Review
A surprisingly sweet little film from director Clint Eastwood, Breezy is a bit too predictable and "cutesy," but still quite enjoyable. Jo Heims' screenplay has dated quite a bit; it was faux hip at the time and now frequently comes across as annoying, especially in its take on the title character. She's intended to be a free spirit, but Heims' dialogue is too forced. Fortunately, Kay Lenz's fine performance paves over many of the flaws in the writing, and her own personal charm helps to make the character seem more real than she actually is. Even better is William Holden, creating a shy, lonely man too bound by convention (and too insecure in himself) to go against the grain, even when it's in his own best interest. The two stars have an unusual and appealing chemistry, which also covers over some of the triter aspects of the writing, and Eastwood directs with sensitivity and style. Breezy is no classic, but it's pleasant and moving, the kind of film that leaves the viewer with a small, warm glow. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide
Synopsis
In this Counterculture vs. Establishment romance, Frank Harmon (William Holden) is a middle-aged businessman, recently divorced and a bit bitter about the state of his life and the world in general. One morning, he discovers a pretty, hippie-esque girl who calls herself Breezy (Kay Lenz) asleep on his front porch. Frank asks her to leave and she politely follows suit; she forgets her guitar, however, and returns the next day to retrieve it. Breezy also asks Frank if he would be so kind as to let her take a bath; he agrees, and even lets her sleep at his house that night. A few days later, Breezy turns up at again at Frank's doorstep, with a cop in tow -- after being arrested for vagrancy, she told the police that she lived here with her uncle Frank. Frank plays along and, against his better judgment, agrees to let her stay with him. After spending some time together, Frank and Breezy begin opening up to each other, discussing their feelings on a variety of issues. A friendship grows between them that, in time, becomes a love affair, but Frank's friends find fault in his new romance, and he breaks it off -- a decision he comes to regret. This was the first film Clint Eastwood directed in which he did not star, something he would not do again until Bird in 1988. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
DVD ~ Joshua Logan
DVD ~ Don Siegel
DVD ~ Clint Eastwood
DVD ~ Blake Edwards
DVD ~ Don Siegel
