L'été indien

I was vacationing in Ocean City, Maryland when this film was being made. I remember hearing on the radio that the production crew was looking for background extras for some early scenes in the film. I wish I had tried out for one! I have always had a soft spot in my heart for this film, not simply because I love Ocean City, but because this movie is proof that a simple story, told with honest sincerity, can rise head and shoulders above flashy production values and overblown dramatics. Spacek and Klein do quite well with their lead roles. Low-key dramas like this seem more down to Earth because this is how real people such as ourselves would act in similar situations. By wisely omitting any shots of the many high rise condominiums of northern Ocean City, the filmmakers have done an excellent job of portraying this as a small coastal town. If romantic sentimentality is not your thing, you'll probably yawn through this movie. But if you're the type of person to often look back and wonder "what if," then Violets Are Blue is certainly worth your time.

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.

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.

This movie doesn't have a lot of great visuals (with the exception of a quick shot of Kevin Kline's cute, naked butt). It doesn't have fast-paced action.....But the story and the acting make it a great film. Kline, Spacek, and Bedelia put in some great performances, and they make this film an intense drama, with their subtle and realistic portrayals. It's certainly not the best film any of those actors ever did, but it is truly a joy to watch them in.

Kevin Kline is one of my very favorites. He's quite sexy in this film. Sissy Spacek is beautiful. When the two looked at each other, they made the screen melt. This is one time I was rooting for the 'other woman.' It makes us all think about the one that got away.