Great Movies : From the French Riviera to the Heart: Why Under the Cherry Moon Is a Hidden Gem in Prince’s Legacy

From the French Riviera to the Heart: Why Under the Cherry Moon Is a Hidden Gem in Prince’s Legacy

Under the Cherry Moon (1986)
Director: Prince
Starring: Prince, Kristin Scott Thomas, Steven Berkoff
Genre: Musical, Drama, Romance
Run Time: 116 minutes
Rating: PG

Overview:

Under the Cherry Moon is Prince’s second feature film, following the critical and commercial success of his debut movie, Purple Rain (1984). Directed by Prince himself, this 1986 film combines romance, drama, and musical elements, set against the picturesque backdrop of the French Riviera. Under the Cherry Moon is an eccentric and visually striking piece, though it was met with mixed reviews upon its release. Despite this, the film has garnered a cult following over the years, thanks in part to Prince’s unique vision, unforgettable soundtrack, and its status as a quintessential 1980s movie.

The film’s plot revolves around Christopher Tracy (Prince), a charming and suave pianist and con artist who falls in love with a wealthy woman, Mary Sharon (Kristin Scott Thomas). Tracy, along with his sidekick, Tricky (Steven Berkoff), tries to scam Mary out of her fortune, but his feelings for her begin to complicate the plan. As the romance develops, Tracy must confront his own emotions, and the story takes a turn toward tragedy, with themes of love, fate, and self-discovery at its core.

Plot Summary:

Set in the glamorous, sun-drenched world of the French Riviera, Under the Cherry Moon follows Christopher Tracy (Prince), a smooth-talking pianist with a penchant for conning rich women. Tracy and his friend Tricky (Steven Berkoff) work as hired musicians at a luxury hotel, using their charm to seduce and manipulate the wealthy women they meet, extracting money from them in the process.

Tracy’s life takes a turn when he meets Mary Sharon (Kristin Scott Thomas), the beautiful daughter of a wealthy businessman. Tracy is initially drawn to Mary as part of his usual scam, but over time, he finds himself falling genuinely in love with her. Mary is engaged to a man she doesn’t love, and though she is initially skeptical of Tracy's intentions, their chemistry grows undeniable. As Tracy begins to confront his feelings and rethink his life, the story’s tone shifts to one of deeper emotional stakes and tragic irony.

The film’s emotional tension builds as Tracy grapples with his past choices, his feelings for Mary, and the consequences of his actions. As the plot unfolds, the film veers into more dramatic, somber territory, culminating in a tragic, bittersweet ending that both defies and reinforces the central themes of love and fate.

Why Under the Cherry Moon is Worth Watching:

1. Prince’s Vision and Unique Directorial Style
   Prince, known for his boundary-pushing music and visuals, brings a distinctive artistic vision to Under the Cherry Moon. The film is a reflection of his eclectic personality, blending musical fantasy with drama and romance. It’s a visually stylized film, filled with dreamlike sequences, symbolic imagery, and dramatic lighting choices that evoke a sense of otherworldliness. The use of black-and-white cinematography gives the film a timeless, almost surreal quality, furthering its mystique and making it visually captivating.
2. Iconic 1980s Aesthetic
   Under the Cherry Moon is a quintessential 1980s movie, and its visual aesthetic reflects that period in the most flamboyant and expressive way possible. The costumes are bold, the locations (filmed on the French Riviera) are sun-soaked and glamorous, and the soundtrack pulses with Prince's signature mix of funk, rock, and pop. The overall vibe is reminiscent of a '60s French New Wave film, but with a distinctly 1980s flair. The mix of drama, romance, and music offers a nostalgia for anyone who loves the era’s offbeat, experimental films.
3. Prince’s Performance
   In addition to directing the film, Prince stars in the lead role as Christopher Tracy. His performance is captivating—not because of the depth of the character, but because of the charisma and magnetism that Prince brings to the screen. As a musician-turned-actor, Prince’s style is unconventional, and his performance in Under the Cherry Moon is no different. He delivers his lines with a certain cool, aloof energy, while his natural charm and sensuality carry the film’s romantic aspects. While his acting might not be considered “classic” by traditional standards, it works perfectly for the movie’s tone and vibe.
4. Kristin Scott Thomas’ Breakout Role
   Under the Cherry Moon is notable for being one of the first major film roles for Kristin Scott Thomas, who plays Mary Sharon. Thomas brings depth to her role as the innocent but sophisticated love interest. Her performance anchors the film’s more serious moments, as she is the emotional center around which the drama revolves. She provides a counterbalance to Prince’s more aloof character, and the chemistry between them is one of the film’s standout elements.
5. The Soundtrack
   The film’s soundtrack, which was composed by Prince, is another key reason to watch Under the Cherry Moon. The score blends Prince's funk-infused pop with more melancholic, introspective pieces, perfectly capturing the film's shifting tones. Songs like “Kiss” and the hauntingly beautiful “Under the Cherry Moon” stand out, providing a musical narrative that complements the story’s emotional journey. As a Prince film, it’s impossible to separate the music from the visuals, and Under the Cherry Moon delivers some of his most evocative tracks that continue to resonate with fans.
6. Cult Classic Appeal
   Although Under the Cherry Moon was not initially a success with critics or at the box office, it has since become a cult classic. The film is appreciated for its quirkiness, its blend of humor and melancholy, and its unapologetic embrace of artistic expression. Over the years, it’s gained a following for its surreal, dreamy qualities and its exploration of themes such as love, deception, and fate. Fans of Prince’s music and his larger-than-life persona will find much to admire in this film, even if it's not a traditional romantic drama.

Final Thoughts:

Under the Cherry Moon is an experimental, visually striking film that is more than just a romantic drama—it’s an artistic statement by Prince, showcasing his unique vision as both a filmmaker and a musician. While it may not have achieved widespread critical acclaim upon its release, it remains a fascinating work that continues to captivate audiences for its boldness, its atmosphere, and its audacious style.

For fans of Prince, the film is a must-watch. For those who appreciate unconventional narratives, quirky visuals, and the vibe of 1980s cinema, Under the Cherry Moon offers a one-of-a-kind experience. It's a film that may not always make sense in a conventional storytelling sense, but its emotional resonance, aesthetic beauty, and musical contributions make it a fascinating piece of Prince’s legacy.