Shoot The Moon (1982)

A successful writer (Albert Finney) and his wife (Diane Keaton) appear on the surface to have it all. But when their marriage falls apart because of his infidelity, it opens wounds that seem impossible to heal. Directed by Alan Parker (MIDNIGHT EXPRESS), this is one of the most dynamic films about a marriage gone bad ever made. I'm not an admirer of Alan Parker as a director. His films vary from okay to bad but he's never impressed me except for this gem. He has a great script by Bo Goldman (MELVIN AND HOWARD) and as a director, he stays out of its way and allow Finney and Keaton to suck up every bit of juice they can get out of their roles. While Keaton is absolutely terrific, the film belongs to Finney who gives one of those searing performances that has you holding your breath lest he make a wrong move. He doesn't. The film eschews the manipulative sentiment of something like KRAMER VS. KRAMER. This one doesn't aim for the tear ducts, it aims for the jugular and it's a visceral and raw rollercoaster. The only scene I had some problems with was the restaurant scene which seemed somewhat contrived. With some excellent work by Dana Hill as their emotionally conflicted daughter and Peter Weller as Keaton's new squeeze. With Karen Allen, Leora Dana, George Murdock and Tracey Gold.