MovieChat Forums > Shoot the Moon (1982) Discussion > The tennis court--a metaphor

The tennis court--a metaphor

posted 15 years ago by Katz5
6 replies | jump to latest

The tennis court as a metaphor for the marriage? I will listen to Parker and Goldman's commentary but I think it is.

Spoilers:

That tennis court seemed to serve as a metaphor for George and Faith's marriage--the foundation is laid soon after George walks out. George complains to Faith later that the foundation is "s--t" and the tennis court will not be functional because of the clay in the soil under the court. The tennis court is built while Faith and Frank begin their affair, and is demolished by George at the end when (seemingly) George and Faith get back together.

Other thoughts?

DICK JONES! I WORK FOR DICK JONES!

[–] mmitsos-1 15 years ago

I never really thought of it as a metaphor for their marriage. However, George demolishes it because her lover built it, and George wanted to destroy whatever relationship she was having with the lover (forgot his name now), and did so vicariously by destroying the tennis court.

[–] zurichpoet 14 years ago

While I liked the movie, the ending and the tennis court: both were a bit ridiculous.

I didn’t get the tennis court to start. She didn’t seem like a tennis player. And George looked like a one set heart attack.

As the building of it out in the open like that in a valley: why was there was no windscreen on the fence? It would be impossible to play a few sets on that court without double faulting being how most points were scored. This would drive any normal insane.

Having them try to play a match of tennis and being unable to get a single serve in play would have been a subtler and more realistic ending, and more about the problems of these people: their unfeasible relationship with reality.

[–] Stirchley 12 years ago

Having them try to play a match of tennis and being unable to get a single serve in play would have been a subtler and more realistic ending

The movie wasn't about playing tennis. Your suggested ending would make no sense.

The movie had to end with Frank and George beating the crap out of each other. George wanted to destroy what Frank had built (literally and metaphorically). Frank then wanted to hurt George real bad for destroying his work.

[–] nutsberryfarm 11 years ago

also dunlop is a tennis equipment manufacturer.

Season's Greetings

[–] dave4248185 8 years ago

That could be true. The title of the film is also a HUGE metaphor. George tells Sherry he was playing the card game 'Hearts' with Sandy and her family. Sherry asks "Did you 'shoot the moon?" For those who don't play hearts "Shooting the Moon" is a bold strategy that can have a great payoff if it works but is VERY risky. If one of the other players foils your strategy (which in many cases is easy if they're paying attention) then the negative points you accumulate all but knock you out of the game. That's essentially what George did by leaving his wife and kids for another woman. He was trying to 'Shoot the Moon.' If all goes well he's very happy but he's playing with fire and his kids could very easily be left devastated.

[–] Pacer88 (232) 2 years ago

Great observation. Destroying the tennis court could also be shooting the moon. A huge risk with a huge payoff if he gets his wife and family back. Nothing but horrible consequences if he doesn't.