I heard bells and banjos with this one

Emma Woodhouse

You will get the title and the one line summary if you've seen the flick. I know it sounds like an old chick flick, and to some it might be. However, I think anyone can enjoy this strange love-story. I simply adore this movie. My friends were turned off because it is in black and white, however the story is so engrossing that after a while the lack of color is unnoticeable. The back of the movie is brief and most plot summaries are too. However, this movie is amazing. I watched it four times the weekend I rented it and when I had to return it went out and bought it. Steve McQueen is called one of "Hollywood's most legendary actors." He is remembered for his car chase in Bullit and motorcycle chase in The Great Escape. Although these movies are both truly perfect examples of McQueen's talent as an actor and speed demon, Love with the Proper Stranger should not be forgotten. It displays his softer side as well as his talent purely as an actor. A lot of actors are limited to certain type of movie. McQueen crosses the action figure genre with ease. His great looks and wonderful voice are just bonuses for us obsessed fans. I will admit sometimes I am drawn to movies by an actor's superficial appeals but McQueen is an amazing actor as well as a hottie. His character is perfectly developed and the use of facial expressions are so appropriate. For example, when talking to Angie (Wood) he will often just smile and then drop it when she disapproves.

Natalie Wood is as great as she ever has been. Her passionate character is not overdone. She is real and strong. She is not some dumb girl in most love stories just caught up in charm. She uses her head and then her heart. (I know that sounds cliched). Her lines are not awkward. Every line in this movie is perfectly placed and none are inappropriate. Her character is not single-layered. However, she develops over the course of the movie. It is obvious in her outward appearance, as well as her decisions. She received an Academy Award nomination for her performance (and should have won too). The story addresses some issues too, about love, abortion and family. It does not come across as too heavy and then again not too light for the subject matter. Each is perfectly addressed. This movie is also not without humor. Lines like "we are in love, aren't we?" "Yes, you with yourself and me with myself" are both humorous and revealing. And the entire "you-know..." dinner conversation (e.g. broke her you know legs) is entirely entertaining. Overall McQueen and Wood deliver amazing performances and the story is just beautiful (I can't think of a more suitable word). So no matter what you may have heard this movie was the best rental selection I have ever made.

score 10/10

Emma Woodhouse 6 August 2002

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw0082874/