The Bridges of Madison County (Deluxe Edition)
Starring: Eastwood, StreepStudio: Warner Home Video
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD-Video, Widescreen, NTSC
Running Time: 135 minutes
DVD Release: May 6th 2008
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DVD Review
Some called it a snooze-fest, while others tearfully clutched their Kleenex. In any case, Clint Eastwood was an unusual and (as it turned out) perceptive choice to direct and costar in this lush adaptation of Robert James Waller's phenomenally bestselling novel. Meryl Streep costars as Francesca, the lonely Iowa farmer's wife who is instantly attracted to Robert (Eastwood), the photographer from National Geographic who is in the area to photograph the bridges along Iowa's rural roadways. The two fall in love while Francesca's husband and children are away at a county fair, but the story's passion and lasting appeal derive from their decision to part forever after just a few brief days of intimate connection. Superbly acted with an emphasis on quiet, graceful moments of tender revelation, the film builds to a crescendo of powerful and conflicting emotions. Like David Lean's Brief Encounter (to which it bears marked similarities), The Bridges of Madison County is destined to become one of the classic movie love stories. --Jeff Shannon
User Reviews
Bridges of Madison County - Rating: 5/5
This movie is so good. Sad that someone would stay in a marriage for their kids. If you have an open mind, this movie is great.
Boredom of Madison County - Rating: 2/5
Robert James Waller's "Bridges of Madison County" was a bestseller,becoming a staple at women's book clubs. Clint Eastwood,he of "Dirty Harry" fame,decided to capitalize on Waller's success and make... a chick flick. "Bridges of Madison County" is one of Eastwood's early directorial efforts;one need only look at his recent films to see the OBVIOUS improvement.
"Bridges" has some significant strengths. Eastwood is believeable as the wandering photographer Robert Kincaid. Meryl Streep invokes a credible Italian accent as the bored housewife Francesca Johnson. The soundtrack is beautiful, more moving than the film itself. Finally, the visuals are spectacular. Iowa looks like the perfect setting for a romance. It's practically an "Iowa is for Lovers" advertisement.
However,"Bridges" also has significant weaknesses. Richard LaGravenese's script highlights the pretentiousness&purple prose of the book. In the dining room scene where Robert critiques "American family values",it comes across as stilted. Worked fine in the cheesy book,but not on celluloid. The film's pacing is also very very slooooow. This isn't meditative;it's a trudge. The book is a quick read;the movie goes at a snail's pace. There are also unnecessary tangents that aren't in the novel:the "Redfield" woman,who's got the Iowan Scarlet Letter for her adultery as well as Robert&Francesca's dinner&dance at a jazz club.
Finally, the movie glamorizes adultery&even "death with dignity" (when Francesca tells her husband "it's time" and gives him special pills) Francesca's adultery inspires her children to save their marriages (???) Her four day fling is presented as the Ultimate Adultery Without Consequences. Nobody is hurt;everybody is affirmed. There are no emotional or physical consequences,though Robert has had many lovers before Francesca.
"Bridges of Madison County" has strong leads,a good soundtrack,beautiful scenery-but ultimately it's a disappointment.
Streep deserved the oscar - Rating: 5/5
This a slow but great movie, with one of the best performances I've seen before. Meryl Streep is phenominal as Francesca. At the end of this movie there is scene, where Francesca is about ready leave her husband and she is in a truck and cannot decide. It is one of the most superbly acted scenes I have ever seen on screen and it's all Streep. I wish Hollywood would just get over its jealousy over Streeps talent. This women lost the oscar to a woman who plays herself over and over and over again. Streep disappears in her roles. She is absolutely wonderful in this film. She made this movie. I didn't even much like her before this film, but then I went back and saw her other performances. I am hooked. Come on Hollywood, respect talent. Get over yourself.
Bridges Of Madison County - Rating: 5/5
With all the Christmas shopping, I bought this for myself and it came on time, in good shape, and It's an excellent movie.
Deeply moving --- Whether you're ready or not - Rating: 5/5
Every time this comes on HBO, I watch it because I know how deeply passionate and moved I feel whenever I do. Meryl Streep is a tender force to be reckoned with, and Clint Eastwood seems to flow skillfully right along with her. They are not acting - they are channeling feelings, thoughts, fears.. through this mesmerizing story that nearly everyone has had before. Beautiful. Enchanting. Thank you Meryl and Clint for this gift.
