I've been watching a lot of old Clint Eastwood movies lately
because, for SOME reason, a lot of channels have decided to run them. Many of these movies were scheduled long before the RNC, so I won't make any accusations knowing that the sole purpose of these channels are to make money and they thought (for whatever reason) that Clint Eastwood movies would be popular at this time.
Some of those movies were actually pretty good as movies. But this time I have concentrated more on Eastwood's performance rather than the movie itself. I have decided that the Directors of those movies are much better than I originally gave them credit for - especially in the area of "edits", where they get what they want on film and then splice the good pieces together. Pretty much, in every scene, the supporting actors act rings around Eastwood - but once they get the "intensity" of Eastwood they cut to one of the actual..., er, supporting actors.
I'll admit, Eastwood has an intensity of White Man Anger that none can match.
So, I would like to modify my previous assessment of Clint Eastwood's acting style, although I can still sum it up in 2 styles:
1. Pissed off because he doesn't understand
2. Pissed off because he finally understands, but the rules don't fit his personal perceptions.
I'll admit that he has directed some excellent movies. However, little is known about his personal style of Direction. He has had the experience of many excellent directors and many different styles of direction including both American and Italian styles which have proven very financially successful. So, does he actually have more hands-on experience with his movies, or does he merely shout "Do It Better!" as so many Directors do? I don't know, I've never been on a sound stage with Eastwood. Maybe he's actually learned something from those excellent he's worked under!
But back to his actual movies!
Spaghetti Westerns: The Movie Rustler's Rhapsody explains it much better than I could ever try. If you've watched or liked more than two Western Movies in your lifetime, you need to watch this movie - and prepare to laugh your @ss off!
Dirty Harry - This is the series that launched the Clint Eastwood franchise. Including Clint's "magical appearance" which was an important plot point but ... well... And the Vigilante was able to kill to "bad guy". [i]Even though that would never happen in real life.
As far as the range of acting for Clint Eastwood, my favorite CE movie is still, Gran Tourino:
A racist that is forced to recognize and refute his own racism by sacrificing his life.
No, no, NO!
You see, Clint advocated destruction, WE advocate Construction!
The most important message was that
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The film has several hilarious moments ("shut the window, Lamar"
and Eastwood seems to be laughing inside at the world. I like his exchange with Elma, rich man Robert Duvall's mistress on whom Eastwood puts a move as he waits for the rich man who bailed him out of jail to call for him.
Elma: How long have they had you locked up?
Joe Kidd: Two days.
Elma: What would you be like after two months?
Joe Kidd: We wouldnt even be talking now.
