he had done in so many films in years past.

The film is beautifully shot and whenever I think of it, it reminds me of a lazy, bright summer’s day with lemonade in hand; in many ways it is almost lyrical.

 


Be sure to visit Todd Mason’s blog, Sweet Freedom for more ‘overlooked’ titles as well as a few other interesting bits 🙂

Filed Under: Overlooked Films Tagged With: coming of age drama, louisiana, reese witherspoon, robert mulligan, sam waterston, tess harper, the man in the moon

Comments

  1. ruth says

    March 13, 2012 at 12:07 pm

    I felt like I saw this but I probably haven’t as I don’t remember any of it, ahah. I do remember this being Reese’s debut and that she was very good in it.
    ruth recently posted..Weekend Roundup: SENNA & Breaking DawnMy Profile

    Reply
    • iluvcinema says

      March 13, 2012 at 12:52 pm

      Quite possible that this just flew by. It is one of those films that you could have watched and not remembered. It resonated with me because of when I saw it and where I was 🙂
      iluvcinema recently posted..Tuesday’s Overlooked: The Man in the Moon (1991)My Profile

      Reply
      • ruth says

        March 14, 2012 at 3:32 pm

        Oh, I forgot to say that given it’s directed by TKAM’s Robert Mulligan, it’s got to be good! 🙂
        ruth recently posted..FlixChatter Interview: ‘Lambent Fuse’ director Matt CiciMy Profile

        Reply
        • iluvcinema says

          March 15, 2012 at 7:39 am

          Yes indeed!

  2. Scott Lawlor says

    March 14, 2012 at 4:35 am

    I haven’t even heard of this film. But I guess that this is the point of the series huh? Thanks for highlighting this one to me. Witherspoon is SOOO young in it aw bless.
    Scott Lawlor recently posted..FRC Feature – Firepower on ScreenMy Profile

    Reply
    • iluvcinema says

      March 14, 2012 at 1:44 pm

      🙂 She is a peach isn’t she?
      It is a bit hyperbolic but if you like To Kill A Mockingbird you might like this one.
      iluvcinema recently posted..Friends with Kids (2012)My Profile

      Reply
  3. danyulengelke says

    August 22, 2014 at 2:40 pm

    Great review!

    We’re linking to your article for Robert Mulligan Friday at SeminalCinemaOutfit.com

    Keep up the good work!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Robert Mulligan Friday – Watch: ‘The Man in The Moon’ (1991) | Seminal Cinema Outfit says:
    August 22, 2014 at 8:29 pm

    […] excerpt from the review at […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

Search

Recommended Read

Captain of Her Own Soul

UC Press

Added to My Video Library

Imitation of Life (1934)

Centers of Film Study

  • JBFC
  • MoMA Film Screenings
  • The Picture House
  • University of California Press (Cinema and Media Texts)

Fast Film Resources

  • Alfred Hitchcock Wiki
  • Alfred Hitchcock-Master of Suspense
  • Film | The Guardian
  • Kermode & Mayo's Film Reviews
  • Park Circus
  • Rotten Tomatoes
  • The Internet Movie Database
  • Tribeca Film

Film Societies

  • BAMcinématek
  • Film Society of Lincoln Center

This is How We Blogroll

  • BBC Film: The Bulletin
  • Cinematic Corner
  • Comet Over Hollywood
  • Critical Women on Film
  • FlixChatter
  • Future of Flim (Tribeca Film Blog)
  • in so many words …
  • Kermode's Film Blog
  • Paula's Cinema Club
  • Roger Ebert
  • Sobriety Test Movie Reviews
  • Superhero Movie Talk
  • Sweet Freedom

Archives

Tweets by @iluvcinema
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact iluvcinema
totalfilm600movieblogs

[footer_backtotop]

Copyright © 2025, iluvcinema ·Streamline Pro Theme · Genesis Framework by StudioPress · WordPress · Log in