L'été indien

Basically the flick's a one-note romantic beat whose steady repetition sags over time, despite the compelling end. Actually it's a Spacek showcase as she's up-close in most every scene. In fact, I've almost got her nubile girlish features memorized, despite her being near 40 and without noticeable make-up.

So, movie-wise, will Spacek and lover-boy Kline finally get together after so many years apart. They appear made-for-each-other both professionally and romantically. Trouble is he's now married with a growing son, and living an editor's life in his and Spacek's home town. Meanwhile, successful photo-journalist Spacek suddenly returns from abroad to apparently rekindle their mad love from years before. So what will happen as they re-engage, while Kline's dutiful wife (Bedelia) looks haplessly on.

Now had the script and director played up the drama inherent in the material, it might have worked. But they don't. Instead it's a steady stream of Spacek close-ups as she and Kline cavort romantically. And unless I missed something, we never do find out what kept them apart for so many years after their initial fire-up. Also, the spotty conflict between wild horses vs condo clearances just drops in loosely despite its potential that would have added needed flair. Then too, more scenes of actress Bedelia would have added a vivd presence and much needed drama.

Anyway, it helps somewhat that Spacek delivers a lively engaging performance. However, Kline appears just going-though-the-motions, which may be because Spacek's real-life husband Fisk is directing and clearly favoring his wife camera-wise. All in all, I can see why this rather dull 88-minutes soon fell into obscurity. Still, Spacek not only survived but soon flourished.

I liked the writing in this movie. I felt it to be very realistic. Acting was authentic. I liked the fathers advice and the wife Ruth is truly a person I admired how she dealt with the situation. As I said well written for true life type of situation that could happen. People with integrity such a pleasure to see in a movie. Well done.

This movie brought back so many memories of Ocean City, Maryland. My husband and I met there and we had so many fond memories.....we were together 33 years years and since his passing two years ago, I find myself traveling to the ocean to recapture that peace and tranquility we both had there. The movie lets me see and remember those things that young people experience in a small resort town. We lived there during the late 60's early 70's and the movie pinpointed one of the buildings we had lived in during that time, what a pleasure it was to watch the actors walk through places that my husband and I had shared many years ago......thank you!

Have you ever imagined yourself going back to your birthplace after many years away? Well, imagine so. There you are, meeting your love from old times, now married. Would all that flame come back? What would happen? This film is about this. A very good option for a rainy Sunday afternoon. And Sissy Spacek, like always, shines.

Gussie Sawyer (Sissy Spacek) and Henry Squires (Kevin Kline) were high school sweethearts in a small seaside town. She left to be a globetrotting photographer, first for fashion and then news and finally war. After more than a decade, she goes home for a visit. Henry is now married to Ruth Squires (Bonnie Bedelia) with a teenage son.

I've never heard of this movie. It seems to be a minor flop at the box office. The cast is top level. Director Jack Fisk is married to Sissy. The writer is mother to a couple of big time Gyllenhaals. The question becomes whether these connections are enough. Certainly, they got some big name talents to join the project. That does make this intriguing simply for their presence. The premise is fine if somewhat challenging. After all, they are breaking up a happy family. The pacing is leisurely like the location until the dinner. Then it's a leisurely jog. The story is simple. This is most intriguing for individual moments of performances.