4. "Le Temps D L'Amour" (Francoise Hardy) - Moonrise Kingdom
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfBPjbvr1BU This magic, titillating moment in Moonrise is composed mostly in one shot and succeeds on the ability of the two child performers and Francoise Hardy's song. Sam (Jared Gilman) and Suzy (Kara Hayward) have run away together to the island paradise they eventually name "Moonrise Kingdom" and take a moment to dance on the beach. Suzy's record player spins her French album in the background while Suzy and Sam, in their underwear, hold each other and kiss for the first time. It's a scene which captures adolescent romance in all its awkward glory. The idea itself could have quickly devolved into something weird, but instead, it blooms into something rather beautiful, because we believe every word these kids are saying to each other. Gilman and Hayward are able to make us believe they have larger things on their minds for each other, and they are aided by Anderson's well-timed scripting touches. The way they discuss how to go about it is fantastic: Sam spits out sand in his mouth immediately after the kiss, and the scene suggests a feeling of pure intimacy, devoid of anything dirty.
Mark DiStefano
Contributor
I am a writer, filmmaker, philosopher, and above all a man, from New York City currently attending Cornell University as an English and Film major.
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