Watch Mr. and Mrs. Bridge

Mr. and Mrs. Bridge is a 1990 drama film directed by James Ivory and starring Paul Newman as Walter Bridge, Joanne Woodward as India Bridge, and Saundra McClain as their maid, Harriet. The film is based on two novels by Evan S. Connell: Mrs. Bridge and Mr. Bridge. The story is set in the 1930s in Kansas City, Missouri, and follows the life of the Bridge family. Walter is a successful lawyer who takes great pride in his work and his ability to provide for his wife and children. India is a stay-at-home mother who spends her days shopping, visiting friends, and attending events in the city. Their three children, Ruth, Carolyn, and Douglas, are growing up and starting to explore the world outside their privileged upbringing.

The film is a character study, examining the Bridges' relationships with themselves, each other, and the changing world around them. As the country moves closer to World War II and societal norms begin to shift, the Bridges find themselves struggling to adapt to the changes. Walter is particularly resistant, holding on to his conservative values and rejecting any hint of modernity. India, meanwhile, starts to question her role as a wife and mother, wondering if there's more to life than just keeping up appearances.

Despite the Bridges' comfortable lifestyle, there is an underlying sense of emptiness and loneliness that pervades the film. Walter and India both feel disconnected from each other and from their children, unable to bridge the gulf that separates them. Their attempts to connect often fall short, with Walter resorting to lectures and India retreating into her own world of books and daydreams.

Throughout the film, we see glimpses of the Bridges' pasts through flashbacks and memories. We see how Walter and India met, how they fell in love, and the events that shaped their lives. These scenes serve to deepen our understanding of the characters and the choices they've made. We see how Walter's strict upbringing led him to value discipline and hard work above all else, and how India's sheltered upbringing left her feeling stifled and unfulfilled.

The film is beautifully shot, with elegant cinematography and a muted color palette that evokes the time period. The performances are top-notch, with Newman and Woodward delivering nuanced, understated performances that capture the subtleties of their characters' emotions. McClain shines in her ing role as Harriet, offering a grounded perspective on the Bridges' privileged existence.

Overall, Mr. and Mrs. Bridge is a poignant and thought-provoking film that explores the complexities of family, class, and tradition. It's a character-driven drama that rewards viewers who are willing to engage with the subtle nuances of the Bridges' lives.