Yes, this is a totally great movie. Any woman who's ever felt constricted by family or convention can relate to Natalie in this film. And Steve- whoa! I felt totally bereft when he died died at the age of 50 in 1980. My husband at-the-time kept saying "what's the big deal?" Oh well.
I was thinking the same thing. If you can think of a physically more beautiful pairing please let me know. Natalie Wood is so flawlessly beautiful in certain shots that it literally brings tears to my eyes. I'm serious! The only actresses that have ever come close to rivaling her beauty are Hedy Lamarr and Catherine Deneuve. And of course, let's not forget what fine actors they were.
A couple of things: what is the Sally Field reference that you speak of? Also, I checked out Chantal Goya, whom I'd never heard of. Very nice looking. I don't know if she reminds me of Natalie Wood, but a younger Brooke Adams comes to mind when I look at her images. There are some nice videos of her singing on YouTube. She even has her own website, but I don't speak or read French.
It's been too long to be sure, but I bet she was a guest programmer on TCM and showed the film. I bet Masculin Feminin had probably just been released on Criterion DVD, so that is why I had that actress in mind.
The only one who was more beautiful was Elizabeth Taylor, I mourned when all three of them died. I would have movie night or day and watch a particular star's movies. My husband was use to it and would leave me alone. I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!!