I watched "Under The Cherry Moon" last night for the first time, on DVD.

After hearing what a turkey it is etc, I was really pleasantly surprised.

I found it very funny, lots of memorable scenes and dialogue, loved the use of the songs off the "Parade" LP, and really enjoyed the "Girls & Boys" musical performance moment in the film. When it finished, I had that feeling that I couldn't wait to watch it again!

I think Prince did a very good job directing this. I mean, it was very stylish, well shot, quite arty, black and white was beautiful, and it kept you interested all the way through. What more do you want? I haven't seen Graffiti Bridge yet (though from the trailer it does look a lot poorer in quality). But I really think Prince did a good job with "Under a Cherry Moon".

It was nice to see Prince play a more light-hearted, comedy role compared to the pretty heavy stuff his character went through in "Purple Rain". I guess when this came out, a lot of people wanted to see "Purple Rain 2" rather than the physical comedy in this one. Jerome Benton was also hilarious in this (wonder why Prince picked him instead of Morris Day for this role?).

Another thing I noticed - Eddie Murphy may have been influenced by this film. Eddie is obviously a big-time Prince fan, he was at the MTV Purple Rain premiere party as can be seen on the Purple Rain special edition DVD. Prince released UTCM in 1986, directed it himself, and set it in a whimsical time period with gentlemen and dames. Eddie Murphy released Harlem Nights in 1989, directed it himself, and set it in a whimsical time period with gentlemen and dames. Too much coincidence?

Respect to Prince tho'. At the age of 27 (with I guess no previous experience), he told Warner Bros to get rid of the female director who had been suggested to direct it, and said he'd do it himself. And then he did just that. And it's not a small movie either - lots of extras etc.

It would be interesting to hear from an extra on this movie and what their experience of working with Prince (the *director*) was like. How did he learn all the film-making skills necessary to direct a movie at that age in such a short space of time? Most actors have to spend years watching on set before they have the skill necessary to direct.

Also, on the DVD is the music video (live performance) for Anotherloveholeinyourhead. Great video, lots of energy.

You also get the video for Boys and Girls (same as the scene in the movie, but with Revolution band members put in, and full song) - it's terrific, and video to Mountains (also end credits of film) and Kiss (classic but bit dated video).

Prince really did change his look/style around the time of Parade. He's practically unrecognizable from his "Purple Rain" era look. All clean cut, in a suit etc. Then we get the Sign-O-The Times intellectual look (with the tinted glasses).

What a chameleon.

Funny, I often find I don't like a song upon first hearing it, but then when I see the music video, or see Prince perform it live, I end up loving that song! Same thing happened with Anotherloverholeinyourhead.

The movie is definately better than many movie guides suggest. However let's not kid ourselves... Fracis Ford Coppola he aint

One of my favorite scenes is when Christopher is playing piano in the resturant before Mary arrives to tell him the comeback line she's been working on all night. The camera does a slow 360 degree spin to establish the scene. If you notice, there is one couple at a table desparately in love, and another couple that are arguing. By the time the camera has panned the full 360 degrees, the couple that were in love are now arguing and the other couple is in love. Just a cool little touch I thought

Oh, and for the record, yes, Graffiti Bridge is a dog!! (almost worth buying for the sake of a good laugh )
[Edited 1/26/06 6:25am]

Actually, as far as Direction goes for the movie UTCM, Prince was outstanding.

The script the script is another story.

What was wrong with the script you ask me?

It was too criptic and not honest enough.

I think it is an entertaining movie and not as bad as the reviews said at the time it was released.
Concerning the directing I am pretty sure that the camera-man Michael Ballhaus who is famous for his work with Fassbinder and his big budget Hollywood films put in a lot of ideas and creativity as well. I think his great experience might have helped Prince a lot who had no experience at the time.