I’ve always enjoyed visiting the lesser-known works of great movie actors, if for no other reason than it’s often a pleasant reminder that certain actors can be counted on to deliver good performances, no matter how big or small the film. I consider Jeff Bridges and Kim Basinger to be in that tier of actors that I’ll watch do most anything. So when I stumbled on forgotten gem Nadine (1987) recently, I had to give it a whirl. Somehow I missed this one in my youth and have rarely ever heard it mentioned since. That’s a shame, because Nadine is a fun romp, a wonderful time capsule of an era when small films often left big impressions.
Robert Benton’s Nadine is many things. It’s a comedy. It’s a drama. It’s a romance. Above all though, it’s a splendid showcase for its tremendously talented two leads. Bridges was the more established star, but Basinger had been around for a decade and was coming off the volcanically hot success of 9 1/2 Weeks (1986), which raised her profile considerably. Together in Nadine, they share a sweet and easy chemistry. When they engage in witty banter—and that’s exactly what they do for most of the film—it’s a joy to be in their company.
That old-style screwball comedy element is a major selling point for Nadine. Watching Basinger and Bridges lovingly bicker their way through one misadventure after another is a treat. The plot is secondary to the performances, but here goes. It’s 1954 in Austin, Texas. Hairdresser Nadine Hightower (Basinger) and her estranged husband, Vernon (Bridges) run afoul of a corrupt local real estate kingpin Buford Pope (Rip Torn), who sends his henchmen out to threaten them, chase them, and shoot bullets at them. There are some naughty photos of herself that Nadine is trying to reclaim (long story), while Vernon swipes some documents from Pope (longer story), which he hopes to cash in to fix up the beloved bar he owns, the Blue Bonnet. Oh, also, Nadine is pregnant, but Vernon doesn’t know it yet. Hilarity ensues!
If you think all that sounds overly convoluted and random, well, you wouldn’t be wrong. But the flimsy plot is secondary to the film’s raison d’être, which is to bask in the splendor of Basinger and Bridges playing a bickering, separated couple who clearly still love each other. While being pursued by gun-wielding baddies, Nadine and Vernon squabble and insult each other as the bullets fly by with the sort of combative zeal only two lovers could muster.
Basinger and Bridges have such beautiful comedic timing together! Bridges has always displayed a deft comedic touch, but with Nadine Basinger reminds us that she’s also terrific at playing for laughs. She’s one of my favorite actresses, and I just adore her in fun roles like this and the following year’s My Stepmother Is an Alien (1988). Nadine provides evidence of not only her deft comedic skills, but also her ability to convey aching vulnerability better than just about anyone around.
Every year, with a flood of new movies crowding out older ones in our memories, movies like Nadine practically disappear into the void. But they don’t have to, not in the age of streaming. So give Nadine a shot, especially if you’ve ever had a soft spot for Basinger and Bridges.
Nadine is currently streaming on Tubi.
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