A free-spirited young woman, Breezy, hitches a ride with an aging real estate salesman, Frank. Sensing that she just wants to use him he tries to have nothing to do with her. She's not that easy to shake, however, and over time a bond forms between them.
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Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.
Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.
This is a coming of age storyline that you've seen in one form or another for decades. It takes a truly unique voice to make yet another one worth watching.
The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.
What was America like for a young woman in 1973 ? If this is the question on your mind then Breezy is the perfect film which can provide all the right answers. For those who claim to be experts, it needs to be told that its impact on American cinema is absolutely immense as it continues to be an honest reflection of the spirit of those 1970s carefree moments. What makes 'Breezy' important is that it is not known by many viewers even in USA. This has somewhat given it a kind of 'cult' film status. American actress Kay Lenz is absolutely perfect in her role as Breezy, a young woman who is not sure if she has found the right man in her life. It is remarkable to see how her 'happy go lucky' persona gets rid of many prevalent taboos namely an old man enjoying the company of a young lady as girl friend. While making Breezy, director Clint Eastwood proved that he is no Alfred Hitchcock by not appearing in a cameo role in his own film. However, Mr. Eastwood could not resist the temptation of paying a 'homage' to his own 'larger than life' personality by showing one of his films being played in a cinema where this film's actors go to watch a movie.
Having grown up near the settings of this film, and during its year, 1973, I always like to see LA, as it was, not the way it is today. Many of you have commented on both the silliness of the plot,and that it did not look genuine, and that is true. Miss.Lenz plays an uncanny and absolutely flawless portrayal of young women of LA, particularly of the Canyon. So genuine is her portrayal of this, that it does add to the film's authentic side.Mr Holden's overall acting, is great,and the footage of LA, in the early 70s,is fantastic, and relevant. I would not exactly call Breezy a hippie girl, due to the fact that 1973, was the absolute last shred of that culture, and the concept of Angelinos as actual hippies, is debatable. She is sweet, yet entirely deceptive, and quick to judge people. We were horrified at the nude scenes, not knowing this in advance, and fast forwarded them, plus it did not make for anything accurate. I did not care for the characterization of all the middle aged women. Disturbing, in that there is no love shown; way too much age difference, and a bizarre personality of Breezy's character. But good acting by both, and a real period piece.
I think the reason this film stands out to me is because I was drawn into the story despite my wanting to like it. I vehemently dislike it where men are considerably older than their latest conquests (in this case, a 35 year age difference) and I was not in the mood to see it play out in BREEZY. But it was Bill Holden's thoughtful characterization of this older man that captivated me. He plays it coolly and somewhat detached, but we can see glimmers of sentiment and a need to connect with another human being coming through at key moments. I consider this Holden's most conscious acting in all his films. Every nuance and mannerism is perfectly placed.I read that Holden did the film for the money, but you do not get the sense that this is just a job for him. He is a masterful performer and he is putting his all into the role, and I appreciated that. I appreciated how I could be so convinced to like a story I normally would not like. Holden worked his magic on me with this one.
After avoiding rape, teenage hitchhiker Kay Lenz (as Edith Alice "Breezy" Breezerman) bums a ride to Hollywood from wealthy middle-aged William Holden (a Frank Harmon). Her attempt to get coffee money doesn't appear to arouse Mr. Holden, so Ms. Lenz runs away. Later, she returns for her guitar and asks to take a shower. That, readers, is an invitation. Eventually, Holden wakes up and smells the coffee. They take romantic walks on the beach. However, their age difference is a problem. Lenz mentions she's from "Intercourse, Pennsylvania," recently graduated from high school and fears being taken to juvenile hall. A one point, Lenz is mistaken for Holden's daughter – she could also be his granddaughter. This kind of arrangement is not uncommon in Hollywood. In this film, the pairing seems to be substituting the exchange of sex and security for counterculture and the establishment..."Breezy" was directed by popular actor Clint Eastwood, who must have considered playing the leading man. He did, however, extend his youthful looks and may not have conveyed the same dramatic age difference as did Holden, in the role. While the two main characters are a bore, they perform well. More interesting supporting parts are played by Marj Dusay (as Betty Tobin) and Roger C. Carmel (as Bob Henderson). With only limited time on screen, druggie blonde Jamie Smith Jackson (as Marcy) makes you want to learn more about her story. Lenz make an especially memorable impression, and Mr. Eastwood lovingly presents the young actress. There are generous topless scenes. Eastwood appears distractingly on a "High Plains Drifter" poster (his latest film) and as an extra. Michel Legrand contributes mellow soundtrack music and Frank Stanley's photography looks good for Eastwood.***** Breezy (11/18/73) Clint Eastwood ~ William Holden, Kay Lenz, Roger C. Carmel, Marj Dusay