by Jon Partridge
If you’re a reader of the site, you know we’re big fans of Twilight Time here at Cinapse. Well, it turns out the appreciation extends far beyond our little band, as the popularity of their limited edition releases has brought about a new “Encore Edition,” a second run of a sold out release; this time out it’s the Eastwood/Bridges vehicle Thunderbolt and Lightfoot.
THUNDERBOLT AND LIGHTFOOT Synopsis
Eastwood plays a typically laconic loner, a big-time thief in hiding who hooks up with a goofy young drifter (Jeff Bridges, giving an Oscar®-nominated performance). First attempting to escape from a couple of vengeful former partners (George Kennedy, Geoffrey Lewis), then joining forces with them to pull off a risky robbery, Eastwood and Bridges give us an ultimately touching portrait of masculine friendship. Superbly photographed in Montana’s Big Sky country by Frank Stanley, and featuring a score by Eastwood regular Dee Barton.
Thunderbolt and Lightfoot is a throwback, very much the product of its era. It also feels familiar, as part of the buddy/road movie genre that has been well mined in the years since its release. Despite these qualities, it still feels remarkably fresh. This is down to how much freedom is afforded the two leads within the story to just figure each other out, but also down to the undeniable talents and charm of Eastwood and Bridges.
The first half is a breezy, charming affair as the titular pair drive across the country, learning about one another, notably their past. The film then kicks it up a gear with the duo attempting a rather brazen heist that brings more characters into the mix. Its heist component is pretty stripped down. It doesn’t try to be overly clever. Instead it relies on some fine writing and actors reveling in it. We get quirkier moments such as a a hilarious long-con requiring assimilation into a twee community and a ride in a car with a raccoon up against more simple moments, like the pair walking and talking with the sights of Big Sky in the background. Each of these are moments that will bring a smile to your face. The narrative feels very loose, and the little side trips add to the charm of the film. Above everything, though, this is a film about these men, their bond, and how their journey together changes them. This is paramount in the film’s design and the reason it is so successful.
Bridges, picking up an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actor, nearly steals the film from Eastwood as the young, enthusiastic, and cocky Lightfoot, a contrast to the more grizzled Thunderbolt played with perfection by Eastwood. These aren’t bad guys of course; “rogues” would be more applicable, despite their many misdemeanors. It’s a wonderfully ambiguous match-up, where more passes between the two than words. They’re aided in their work by a stonking supporting cast including notable names such as George Kennedy (Cool Hand Luke, The Naked Gun), Geoffrey Lewis (Everywhich Way But Loose, Maverick), Gary Busey (you know the Busey), Vic Tayback (Bullitt), Gregory Walcott (Plan 9 From Outer Space), and Bill McKinney (Deliverance).
Thunderbolt and Lightfoot (1974) marked the directing debut of screenwriter Michael Cimino, who would go on to direct The Deer Hunter a few years later. It was also a product of Clint Eastwood’s Malpaso production company that helped fuel his dominance of ’70s cinema. It remains one of Cimino’s most accomplished films: seemingly light and fun, but with unexpected character depth and development. Action and comedy are handled equally deftly, and with cinematography Frank Stanley makes full use of the beautiful state of Montana and the era, be it for stylish panoramic views or expertly framing the duo in their car. Some of the film may jar some, its portrayal of women being more than a little antiquated, but this facet is a relic of a bygone age and should not detract from such an accomplished feature.
THE PACKAGEThe Blu-ray transfer retains a grainy film quality, but the detail, colors, and contrast are all impressive without looking overly tweaked. The film loses a little definition in some of the darker scenes, and some dirt/scratches are noticeable, but overall this is a very natural presentation of a great looking film.
Special features include the now traditional Twilight Time Isolated Score soundtrack and theatrical trailer. There’s also an audio commentary with producer/director Nick Redman, writer Lem Dobbs, and film historian Julie Kirgo. Each brings their own perspective in analyzing the film as well as interesting tidbits about the production and the film’s interpretation since its release, notably about the sexuality of the piece and relationship between the two male leads. In lieu of the original cast and crew, it’s a really nice addition.
THE BOTTOM LINEWhile the “buddy/roadtrip” film is commonplace, Thunderbolt and Lightfoot offers an example of this genre that is breezy but layered with subtextual delight. The charms of Eastwood and Bridges elevate it further still, two actors reveling in the freedom afforded both them and their characters. A very welcome encore release from Twilight Time for this classic piece of Americana.
Thunderbolt and Lightfoot Encore Edition is available from Twilight Time in a limited edition release of 3,000 units.