Nadine

Set amidst the backdrop of 1950s Texas, Nadine is a captivating blend of romance, comedy, and suspense that captivates viewers from the opening scene to the final act. Directed by Robert Benton, the 1987 film stars Kim Basinger as Nadine Hightower, a splendid woman with a dream to fulfill, and Jeff Bridges as her estranged husband, Vernon Hightower. Their tumultuous relationship is central to the movie as they navigate a series of unforeseen events that serve as the film's pulse-pounding core.

The film opens with Nadine, who works as a hairdresser in a beauty salon in Austin, getting caught in a series of unwanted events. Not happy with her current life, Nadine dreams of leaving her job and becoming a prominent lingerie model. However, an unexpected glitch occurs when she tries to retrieve some risqué photos of herself that she had earlier sold to sleazy photographer Raymond Escobar, played with aplomb by Rip Torn.

When comfortable routine gives way to unforeseen disaster, Nadine is forced to call upon Vernon, who makes his living developing blueprints for buildings, to help her out. Vernon, who is on the brink of closing a real estate deal, finds himself reluctantly drawn into the mess despite having already moved on from their relationship. Nadine and Vernon's journey together, filled with endearing bickering and sarcasm that exhibits their underlying affection for each other despite their tough exterior, forms the humorous, charming, and riveting heart of the movie.

While their shared adventure is filled with sparkling repartee and hints of a rekindling romance, Nadine and Vernon's story is far from a simple rom-com setup. Instead, it unfolds as a journey of self-discovery and a realization about their bond, replete with suspense and intrigue.

Mistaken identities, a plot involving an erroneous blueprint of a yet-to-be opened club, and escalating encounters with a notorious gang inject a high dose of tension, leading to an escalating series of misadventures. In effect, the story presents a thrilling concatenation of madcap escapades, chase sequences, and downright comedic occurrences.

Director Robert Benton intelligently combines comedic moments with suspenseful situations to create a unique blend of genres, while the grit and glamour of the 50s Texas landscape provide an inviting canvas for this movie. Basinger's character Nadine contrasts powerfully with Jeff Bridges' Vernon, creating a compelling duo that keeps the audience invested in their journey. The endearingly flawed protagonists, surrounded by a distinctive cast of supporting characters, make for a thrilling and unexpected venture.

The cinematography beautifully captures the essence of the era, with old-times cars, vintage costumes, and the retro styling of buildings. This is further complemented by the film's score, which efficiently underpins the narrative's progression, effectively invoking the attention and emotions of the audience.

Basinger as Nadine brings a charming vitality and skilled physical comedy to the role, with her character undergoing a transformative arc from a dreamy beauty salon worker to a woman who takes charge during crisis. Bridges, on the other hand, offers a strong performance as Vernon, a man of simple means caught up in a whirlwind of events, showcasing his character's resourcefulness and adaptability to chaos. Rip Torn, as the conniving Escobar, gives a memorable supporting performance with his deft comedic timing and convincing portrayal of a sleazy charmer.

In summary, Nadine is an endearing and twist-filled journey which weaves together a suspenseful adventure, effervescent romance, and charming humor. It is a salute to the cinema of the 50s, revived with a 80s lens to deliver a plot that is as engaging as it is unpredictable. The feature efficaciously explores the dynamics of a couple's strenuous relationship while simultaneously unraveling an engaging caper. Nadine brings together an ensemble of talented actors, melds genres seamlessly, presents engaging dialogues, and portrays distinctive lead characters while subtly immersing the viewers within the nostalgic aura of the 1950s.