The Twilight of Clint Eastwood (Movie Review)

Insidecatholic.com ^ | 1/09/09 | by Joan Frawley Desmond

[GonzoII]

During the post-Vatican II push for more "relevant" religion classes, students in my high school "Theology of the Film" course trooped off to see Dirty Harry -- the 1971 drama starring Clint Eastwood as the police lieutenant who violates the law, including the torture of suspects, to protect San Franciscans from a wily serial killer.

Afterward, we held the requisite classroom debate on whether Harry was justified in taking the law into his own hands. Most of us teenagers didn't quite understand the point of the discussion -- Harry did what he had to do, right? But our teacher, a Dominican nun, appeared to be quite torn up.

The memory of that futile classroom exercise surfaced again while I watched Gran Torino, the compelling new film that showcases Eastwood's unique gifts as an actor and director.

Eastwood has vowed that his staring role in Gran Torino will be his final onscreen performance. Thus, filmgoers who savor his austere vision of the autonomous individual establishing his own code of morality may find themselves approaching Dirty Harry and Gran Torino as ideal bookends for his cinematic career. Indeed, as Eastwood surely intended, Dirty Harry's moral dilemma is unexpectedly and memorably resolved in Gran Torino, the tale of Walt Kowalski, a retired autoworker confronting a violent gang and his own morality.

Taken together, the two films provide a compelling exploration of the impact of time and experience on moral action, both individually and collectively.

This is a subject that deeply interests Catholics. Revelation provides us with the essential truths we need to properly navigate the world. Yet our interpretation of these truths is not fixed. The pilgrimage progresses and awareness deepens, opening up new vistas and opportunities for transcendence.

[GonzoII]

"Good article. Gran Torino does indeed resolve Dirty Harry."

Don't tell me any more! LOL.

[thefrankbaum]

Turning the other cheek is a response to getting slapped - an insult. Ignoring an insult is a sign of strength and maturity. When faced with an assault, you have a moral imperative to defend both yourself and others. People forget that Christ ordered his disciples to sell their cloaks and purchase a sword.

[TheConservativeParty]

Keep the Freeper reviews of “Gran Torino” coming....Still deciding whether to see it or not.

Favorite funny Eastwood movie of mine “Heart Break Ridge”.
Love most of his other movies too.

[WackySam]

The best movie I’ve seen in a long, long time.

[fr_freak]

I thought Gran Torino sucked! I was anticipating his film, as have I always, but it focused to much on his growling and not enough on his acting.

I have to agree with you. Clint's character was great, but virtually every other actor in the movie sucked and sucked bad. The story might have been much better if there had been more convincing actors. And the ending was a little silly.

[Nihil Obstat]

language gets a litle salty. People offended by prince Harry saying “my little Paki friend” probably shouldn’t go near the theater.

great movie, we laughed a lot at the dialogue, really enjoyed the action and greatly appreciated the ending. beautiful ending (theologically) but I don’t want to give it away for those who haven’t seen it. It’s an inspiring movie, I’m buying the dvd for sure.

[hosepipe]

[ I haven't decided whether to see it or not. What did you like about it? ]

Eastwood displayed an extremely hardened exterior (in his character like Dirty Harry) but a soft heart.. and a wise solution to nasty problems.. Could become a cult classic this movie.. Everyone knows someone that matches Eastwoods character.. in some way.. Directed brilliantly too.. beyond the stellar performances.. I recommend it..

You will not be disappointed I suspect..

[Scotswife]

I saw the movie last night - hubby and I both loved it.

[IronJack]

democratic societies depend upon their citizens' adherence to the rule of law.

An oft-quoted fallacy ... or at best partial truth. Democratic societies DO depend on their citizens' allegiance to a rule of law, but only so long as it is matched by the government's commitment to ENFORCING that rule of law, and so long as the laws being enforced reflect the will of the People. THAT is the essence of social contract, as spelled out in the Declaration of Independence.

The current American government is failing on two counts: one, to enforce the laws that exist; and two, to enact laws that reflect the values of the population. When "affirmative action" makes it legal to discriminate in favor of the minority over the majority, the will of the People is discarded. When the populace overwhelmingly rejects "gay marriage" yet states legalize it anyway, the state is at odds with the people who make it up. When certain provisions of the Bill of Rights are expanded to ridiculous lengths and others are qualified out of existence, the government no longer serves its charter.

The social contract is dissolving, freeing citizens from their obligation to observe the rule of law. A contract does not bind only one party.

[DManA]

Walt’s friendship with Thao and his cheeky sister,

This is petty and off topic but I HATE cheeky sisters in movies and TV. It is such an annoying cliche. That and hip, over sexed old ladies. HATE ‘em.

[LetMarch]

The guys at the office gave me a hard time (when they were discussing Clint Eastwood’s movies)back in the mid 80’s;
for saying “I didn’t know Rowdy Yates had become Clint Eastwood.”

Now I am reminded of: “In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 21:25)

[navymom1]

There are some insults that can’t be ignored. For instance when one is accused of lying to a Board of Directors and one’s Committee Members. This happened in our neck of the woods over the past week. The offended felt the insult so beyond the pale that she did respond by telling the Board Members that their insult was so disgusting as to make her physically sick to her stomach. She also resigned in the same email.

There is a time to let something go and a time to stand up for what is right even if it means that one takes the arrows. The former Chair is presently asking God to show her what she needs to learn from interaction with people who have no compunction of behaving in an unbusiness like, highschoolish manner.

[Nihil Obstat]

I’m sorry, I misread your post. I was talking about Gran Torino, not Twilight.

[PhiloBedo]

The ending is definitely a let down for fans of Eastwood stereotype characters. That said it was fitting for the story of the Kolwalski character.

[GonzoII]

"Keep the Freeper reviews of “Gran Torino” coming....Still deciding whether to see it or not.

Favorite funny Eastwood movie of mine “Heart Break Ridge”. Love most of his other movies too."

"Heart Break Ridge" was great, best Spaghetti "The Good the Bad and the Ugly" I think.

I'm gonna wait for the DVD on this one, sounds like folks really like it.

[Venturer]

I havent seen it yet,but it sounds a little like Charles Bronson’s “Death Wish” redux.

Dont get me wrong, I loved the first Death Wish,but the sequels got really bad, as Charlie killed more people than the Israeli’s wiped out in Gaza last week.

Should Americans be prepared to defend themselves? They better, by the time police arrive you could be dead. Should they go off on hunting forays? No.

I will watch this movie and judge it for myself.

[Finny]

Be assured that Clint Eastwood has zero intention of retiring from directing or filmmaking after Grand Torino -- he has declared clearly and repeatedly in several recent interviews that he plans to continue working in Hollywood. As for the possibility of his retiring from acting in films, he may have made that declaration and I missed it ... but I doubt it.

Sorry to hear about your stepfather -- I hope he finds a fun and prosperous niche in the profession.

[RonboTex]

Saw it Saturday afternoon. Easily the best film I've seen in 5 years. No PC crap.
Hope Eastwood gets an Oscar for this. He also directed this film.

[Finny]

Turning the other cheek is a response to getting slapped - an insult. Ignoring an insult is a sign of strength and maturity. When faced with an assault, you have a moral imperative to defend both yourself and others. People forget that Christ ordered his disciples to sell their cloaks and purchase a sword.

Such an excellent post that it should be posted again. THANK YOU for writing it.

[Scotswife]

my guess is that Hollywood will snub Eastwood and this film.