Breezy (1973)

 In the film 'Licorice Pizza' - which is set in 1973 - a plot element involves the making of a thinly veiled version of 'Breezy' called 'Rainbow'. In addition, having now watched 'Breezy' I can better see a number of aspects of that film embedded in the later films DNA, including an age gap romance and a similar California setting. 

'Breezy' was the third film directed by Clint Eastwood, after 'Play Misty For Me' and 'High Planes Drifter', in fact characters in this film go to see 'High Planes Drifter' in a theater. 'Breezy' is a character study/ romance film in which an imbittered, divorced, real estate agent played by a 55 year old William Holden, slowly, and against his better judgment, falls in love with a free spirted 17 year old who goes by "Breezy" and is played by a very lovely 20 year old Kay Lenz.

The film somewhat lessens the ick factor of the pairing by making "Breezy" not a run away, but rather an orphan who finished school early then set out on her own. She's the manic-pixie-dream-girl type, very charming, and she's the one who actively pursues Holden, picking him like a stray cat might pick an owner. 

While Kay Lenz is beguiling (side note: Eastwood started in a film called 'The Beguiled' two years before making this movie), it's Holden who makes the film work. I read one reviewer point out the honesty in his performance and I'd second that, you believe him, the positive changes Breezy's presence brings out in him seem real and earned. The whole film has a understated quality that keeps it from feeling excessively exploitive, even as it makes sure to show off Kay Lenz's body. Without going into them I also wanted to mention the film has a number of good side characters and side plots, these provide counter point to the main narrative and provide further emotional shading and backstory for the leads. 

This is one of those films I didn't plan on finishing, just wanted to get a taste of it given the 'Licorice Pizza' connection. However, the movie reeled me in, and was surprisingly emotionally affective. To those who can get past the premise, I recommend. ***