In the Line of Fire

In Salon, Christopher Orr describes Clint Eastwood as "the rare artist who has gone from being condemned as a fascist propagandist by the left to being condemned as a fascist propagandist by the right." Lurking behind both attacks is the idea that Eastwood's later films are a liberal "apology" for his earlier movies. As Orr's sharp essay points out, the man's work is much more complicated than that.

Comments

[Jim Walsh]

Good article, thought I would dispute the notion that "Unforgiven" was the Big Turning Point so much the culmination of themes that he had been exploring in earlier films. Incidentally, the "lack of interest in punishing evil" we find in "Million Dollar Baby" (to say more would risk spoiling the film) is present in an earlier film, the much-underrated "Bronco Billy." In the film, Clint, as the title character, allows himself to be humiliated by a brutal sheriff in order to get a friend out of jail. He shows no interest in going back later and settling the score; he just moves on. This type of twist, however frustrating it may be to those of us expecting for the Dirty Harry-esque catharsis, shows as much as anything how much Eastwood has matured over the years as a filmmaker.

[Jim Walsh]

NOTE: I've corrected a couple of typos from the previous posting. Apologies. -JW

Good article, though I would dispute the notion that "Unforgiven" was the Big Turning Point so much as the culmination of themes that he had been exploring in earlier films. Incidentally, the "lack of interest in punishing evil" we find in "Million Dollar Baby" (to say more would risk spoilage) is present in an earlier film, the much-underrated "Bronco Billy" In which the title character allows himself to be humiliated by a brutal sheriff in order to get a friend out of jail. He shows no interest in going back later and settling the score; he just moves on. This type of twist, however frustrating it may be to those of us expecting for the Dirty Harry-esque catharsis, shows as much as anything how much Eastwood has matured over the years as a filmmaker.

[Brett]

I've always considered him more libertarian than conservative, based on some things he's said. I sure as hell don't consider him a PC wimp. A PC wimp probably wouldn't have half-jokingly threaten to kill Michael Moore.

The conservative uproar over this latest film has been amusing to say the least.

[Mike]

Heck, Clint Eastwood listens to Michael Savage - he's no liberal.

[Thomas Ware]

Just think, we grew up with that dude pullin' guns out of holsters and cappin' people off. Good, bad or indifferent, the guy influenced the way we see the world.

'Course, I may be a tad bias - m'g'ma, and Louis L'Amour, taught me how to read.

Just when I begin to think you other-libs (no liberal I) are no more than Republicans Wanting To Smoke Pot... one of you surprises me.

[Gary Gunnels]

Brett,

Well, conservatives believe that suffering through excruciating pain on the way to death is the best way to do die; and they want to force everyone to die that way.

[Gary Gunnels]

Brett,

Of course, they also hate the idea of a lot of the life-extending bio-technology as well.

[fyodor]

Each spectrum side seems to have its own particular ways of fearing the Screams of Reason, a phrase I borrow from the title of a book on horror movies. The scientist who goes TOO FAR because he's all brain and no heart is a rather recurring theme back to Franky boy.

[fyodor]

Hmmm, I suppose libertarians could be accused of the same, as it applies to the heartless intellect of the political class, and perhaps the academic class as well...and then there's--lawyers!!

Occurs to me that I should defend libertarians and say, "Well at least we..." But I don't feel like it now. Maybe after breakfast.

[Brett]

GG,

Yes, I'm aware of the source of the recent controversy. My wife listens to Medved and he talked about it for 3 straight weeks. I just find it amusing that conservatives complain about the lopsided proportion of liberals in Hollywood, champion Eastwood as one of the few Republicans/conservatives there, then turn on him as soon as he films something they don't agree with. Medved purposefully gave away the ending to anybody who would listen in an attempt to sabotage the film's success (claiming to be protecting his listeners).

[Gary Gunnels]

Brett,

Wow. What a jerk.

[jhz]

Whatever one might make of the politics of his films, Eastwood is openly conservative. "Mike" points out that he listens to Michael Savage; last year around Oscar time, Eastwood called in to the Savage show and talked for a while about being a conservative in Hollywood, etc. He even outed Robert Duvall in the process.

[dead_elvis]

Just watched an Oscar preview show- various interviewees discussed hope that their movie would "raise awareness" of whatever issue was in their movie. Clint Eastwood was the only one that disavowed having any big statement in his movie.

Great example of manufacturing a controversy, just to keep your side in the news and keep the faithful whipped up (think back to Christmas).

[Jesse Walker]

last year around Oscar time, Eastwood called in to the Savage show and talked for a while about being a conservative in Hollywood, etc. He even outed Robert Duvall in the process.

I think Duvall, like Eastwood, is a self-proclaimed libertarian. (Small l, of course.)

[Brett]

I think Duvall at least partially outed himself a few years ago when he publically called bullshit on Spielberg (amongh others, I think) for some pro-Cuba statement. At the very least, he distanced himself from the main pool of H'wood halfwits.

[oscar]

Did anyone else see that weird flooding alert for the Bronx?

[Gary Gunnels]

Brett,

Its my impression that most actors are agnostic on political issues. They seem to eschew a burning desire (like most Americans) to get involved in politics.

[Gary Gunnels]

Swank won "Best Actress."

[Dave]

Wait, i thought the Oscars were cancelled this year. I mean, with all the leftist types who were arguing that Bush's inauguration should be cancelled and the money given to the tsunami victims, I'd find it hard to believe that Hollywood would spend millions on something like this....ah, but the Oscars are of vital import to the world.

[Gary Gunnels]

Best Director and Best Picture too!

Wow, Clint cleaned up.

[fyodor]

Eastwood is openly conservative

No wonder he's beginning to look so much like Charleton Heston!

[Mr. Nice Guy]

Poor old Marty S got shit on again. I guess The Aviator wasn't melodramatic enough.