Breezy is a Clint Eastwood film the I’ve had sitting on my shelf for a very long time. Ever since Studio S Entertainment released it in 2009, I think. Why it has been on my shelf I can’t really answer. Sadly, it is probably because other things have simply come in between, films that can’t hold a candle to this excellent film. Because even though it doesn’t look like much on the surface, the poster art is ugly cover I think, this is an absolutely fantastic film.
However, it is a film that really shouldn’t suit me. It is a romantic comedy, or perhaps rather a romantic drama. That’s the only thing I should shy away from. And if it hadn’t been Clint Eastwood who directed it, I would probably have let the film sit on my shelf for a lot longer. That was certainly also the only reason it was acquired at one time. And I am glad for that. The plot becomes a beautiful piece of history in the hands of the master Clint Eastwood. This was his fourth film according to imdb and it is a very competent story. I like Clint much better as a director than as an actor. At least I do now.
The plot is quite simple, actually. It takes place somewhere in the flower power or hippie era and Breezy is a young woman who looks at life in a positive light and really believes in love. She meets an older man who, according to her, seems to have a black cloud over his head. You understand what is going to happen, right? Against all odds, they begin a relationship that goes far beyond social and age boundaries. I can’t say it is without turbulence, but I have rarely seen such a solid portrait of respect. As usual when it comes to the top tier of quality films, it is difficult to put your finger on what is so good. Is it perhaps the acting? Yes, it is really top-notch. The script? Well, the plot shouldn’t be captivating, but it does. The dialogue? Where he really hit the mark.
But above all, it is the overall feel and the feeling in the film that makes it so good. There is no dead time, not even when there are emotional scenes. That is very unusual in my world. Definitely when it comes to romantic films that seem to have a rule that there must be a love scene about 1 hour into the film. This film basically follows the same structure but it still works. The end time is clocked in at a little over 1 hour and 45 minutes. But it is not noticeable. When the film is over, I have been amazed, I have cried at the touching interaction in a bygone love era and I have laughed at the crisp dialogue and the low-key situational comedy.
Despite this, there are serious undertones that should not be underestimated. Has Clint Eastwood ever made a film without reflection? If so, I have not managed to see that particular film. This is clearly one of my favorites. Haven’t you seen it yet? What are you waiting for? Watch it. Now! Right away!
Translation of a review I wrote a few years ago in Swedish
