BREEZY (1973) - Kino Lorber U.S. Blu-Ray Review

[AndyDursin]

Most gaps in Clint Eastwood's filmography have been addressed on Blu-Ray by now, though Eastwood's third directorial outing, BREEZY (106 mins., 1973, R; Kino Lorber), has been exclusive to international markets for several years. Kino Lorber finally rectifies this omission with the first U.S. release of the movie in high-definition, and while regarded as a minor film in which Eastwood doesn't appear (sans a background cameo), “Breezy” is a worthwhile, affecting and highly appealing movie that's less a “product of its time” than its premise would suggest on the surface.

Thinking he was "too young," Eastwood eschewed playing the lead role in the film, giving it instead to William Holden, who looks far more advanced in his years than Eastwood himself would've (Holden was only 12 years older than Eastwood but looks several decades older). That said, Holden is quite wonderful here as a divorced real estate agent, comfortable in his existence, who strikes up an unlikely affection – and blossoming relationship – with a hippy (Kay Lenz) many decades his junior. Whether or not Holden's Frank Harmon can overcome his own inherent ageism and pressure from both his circle of friends – including “Star Trek” vet Roger C. Carmel – as well as his on-again/off-again female companion (Marj Dusay) and embittered ex-wife (Joan Hotchkins) is where the conflict in Jo Heims' original script lies.

If you read that plot description, took a look at the movie's 1973 release date and thought “Breezy” would be a heavily dated film, you'd surprisingly be wrong. This isn't a Blake Edwards type of period piece but rather a layered and believable drama that Eastwood instills with his no-nonsense direction that plays to the era but fashions the drama in a sensitive and relatable manner separate from time and place. The movie isn't filled with “Generation Gap” jokes or long discussions about the respective social eras Frank and Breezy originate from – instead, there's a refreshing humanistic tone to Eastwood and Heims' portrayal of the couple, with Holden's performance coming across as a fully realized depiction of a not-completely hardened man who's eventually willing to take a chance.

“Breezy” is thoroughly likeable, naturally shot by Frank Stanley and melodically – if economically – scored by Michel Legrand, with the lovely “Breezy's Theme” accompanied by Shelby Flint singing Alan and Marilyn Bergman's lyrics (there's an LP long overdue for CD treatment). Kino Lorber's Blu-Ray looks to be derived from the same quality Universal master the studio released outside the U.S. In 2014, with a 1080p (1.85) transfer, DTS MA mono sound, the trailer and a new commentary from Howard S. Berger and C. Courtney Joyner.

[Paul MacLean]

I stumbled upon this film years ago, on one of those movie channels late at night (probably Encore, who used to specialize in forgotten -- and usually bad -- movies). I missed the opening credits, so I had no idea Eastwood made the film. Being a hopeless, lifelong chaser of hippie girls (perhaps against my better judgement!) I was instantly hooked by the sight of Kay Lenz. Then William Holden shows-up and I'm like "What is this movie?" I kept telling myself "I'm not going to watch this, it looks stupid, I just want to see a couple of scenes with the hippie girl and then I'm going to bed". But I couldn't tear myself away. Agreed, Breezy is far-better than the premise would suggest, and your assessment of the film mirrors my own.

My only real criticism is that Holden is too old for the part. It is a bit of a frustration to me that Eastwood (then around 40) passed on the role and offered it to Holden -- who looks 60 (and not a healthy 60). Fortunately Holden gives a highly sincere performance, and does have a strong chemistry with Lenz. I also give the film points for its realistic depiction of the jealousy people exhibit towards "May-December" relationships (and their passive-aggressive attempts to sabotage such relationships -- I speak from experience).

[AndyDursin]

Holden -- who looks 60 (and not a healthy 60).

That is definitely the main shortcoming though the more I watch this film, it's less of an issue. This time around I think the sincerity of Holden's performance, as you called it Paul, really rang true. I could see Eastwood being a lot colder and "cruel" in the role, especially because there are a couple of scenes where the role calls for Frank to be mean to Breezy. Plus Eastwood was never exactly a great romantic leading man either.

It's pretty remarkable when I watch movies or TV shows from the 70s and so many actors look elderly when they were really only pushing retirement age. Social tobacco use has to be a key reason for that, plus heavy drinking and/other drugs at the time. I can't remember who it was but I was recently watching MATCH GAME '77 and thought someone had to be pushing 80 when they were, at the time, in their early 60s!

[Monterey Jack]

It's pretty remarkable when I watch movies or TV shows from the 70s and so many actors look elderly when they were really only pushing retirement age. Social tobacco use has to be a key reason for that, plus heavy drinking and/other drugs at the time. I can't remember who it was but I was recently watching MATCH GAME '77 and thought someone had to be pushing 80 when they were, at the time, in their early 60s!

Look at the recently-deceased Wilford Brimley...85 at the time of his death, but he looked that old in Cocoon 35 years ago!

[AndyDursin]

Brimley made it to 85 though. The ones back in the 70s died with some time left on the clock so to speak!

I count Brimley in with Estelle Getty, someone who came off as "looking and acting old" even though in COCOON he was a whole lot younger than the likes of Don Ameche and Hume Cronyn. The "old grandfather" bit was an act.

[Eric Paddon]

The moustache made the difference for Brimley in aging him. Not to mention the lack of hair on top.

"First Men In The Moon" there's Lionel Jeffries being younger than Martha Hyer (I'd never believe he was under 40!). Look at Victor Buono on Batman and you'd never guess he was under 30. People could more easily "project" older and even the actresses could too which is why people accepted pairings like Jimmy Stewart and Grace Kelly in "Rear Window".

[AndyDursin]

Exactly and Brimley really ate it up. My point is "acting old" is a different phenomena than, say, William Holden just BEING old in BREEZY. He may have been 54 or whatever at the time of production but it's hard to believe he was judging from how he looks in the film.

[Paul MacLean]

It's pretty remarkable when I watch movies or TV shows from the 70s and so many actors look elderly when they were really only pushing retirement age. Social tobacco use has to be a key reason for that, plus heavy drinking and/other drugs at the time. I can't remember who it was but I was recently watching MATCH GAME '77 and thought someone had to be pushing 80 when they were, at the time, in their early 60s!

Physical fitness was certainly not a "thing" with that generation (though Jack LaLanne did much to change that). And as you say, they all smoked, and spent time at the bar. Holden was a heavy drinker -- in fact he died because he slipped while in a drunken stupor and hit his head on a the edge of a table.