In terms of ethnic Italian looks, I think it would be difficult, to pinpoint an actress that would have this 'real' look—whatever it is—and have the skill and box office clout, to help pull it off. Cher does have a mix of all sorts in her, which does give her some ethnic flavour. I think Davis and Weaver, could have pulled off this look too. We may have also got a stronger, more nuanced performance, if one of these ladies was cast.
Cher, apparently pushed for Cage, for the Ronny role, or she was going to walk. She appeared to have more clout, than what we might have been aware of.
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InherentlyYours
9 years ago
Geena Davis looks as Italian to me as Field, though. A young Anne Bacncroft/ Suzanne Pleshette would have done. With Cher, as usual, things fall right into her lap just like she expects them to, and always will.
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rascal67
9 years ago
With Cher, as usual, things fall right into her lap just like she expects them to, and always will.
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Cher's moment of glory, was in the 80's. She doesn't have an extensive filmography after MERMAIDS-90'. Had 7 features from 82-90', then she sort of just petered out. She was very fortunate to win her Oscar and if there is to be blame assigned for her win, then that would come down to eligible academy voters and not really Cher. If the film had been filmed and released a year earlier 86', when the contenders weren't as strong as 87' and she was to be nominated and win, then it may seem more fitting. Wait! She may still have had Matlin's sentimental vote, to contend with.
As for casting and being realistic as to who was ideal around the time it was filmed, I think Davis would have been a better choice than Field, although Shanley did write the script with Field in mind.
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InherentlyYours
9 years ago
Actually, Sally Field reminds me of Valerie Bertinelli--who is Italian. So, maybe Field would work as a non-ethnic Italian. Who knows.
Cher says she lost interest in making films. I don't know if that's the real reason, or they lost interest in her. She turned down a few roles (as you know) that became hits. I thought she was more nuanced in Suspect than Moostruck, but Cher quotes she thought she could have better in Suspect
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rascal67
9 years ago
The popularity of MOONSTRUCK, rested on Cher's shoulders and it's success is largely due to her presence. Her nomination, would have also been recognition of this. That is where it should have stayed. That said, I enjoy watching MOONSTRUCK and find it an entertaining mood lifter.
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InherentlyYours
9 years ago
Olympia Dukakis is the one I though was one-note (the tough Italian lady, we get it)
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rascal67
9 years ago
Dukakis was fine. She had some of the best lines and while I do find her a little smug, she worked in well with the rest of the ensemble.
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InherentlyYours
9 years ago
I just had a revelation of sorts: how could they dare not consider Streep for Moonstuck?
~~"hehe, Look Ethel, I'm a 'fur stylist' and a casting director"
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rascal67
9 years ago
I just had a revelation of sorts: how could they dare not consider Streep for Moonstuck?
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Since Streep and Cher are friends, she probably didn't want to move in on her besties territory. Otherwise Streep, may have steam-rolled over this one. She was competing with Cher, at the awards for this year. She probably voted for her too.
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