Tags
1990's, Annie Corley, Clint Eastwood, Drama, Meryl Streep, Romance, The Bridges of Madison County, Victor Slezak
Film Title
The Bridges of Madison County
Director
Clint Eastwood
Starring
- Clint Eastwood as Robert Kincaid
- Meryl Streep as Francesca Johnson
- Annie Corley as Carolyn Johnson
- Victor Slezak as Michael Johnson
A tender and beautifully realised romantic drama directed by Clint Eastwood and containing great performances from the man himself and Meryl Streep, The Bridges of Madison County is a satisfying and mature film that will touch you.
The year is 1965 and Francesca Johnson is an Italian war bride married to farmer Richard and living in Madison County. Although very much a loving wife and mother, Francesca is discontented with life and bored. Her husband and two teenage children go the fair for four days and this is where the crux of her story comes in. While they are away, she encounters photographer for National Geographic Robert Kincaid. He is there to photograph the many bridges of the area and first meets lonely Francesca when he loses his way. Soon enough, the two become friendly with each and the travelling Robert with his charming demeanor helps Francesca open up. What starts as friendship between the pair soon becomes love and for the four days that her family are away, she and Robert conduct their brief affair, not realising how much it will impact both of them. As the four days wear on, it is up to Francesca to decide whether to be with Robert who has made her feel alive once more or stay with her husband and children. The movie is structured around siblings Carolyn and Michael Johnson who have come back to the Iowa farmhouse that they grew up in after Francesca’s death. While sorting out the land arrangements and thoroughly being baffled by their mother’s wishes to be cremated, they come across a number of diaries that she left to them. Curious about them, the siblings begin to read their now deceased mother’s story and are surprised to learn about how deeply the affair with Robert affected her and how they never knew this side to their mother until now.
As director of the film, Clint Eastwood displays masterful observations and subtle indications of the love that grows between Robert and Francesca in the brief time they spend together. He never resorts to sentimentality, instead giving The Bridges of Madison County a natural depth and passion that can’t be ignored. Eastwood doesn’t feel the need to rush the story either, he employs a carefully structured pace that helps the friendship that blooms between the couple eventually turn to deep love. We see them genuinely fall in love through little things; a slight brush of the hand or a gaze are highly effective at bringing out the love that each begins to feel for the other. Some may wonder how the film could have a deliberate pace when the main story takes place over the course of just four days, but Eastwood lets events unfold in a very mature and beautiful way that compliments the story. Yes there are some lulls in the narrative, mainly when it goes back to the son and daughter, but for the most part it is very handled and exceptional romantic drama with both time zones corresponding. A building score of mainly piano and string gives voice to the passions growing between Francesca and Robert. And no discussion of this movie would be complete without giving a shout out to the simply gorgeous cinematography that envelops the movie in a hues of gold and twilight that burn into the memory.
What gives The Bridges of Madison County a whole heft of emotion is the cast. Clint Eastwood on acting duties is suitably fine as the wandering Robert, who brings out a new side to Francesca with his devil-may-care attitude and genuine clarity. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Clint Eastwood play such a sensitive character before, but he pulls it off admirably. Matching him every step of the way is the wonderful Meryl Streep. Combining a homely warmth, guarded passion and grace, she is wonderful at showing Francesca emerging into a totally different woman in the arms of someone who makes her feel like she’s been given another chance to live. The chemistry shared between them is tentative and filled with earnest desire, and it is really nice to see it be a love story concerning mature adults instead of the generic young lovers scenario. Annie Corley and Victor Slezak are fine as the children learning about their mother after her death, but the movie truly belongs to Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep who give it a moving and haunting quality.
Heartfelt, filled with lovely cinematography and capable of bringing you to genuine tears, The Bridges of Madison County is a sublime movie that tenderly looks at how love can change us and stay with us forever.
fragglerocking said:
Oh V-man you made me cry!! I so remember reading the book and I bawled my eyes out at the end. So am having memory crying! Have never dared watch the movie I case they stuffed it up and also cos I would cry all over again.
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vinnieh said:
Sorry to make you cry. I think if you saw the movie, you would shed tears.
