Parker. Or with 1990's 'White Hunter, Black Heart' which was a thinly veiled look at John Huston's making of 'The African Queen.' But Eastwood always paid his dues. For every 'Bird' there was a 'Dirty Harry' picture or Westerns like 1985's 'Pale Rider' or the already classic 'Unforgiven' which collected seven Oscars two years ago. More mellow, happy with a young baby 'The Bridges of Madison County' appeared an attractive idea. The story is essentially a character piece with the two main roles, the fortysomething woman and the handsome fiftysomething stranger, providing a showcase for the talent involved. Meryl Streep was not an easy catch:' I didn't like the book but that may just be me. However, the script for the film was wonderful. I wasn't shattered by the book as many people were -- for me it was not a religious experience. But the film is something else. And Clint is going to surprise many people with what he has created. All the emotion is there.' She dyed her blonde hair brown with reddish highlights for the role of Francesca. Eastwood just had to be himself. He may be 64 but as the novel's 52-year-old Kincaid he is easily acceptable. As was the production in the rural town of Winterset , Iowa , (pop: 4,209) where many of the locals earned pocket money as extras. 'Everyone was helpful and wanted to enjoy the idea of the film,' said Eastwood. adding:' When you get out of the Hollywood environment it's a pleasant surprise just how co-operative people can be. 'I feel very comfortable with the movie. I don't find it any different from other material I have worked with. There is love, conflict and fear. 'And they are basic emotions in real and movie life. This is a warm movie for me -- and, yes, maybe it is the time and the circumstances which want me to work with material like this.' Eastwood has to wield a camera rather than a Magnum in the film and was trained by veteran American photographer Ken Regan. 'In teaching Clint how to use a camera ( Nikon F, circa 1964) I was surprised how quickly he adapted. He has a natural mechanical ability, a defined visual sense, a sharp eye, and he notices things others might miss. After editing his first photos I gave him a B+.' Given the brown-nosing nature of such situations Regan insists that Eastwood is a little bit of a snapper star:' He always wants to get it right. He's a man of dedication and detail.' And Streep says: ' As a director he is frugal but will indulge you until you feel you have done your absolute best. He is a man who doesn't have to prove anything to anybody. Except, possibly, to himself. He will always want to excel, to do and be the best. It's a great tribute to him.' |
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