Continental Divide
by Michael Apted
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Actor: Allen Garfield, Blair Brown, Carlin Glynn, John Belushi, Tony GaniosDirector: Michael Apted
Brand: Universal Studios
Cinematographer: John Bailey
Producer: Bernie Brillstein
Producer: Bob Larson
Producer: Jack Rosenthal
Producer: Steven Spielberg
Producer: Zelda Barron
Writer: Lawrence Kasdan
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Subtitled); French (Subtitled); Spanish (Subtitled); English (Original Language)
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DVD, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.85:1
Running Time: 103 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2010-07-06
Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Universal Studios
DVD Reviews of Continental Divide
DVD Review: This is not a comedy, it's a drama-romance
Summary: 4 Stars
Like my title blurb says, this is not a comedy with John Belushi, but rather a romantic drama with a few light comedic touches, so if you're looking for some Belushi laughs in the manner of "The Blues Brothers" or "1941" you'll be sorely disappointed. I'm not a Belushi expert by any means but from what I understand "Continental Divide" is one of his only serious roles, and he does it well. It's also one of his last films; a mere five & a half months after the theatrical release John foolishly passed away from drug abuse at the way-too-young age of 33 on March 5, 1982.
THE PLOT: Belushi plays Ernie Souchak, a popular Chicago columnist, whose controversial reporting lands him in the hospital. His boss, who wants to get him out of the city, sends him to the scenic Rocky Mountains to interview famous bald eagle researcher Nell Porter, played by the beautiful Blair Brown. Souchak is a city man who chain-smokes, whereas Nell revels in the wilderness and hates jounalists. Will they end up falling in love? And, if so, how can a marriage possibly work if they both insist on remaining in their vastly different worlds so far apart?
I'm not a fan of romantic comedies but I will occasional watch romantic dramas like "Ode to Billy Joe," "The Whole Wide World" or even "Love Story." Although "Continental Divide" isn't nearly as serious as those films, it's not a comedy either. There are a few minor laughs, usually tied to Souchak's awkwardness in the wilderness, but that's about it. Although light-hearted, this is indeed a serious film. It's not only entertaining, it surprisingly has a few notable things to say.
The most prominent part of the film is the hour or so wherein Souchak goes to the Rockies and stays with Nell. Most men will likely become infatuated with Blair Brown as Souchak falls in love with Nell. I did. Blair was 35 years old at the time of filming (although she appears to be in her early 40s) and has a very earthy look; she never wears make-up and never reveals a lot of flesh. She doesn't need to. She has a strong, independant mindset and yet, at the same time, is very likable and alluring. Her body has the necessary natural roundishness and curves that attract red-blooded men.
I heard some reviewers complain about the sequence wherein Nell secretly meets a ultra-stud mountain man (an ex-football player) for a literal roll in the meadow. They argue that this is a meaningless and unneeded sequence. Actually the story is making a statement with this subplot (SPOILER -- if you wanna figure it out on your own don't read the rest of this paragraph): Although Nell would occasionally meet the ultra-macho stud as a sexual outlet in the lonely wilderness, it's obvious she doesn't love the dude in a romantic sense. Their relationship is superficial because it fulfills only one purpose and doesn't go any deeper. As the story progresses Nell falls in love with Souchak, a man who is the antithesis of the studly mountain man in every way. Souchak isn't macho-looking at all; he's only of average height and isn't in very good physical shape. He is, however, an intelligent and expert writer, amongst other things. The message we can glean from this is that men don't have to be ultra-masculine-looking to win the heart of a beautiful woman. And you know what? It's true. Just look around. This is an encouraging message for guys who aren't the "tall, dark and handsome" type.
The first two times I saw "Continental Divide" I felt it was poorly named. Much of the story takes place in the mountains near the Continental Divide, so what? The third time I watched it the title's meaning dawned on me (I know, I'm a doofus): Souchak and Nell's lives are divided by half a continent; how could a long-term relationship possibly work? The ending is surprising and unconventional, but it works. Very well, in fact.
Description of Continental Divide
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