May-December affairs are nothing new in Hollywood. Although the taboo still lies sentient in the minds of viewers, they are hardly credible. Charles Bronson did it in 'A London Affair" (1970). Jason Robards did it in "Fools" ((1970) and here the aging and lugubrious, William Holden, does it at the age of 54, Albeit he looks much older. Cary Grant was much more credible when paired up with younger co-stars, because he aged better and his roles and films usually had more depth. Whether or not you endear yourself to this film lies solely on your ability to get past the grotesque and unbelievable nature of a 19 year old Nubile hippie girl pairing up with a stodgy Middle Age man sexually. William Holden, a credible and gifted actor, had a penchant for being paired up with much younger co-stars. But here it looks so wrong. There isn't a shred of chemistry between Breezy (Kay Lenz) and his character Frank. The dialogue feels stilted and the intimate scenes are forced. Ironically, Clint Eastwood directed this and deals with the subject matter sensitively with the intention of allowing her character to tug at our heart-strings. The whole 60's Counterculture zeitgeist is brought to challenge the sensibilities of the older generation: in free love, acceptance, mutual understanding, compassion and peace. Frank's character inevitably finds himself falling in love with this young woman but tries to contest it due to his inability to cope with the repercussions. Ultimately and predictably, he gives in and stops fighting the love he feels for her.
As for the movie? It's an old man's fantasy! Seriously, how rare is it to witness a young woman show such devotion and attraction to such an old stranger? I have seen girls flirt and maybe imply some flirtatious behavior just to be funny or silly, but this was almost unbelievable. Breezy uses montage sequences with beautiful, sweet folk music: a walk on the beach during sunset, a fancy dinner date, a shopping spree and an intimate love scene. Eastwood handles the material with the due sensitivity it needs, but many viewers will be turned off by the sheer unlikeliness of the couple. Kay Lenz makes an appealing newcomer with her lilting voice, pouty lips, tiny figure and broad cheekbones. William Holden had reached the dénouement of his life and acting career, looking old, jowly, and haggard. His stern vocal delivery serves as a foil to her delicate and bubbly character.
Breezy went pretty much unnoticed at the Box Office but has obtained a segment of appreciation with some Eastwood fans and perhaps those who can enjoy this story. The only way to get anything out of this film is if you suspend your belief and open your heart to Breezy.
As for the movie? It's an old man's fantasy! Seriously, how rare is it to witness a young woman show such devotion and attraction to such an old stranger? I have seen girls flirt and maybe imply some flirtatious behavior just to be funny or silly, but this was almost unbelievable. Breezy uses montage sequences with beautiful, sweet folk music: a walk on the beach during sunset, a fancy dinner date, a shopping spree and an intimate love scene. Eastwood handles the material with the due sensitivity it needs, but many viewers will be turned off by the sheer unlikeliness of the couple. Kay Lenz makes an appealing newcomer with her lilting voice, pouty lips, tiny figure and broad cheekbones. William Holden had reached the dénouement of his life and acting career, looking old, jowly, and haggard. His stern vocal delivery serves as a foil to her delicate and bubbly character.
Breezy went pretty much unnoticed at the Box Office but has obtained a segment of appreciation with some Eastwood fans and perhaps those who can enjoy this story. The only way to get anything out of this film is if you suspend your belief and open your heart to Breezy.