Cast
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Meryl Streep
as Francesca Johnson
Clint Eastwood
as Robert Kincaid
Annie Corley
as Caroline Johnson
Victor Slezak
as Michael Johnson
Jim Haynie
as Richard Johnson
Sarah Zahn
as Young Carolyn
Christopher Kroon
as Young Michael
Phyllis Lyons
as Betty
Debra Monk
as Madge
Richard Lage
as Lawyer Peterson
Michelle Benes
as Lucy Redfield
Alison Wiegert
as Child #1
Brandon Bobst
as Child #2
Pearl Faessler
as Wife
R.E. 'Stick' Faessler
as Husband
Crew
Director
- Clint Eastwood
Producer
- Clint Eastwood
- Kathleen Kennedy
- Michael Maurer
- Tom Rooker
Reviews
Wuchak
_**Real-life questions about love and infidelity**_
RELEASED IN 1995 and directed by Clint Eastwood, “The Bridges of Madison County” details what happens in 1965 when a world-traveling photographer for National Geographic (Eastwood) inadvertently meets an Iowa Farm wife (Meryl Streep).
This is a drama about the nature of eros love and potential infidelity that will only be appreciated by mature viewers. It consists of two people meeting, getting acquainted, discovering something profound and then forced to make decisions that’ll determine the rest of their lives, as well as the consequences for those linked to them.
Some questions addressed include: What if you’re married and you meet someone you genuinely romantically love? What if you’re single and you meet a married person you profoundly love? How far do you (or can you) wisely take the relationship? What about others who would be negatively affected by pursuing the relationship?
These are all honest questions that most people have to consider at one time or another in their lives. The movie’s not corrupt for asking them or featuring a certain questionable act any more than the story of David & Bathsheba makes the Bible corrupt (or, arguably worse, the story of Judah & Tamar).
One character is too loose with morals, which he justifies by criticizing all the “borders” in life. But there are boundaries everywhere: National, state, county, city, school, government, business, social and… marital. The bottom line is: You’re either married or you’re not. If you’re married that means you have a committed lifelong covenant with your spouse. That’s what taking vows is all about. The movie tries to have its cake and eat it too by supporting such loyalty while flirting with the temptation to discard it in the name of true love. Regardless, the picture smacks of real life, real people, real (hard) decisions and is very well done, which is to be expected with Eastwood at the helm.
THE FILM RUNS 2 hours, 15 minutes, and was shot in Winterset & Adel, Iowa.
GRADE: A-
Jun 22, 2020
r96sk
A bit too cheesy for me to overly enjoy, but <em>'The Bridges of Madison County'</em> is a sweet romantic drama.
Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep are a strong pairing and produce very good performances, with Streep particularly standing out... even if her acting Italian doesn't always feel convincing, to me anyway. The parts of the story told via Annie Corley and Victor Slezak aren't the best, though the eventual pay-off with their characters is worthwhile.
Feb 5, 2022
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Bridges of Madison County examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Clint Eastwood brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1995, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Bridges of Madison County took approximately 19 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $24.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 135 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 157 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The musical score contains over 62 unique compositions.
- The screenplay went through 6 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1995, when this film was released:
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Bridges of Madison County shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Two Irenes, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Bridges of Madison County subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Hazel's People and Carrie explore similar territory, The Bridges of Madison County stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: June 2, 1995
- Runtime: 2h 15m
- Budget: $24,000,000
- Revenue: $182,000,000
