Moonlight Mile

Synopsis: It’s New England in the early '70’s and Joe Nast (Jake Gyllenhaal) finds himself dressing for the funeral of his fiancee, when he should have been dressing for their wedding. Ben Floss (Dustin Hoffman) and his wife JoJo (Susan Sarandon) have their own ways of dealing with the grief of losing their only daughter, Diana, on the eve of what should have been her special day. So much should have been, and in the event of attempting to turn an unwanted future into something bearable, stories unfold and hearts break open.

I think Brad Silberling wants us to understand that grief comes in many shapes and sizes. That it doesn’t have to look a certain way. He achieves this largely through the contribution of a fine cast. Dustin Hoffman gives us Ben, who copes by going on as if nothing has happened. Susan Sarandon, as JoJo, expresses her cynicism at the idea that anyone could possibly understand what they are going through. Jake Gyllenhaal inhabits Joe. Joe walks around in a daze, eager to please anyone who is willing to point him in any direction, at least then he will have some hold on the future. On the sidelines Bertie Knox (Ellen Pompeo) keeps her grief close to her chest, with the hope that one day her boyfriend just might return from Vietnam.

This is a sentimental film. Have you noticed how this word is mostly used in a derogatory way? I looked up the meaning of sentimental. " Showing or affected by emotion rather than reason" Using this definition, then Moonlight Mile falls into this category. There are one or two scenes where I needed tissues to wipe the tears from my eyes. Funny thing is, I can’t remember which scenes they were. Using reason, you might assume, this is sure proof of emotional manipulation. Another interpretation could be that I was moved at a level that is beyond my rational mind.

Why go on about this? Basically, I trust the actors. Especially Jake Gyllenhaal. He’s earnest, and maybe idealistic, but when he has been quoted as saying: "Most mainstream films are propaganda: they make you less aware of what's going on in the world ", it makes sense to give him, and the film, the benefit of the doubt. There are most definitely problems with the script. It does feel contrived. Comments made early in the film are brought back later to show how characters have grown in a way that is all too neat. However there is also sweetness and there are touching moments and a great soundtrack.

Don’t dismiss it for the failings of the writer/director, maybe he was that little bit too close to the subject. Enjoy it for its tender heart and impressive performances.

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