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beetleypete said:
I think you would like it, FR. Give it a go!
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fragglerocking said:
hmm maybe, I’ll buy some tissues.;)
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Paul S said:
This is a nice review of a gorgeous movie. The scene at the traffic light towards the end always leaves me crying like a baby.
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vinnieh said:
It is a gorgeous movie to look at and such a beautiful romance. I was a wreck at the traffic light scene.
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beetleypete said:
A film that I have a lot of time for. Nice subtle performances, great scenery, and cameras too!
This contains my own short review, part of a larger article for Curnblog.
Cheers, Pete.
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vinnieh said:
It’s a beautiful film and as you said the performances were very natural and subtle. Thanks for the link. Will give it a look very soon.
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Caz said:
This is certainly one of my all time favourite films. Incredible performances from both Streep and Eastwood, I sob watching this film!
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vinnieh said:
I thought of you when I was reviewing this as I knew you loved it. Hope I did it justice.
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ivansblogworld said:
A great movie, brilliant actors. And a very real lesson to be learned. Excellent post my friend in blog world. Ivan
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vinnieh said:
I was so incredibly moved watching this movie. Thanks so much for that lovely comment Ivan, you are a real blogging buddy.
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ivansblogworld said:
Now I will admit to you and you only. I love a good romantic, and even a sad movie that shows real life stories. We arched Carol last night, was am excellent movie. Ivan.
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vinnieh said:
I’m going to watch Carol as soon as I can.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’ve never watched this because reading the book gave me hysterics, but I may be brave and try this. What a beautiful and thoughtful review Vinnie!
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vinnieh said:
It’s a truly wonderful and heartfelt movie. I think you should be brave and see it, though I’m certain you’ll cry.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’ll make sure I stock up on tissues!
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vinnieh said:
You’ll need too with this movie.
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jmount43 said:
I nominated you for an award! http://jmountswritteninblood.com/2016/03/28/blogger-recognition-award/
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vinnieh said:
Thank you so much.
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jmount43 said:
You’re welcome.
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Jordan Dodd said:
Great post mate. I need to properly go through Eastwood’s filmography, the only movie of his I have seen is Mystic River. This though sounds like something very different
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vinnieh said:
This movie shows his versatility in directing. And it’s really beautiful and heartbreaking.
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Jordan Dodd said:
I think I need to do a personal Eastwood marathon of my own
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vinnieh said:
That will be fun, he had quite a catalogue.
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Eddy Winko said:
Oh hell another one for the list, Master Pete wont be happy if I start skipping my homework!
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vinnieh said:
Haha, just tell him it’s because of my recommendations.
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thejunctionuk said:
Fantastic film that first grabbed my attention that Mr Eastwood could direct very well too.
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vinnieh said:
This movie really shows off his talent both in front and behind the camera.
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Kristi said:
Love, Love, Love this movie! Stellar performances by both actors.
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vinnieh said:
Hi Kirsti, they are both such professional actors who gave stunning performances. You could feel the growing affection between both characters from the first meeting. And did you see my sexy playlist post?
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Kristi said:
yes they are.
not yet. still making my way there as i try and catch up on a few days of blog posts. i will make it there though and give it a listen. 🙂
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vinnieh said:
Can;t wait to hear what you think.
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reocochran said:
Clint Eastwood took this movie and improved it over the book. He had Francesca wear a dress instead of as in book; with tight jeans. The details are careful to reflect the times. As you mentioned, scenery was stunning as emotioal connections to the period made it nostalgic. Vinnie, beautiful review with fine descriptions! 🙂
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vinnieh said:
Thanks. The images of this movie were sublime and well shot. Clint Eastwood was an excellent choice of director as it showed his versatility.
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deesradreadsandreviews said:
Hello my new friend,
I am really enjoying your reviews 😀
I remember when I first watched this movie I did not expect to like it. I’m not sure why…
I thought I would give it a try anyway and loved it. It really was and is such a great movie.
Your review is making me want to watch it again. Might make a perfect Sunday evening movie.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
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vinnieh said:
I found this movie extremely moving. You felt the attraction between these people in only a brief time. It was heartbreaking but beautiful.
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