The Bridges of Madison County ★★★ 1995 (PG-13) Robert Kincaid (Eastwood) is on assignment in 1965 Iowa to photograph Madison County's scenic covered bridges. Only problem is he gets lost and stops for directions at Francesca Johnson's (Streep) farmhouse. There's an immediate attraction between the repressed Italian war-bride-turned-farm-wife and the charismatic world traveler, which they act on in four short days. Much of the treacle from Robert James Waller's novel has been fortunately abandoned but the mature romance remains. 64-year-old Eastwood exudes low-key sexiness while Streep (with a light Italian accent) is all earthy warmth. Fans of both book and stars should be pleased, though the leisurely paced film takes too long to get started. 135m/C VHS, DVD. Clint Eastwood, Meryl Streep, Victor Slezak, Annie Corley, Jim Haynie;
Director:
Clint Eastwood;
Writer:
Richard LaGravenese;
Writer:
Jack N. Green;
Cameo:
Lennie Niehaus.
