Bridges of Madison County on DVD
2008 Release Marks Return of Clint Eastwood’s Romantic Classic
In "The Bridges of Madison County," based on Robert James Waller's novel, two lonely people get a second chance at love.
In the 2008 deluxe edition DVD, the 1995 poignant romantic drama The Bridges of Madison County returns with a few added bonus features designed to charm a whole new generation.
A Photographer and a Farmhouse
The notorious Dirty Harry star isn’t dirty here. Clint Eastwood stars in (and directs) this touching romantic drama about Robert Kincaid, a divorced, middle-aged nature photographer working for National Geographic. During his assignment to photograph the covered bridges of Madison County, Iowa, he lands on the doorstep of a farmhouse belonging to Francesca (Meryl Streep), an Italian woman whose husband and children are away at the state fair for a few days.
The bored farm wife and the jet-setting loner experience a mutual attraction, knowing that any romantic encounter will be short-lived. However, their connection (and attraction) cannot be denied. The candlelight dining and embracing display a loving and sensual seduction that seems truly romantic, rather than the illicit affair one might expect in this situation. Despite the scandal of infidelity looming over their encounter, the actors manage to bring a sense of “rightness” to their feelings.
Layered Performances in Film
Eastwood and Streep make a powerhouse pair, with Streep’s mastery of foreign accents and Eastwood’s restrained responses. They both deliver layered performances that go far beyond the spoken dialogue. Francesca comes across as especially earthy – a pure, natural creation of her environment. As a nature photographer attuned to finding beauty in any setting, Robert appreciates her physical, emotional, and intellectual qualities.
Based on the best-selling novel by Robert James Waller, The Bridges of Madison County presents the story in a flashback as Francesca’s adult children read from her journals. Discovering their mother’s passion inspires her children to reflect upon their own love lives. Deeply moving and sentimental, this film may not appeal to viewers who prefer edgier, fast-paced romances. The easy, breezy country feel of this film bears little resemblance to frantic, big-city-based romances with quick cuts, slick characters, and rapid-fire repartee.
The story and performances are further explained in a DVD featurette titled “Love Story: Making The Bridges of Madison County” and through the commentary provided on the new DVD release.
- The Bridges of Madison County (The Deluxe Edition 2008)
- Director: Clint Eastwood
- Run time: 135 minutes
- Rating: PG-13
- DVD Bonus Features: Commentary by editor Joel Cox and director of photography Jack N. Green; An Old-Fashioned Love Story: Making The Bridges of Madison County; Doe Eyes Music Video; Theatrical Trailer.
For more information about love affairs in the movies, read reviews of Married Life, Waitress, and Fracture.
