THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY
A film review by Stephen Rafferty
Copyright 1995 Stephen Rafferty
* - Very Poor ** - Bad, not much here. *** - Good. **** - Very good, see this. ***** - Excellent, a must see. One of the years best
****1/2
Directed by Clint Eastwood Starring: Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep Produced by Kathleen Kennedy and Steven Spielberg Cinematography by Jack N. Green
When it was announced that Clint Eastwood would make THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, many fans of the harlequin romance novel went up in arms. "How could he, he's Dirty Harry?". Many thought Eastwood didn't have the subtle touch that a Director needs when making a romance. I'm here to tell you Eastwood has proven all those who doubted him wrong. He has crafted an instant classic, and probably the best American romance in the last ten or so years.
THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY is told in a story in story fashion. The children of Meryl Streep's character congregate back in Iowa for their Mother's funeral, and in reading her diary finds out about an affair she had much earlier in life. Streep, in probably her best performance since SOPHIE'S CHOICE, plays an Italian immigrant Francesca Johnson. Obviously repressed, she is married to an Iowa farmer and is seemingly set in her role as housewife. Francesca's family leaves for four days to go the Illinois State fair, leaving Francesca for what would normally be a few days of work around the house. Enter Eastwood. Playing National Geographic photographer Robert Kincaid, Eastwood drives into this small Iowa town and right into Francesca's life. What starts as simply a request of where the local covered bridges are, turns into a four-day passionate romance filled with beautiful nuances and gentle expression. Fighting it at first, Francesca eventually follows her obvious attraction for Kincaid and is rewarded with the love she only dreamed of. Along with Francesca, we are all rewarded with many memorable scenes of passion and warmth. Along with these many scenes are some captivating moments of dialogue between the characters. Francesca and Robert connect like no other couple I've seen on screen in a long time. We are seeing people, and because of that their story is far more moving. Eventually Francesca must decide between her family and security, and her passion for Robert.
Simply, the most outstanding part of this film is Streep's performance. I think she is probably the best Actor/Actress working today! Her mastery of an Italian accent here is quite astonishing, as is her ability to communicate with a simple look or smirk. She was so good that I not only wanted to find out what would happen with her affair, but also just to follow her character and any path she took. Eastwood is extremely good also. He is very convincing in his sensitive role and beams on screen when he is in the presence of Streep. His ruggedness is a good counterpart to Streep's timid countenance.
As he did two years ago with UNFORGIVEN, Eastwood proves he is becoming one of the best Directors in America. With a deft touch, he portrays a passion filled yet gentle affair. Again Eastwood's long time collaborator Jack Green fills the screen with gorgeous images also. Whether the film stays faithful to the book or not is not important, this film is moving and a joy to view.
Highly recommended.
Stephen Rafferty
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