This offbeat and interesting comedy/drama oddity was made concurrently with the Western "Blue." "Blue" cast members Terence Stamp, Sally Kirkland, Joanna Pettet and Ricardo Montalban can all be glimpsed in this film, plus we get a lot of fascinating behind-the-scenes peaks at the movie being made. But the main thrust of the story here centers on an unexpected sudden romance that develops between charming, hunky rancher Rob (engagingly played by Burt Reynolds in his first lead role) and sweet, perky and attractive assistant film editor Jean (an appealing performance by Barbara Loden). Will their relationship last beyond the shooting of the movie? Or is it just a quickie affair that will end as soon as the film is finished? Directed with great restraint and sensitivity by Judd Taylor, with a thoughtful script by Jerrold L. Ludwig, dazzling cinematography by William A. Fraker (the slick use of fades, wipes, dissolves, freeze frames, super-impositions, and sweeping panoramic helicopter tracking shots are all breathtaking), a lush orchestral score by Jack Hayes, Ken Lauber and Leo Shuken, a hauntingly downbeat ending, and a winningly pleasant and natural chemistry between Reynolds and Loden, this picture overall rates an intriguing, often enjoyable and ultimately quite touching little feature that's worth a look for both Reynolds' fine acting and especially for the way it accurately captures the frenzy and excitement of making a movie.
Review of Fade In
