Scripted by the late Adrienne Shelly, Serious Moonlight is much more than a film. Starring Meg Ryan and Timothy Hutton, the feature rebirths the charismatic soft-tone comedy that Shelly was so good at capturing. Her untimely death shortly before the release of Waitress placed a large question mark on this project, and though it is far from perfect, I am still pleased with its natural fruition.
In the film, Timothy Hutton plays Ian, an advertising executive who is finally giving up his double life of intimacy and ending his 13-year marriage to Louise in favor for the much younger Sarah. But when he drops the news to Louise, played by Meg Ryan, she doesn't react as one might expect. Instead, she tapes her man to a toilet so that they can work on their troubled marriage and find a fairy tale ending. But when Louise goes to the market for some groceries, the events that follow could only belong in a nightmare - or in some cases, a dream.
In a sense, Serious Moonlight only features four notable characters. Sure there are three additional ones that get a combined ten lines or so, but in all honesty, the film could have been accomplished with just four. And while many films would fail to keep the story alive with such few bodies, the style actually helped this film reach its peak.
Meg Ryan and Timothy Hutton do a fantastic job together; though I would never see the two paired together in real life. Their arguments seemed natural, and Ryan's psycho turn was nothing short of humorous - a feat that looked to the intention from the get-go. Kristen Bell and Justin Long add some key supporting work in the later stages of the film, though it becomes quite clear from the beginning that this is Ryan and Hutton's time to shine.
The soft comedy, intermixed with serious drama, helps to give the film a unique edge - though not a terribly unique one I am afraid. While certain aspects of the story and characters are funny and addicting, for the most part, the film is straight-forward and predictable.
The film's miniscule budget often comes into play, and it is unfortunate. Granted I have a high respect for studios that can compile a noteworthy film out of hardly any money, and that is nearly accomplished here. But many takes look to be 'manageable' as some actions seemed out of place and awkward around the other stars - most obvious with the entrance of Kristen Bell.
The R-rating was highly unnecessary given the plot, and I feel that the commercial success of the feature will be vastly hurt as an effect. The F-bombs could have easily been removed, and allowed for a fun and exhilarating PG-13 experience - much like 2006's Waitress.
Cheryl Hines did a good job in her directorial debut, taking over for the late Shelly. Her camera work showed signs of a first-time director as the frame shots lacked any real edge or personality; however, for the story, her work was satisfactory. But even with the final result being decent, I can't imagine how the film would have turned out had Shelly been given the opportunity to direct it herself. Hines should be proud for her interpretation of her late friend's screenplay, but there is simply no replacing a creative mind like Shelly. It is just impossible.
