Peggy Sue Got Married - is described as a "humorous,
heartfelt fantasy," which gives the character, Peggy Sue,
the incredible power to reexperience, reappraise, and possibly
change her past, doing all the evaluating through the experienced
eyes of a 36 year old woman; which is a golden opportunity that
almost all have wished for, at least once. After collapsing
at her 25th high school reunion, a heart-sick, 36 year old business
woman, about to be divorced from her former high school sweet
heart, travels 18 years back in time, where she has an unexpected
reunion with her family, friends, & her then sweetheart
boyfriend.
Besides having the opportunity to be with her
loved ones again, and tell them how much they mean to her, and
fully appreciate their love and support of her, she also faces
unique time warp opportunities to change the choices she once
made, and perhaps alter her present life. Should she still continue
in a relationship with Charlie, knowing the future problems
their marriage would have, and that he won't be a faithful,
stellar husband? Can she help him turn out differently? Should
she have a "fling" with the school poet-quoting loner,
that she always regretted not exploring? Should she help the
school science genius on his way to his future inventions? By
the end of the movie, Peggy Sue realizes that individuals alone
are responsible for their own destiny, has an appreciation for
the events and people in her life, and develops a clear sense
of what to change, and what to let stand in her present life.
Kathleen Turner does a marvelous job, playing
both the older and younger Peggy Sue, making the transition
from a mature, emotionally crushed, but strong 36 year old to
a youthful, 17 year old girl, "evoking total audience sympathy
at both stages of her life."
Nicholas Cage offers a strong, inciteful portrayal
of Charlie, both as Peggy Sue's philandering husband, as well
as a very confused teenager, who can't figure out this changed
Peggy Sue, who just the other day was his "naive, pure,
doting girlfriend, " who was now acting like an experienced,
realistic woman of another generation. Cage is also terrific
in the teenage singing group, his character was involved in.
This well-written, witty, sharply poignant
script, written by Jerry Leichtling and Arlene Sarner is a powerful
combination of a comedy, fantasy, and drama, and is a masterpiece,
that is perfectly directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The music,
by John Barry, really adds to the overall film.
My favorite scenes include the many Cage &
Turner moments, Turner's experiences in her classes, Turner's
scenes with the genius Richard Norvik, (Barry Miller),Turner's
scenes with the grandparents, her friends and family, and the
emotional, touching ending.
While watching this endearing , funny film,
be prepared to laugh, to reflect & think, and have a box
of Kleenex close by.
Music Composed and Conducted by: John Barry.
Edited by: Barry Malkin. Production Designer: Dean Tavoularis.
Director of Photography: Jordan Cronenweth, A.S.C. Executive
Producer: Barrie M.Osborne. Produced by: Paul R. Gurian. Written
by: Jerry Leichting and Arlene Sarner. Directed by: Francis
Coppola.
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