Moonstruck is a movie that I'm just glad exists. Look at all it did for us: 1) it provided the most fun rom-com charisma of the late '80s (take THAT, When Harry Met Sally); 2) it gave Cher a role that suited her signature brassiness and her vulnerability; 3) It made Nicolas Cage sexy; 4) It made Olympia Dukakis bankable; 5) it gave us an insane Cher Oscar moment that I'll discuss momentarily.
But first, let's discuss the movie. It's been 25 years since John Patrick Shanley's brilliant comic script dazzled us, and believe it or not I have a hard time picking out a favorite moment, even if Cher's "Snap out of it!" has as hefty a cultural presence as "I Got You Babe."
Since I have a fondness for Best Supporting Actresses, I'll pick this classic Olympia Dukakis moment where she declares, "Your life is going down the toilet" with the fury of 20 Bea Arthurs stuffed into one glowing, silver-haired Jane Alexander. It's also important to note that my drag name -- should I ever choose to open a cabaret act -- is Olympia Bukkakis.
Now, Oscars: What an insane year for Best Actress. In 1987, Cher recouped after missing out on her Mask nomination in '85, Meryl chimed in with a movie that I'm almost positive doesn't exist (Ironweed), Glenn Close strutted up with her most famous performance in Fatal Attraction, Holly Hunter turned out one of the greatest and most convincing comic performances ever in Broadcast News, and Sally Kirkland had superfly hair. It's so much fun to watch each of Cher's competitors' faces as she's announced the winner. Glenn Close can barely stomach that fifth loss; she'd just sat down with Barbara Walters and admitted she felt she deserved the win.
You've gotta give it up to Cher for calling Meryl Streep "Mary Louise." And you've got to question her for calling Silkwood her first movie. Do Robert Altman and Sandy Dennis mean nothing to you, Sarkisian?
What's your favorite Moonstruck moment?
