Strider Posted November 11, 2011 Share Posted November 11, 2011 (edited) How do I love Clint Eastwood? Let me count the ways... One of the ways is the fact that you can't pigeonhole him...either artistically or politically. One of the last true GIANTS left in Hollywood. I always see his movies, no matter what. Even though I was disappointed with "Hereafter", I still look forward to see the new one, "J. Edgar" with relish. I've been hearing great things about it for some time. When I do(Antonioni, AFI Film Fest, concerts, book events have been keeping me busy), I'll let you know what I think. In the meantime, here's a nice little piece that appeared in this past weekend's LA Times: Clint Eastwood talks politics: Who's the Democrat he voted for? By Patrick Goldstein November 7, 2011 Clint Eastwood is such a passionate fiscal conservative that when he married his second wife, Dina Ruiz, in 1996, he included her finances in his own personal deficit-reduction campaign. “My wedding present to her was paying off her credit cards,” he told me the other day, using his bungalow on the Warner Bros. lot as a staging area for interviews touting “J. Edgar,” his new film about longtime FBI chief J. Edgar Hoover. When I asked if he’d made any similar offers as, well, an anniversary gift, Eastwood said with a laugh, “No, I told her it was a one-time deal.” Showbiz has its clear partisans — Sean Penn, Barbra Streisand and George Clooney are ardent liberals; Kelsey Grammer, Tom Selleck and Jerry Bruckheimer are true conservatives. But the right and the left both like to claim the 81-year-old Eastwood as one of their own. When I quizzed Eastwood, he couldn’t remember ever voting for a Democrat for president — including in the last election, where he supported John McCain. But when he condemned anti-gay marriage fanatics in a recent, profanity-studded GQ interview (“Don’t give me that sanctity crap! Just give everybody the chance to have the life they want”), my liberal friends shared the excerpts on Facebook with pretty much the same delight as 12-year-old girls passing around Justin Bieber videos. When it comes to his films’ depiction of sensitive issues, Eastwood has carried off an astounding balancing act. Look at his back-to-back movies about World War II: The first, “Flags of Our Fathers,” was openly admiring of American exceptionalism; the next, “Letters From Iwo Jima,” venerated the courage and sacrifices made by Japanese soldiers in one of the war’s bloodiest battles. “J. Edgar” won’t satisfy Hoover haters or supporters. The first half of the movie portrays him as an energetic crusader who modernized crime fighting, with fingerprints and scientific evidence analysis. But in the second half, Hoover turns into a headline-hogging zealot, snooping into private lives of suspected Communists or people Hoover simply saw as threats to his power, including a number of sitting presidents. Having promoted dozens of films, Eastwood is shrewd enough to tread carefully, not wanting to rub any potential moviegoers the wrong way. “Hoover was a patriot in his heart, but he definitely exceeded his power,” he said in his soft, sandpaper-like voice. “Whether he helped the country remains to be seen.” In other words, draw your own conclusions. Eastwood was far more open about his own politics. Having started voting for GOP presidential contenders in 1952 with Dwight Eisenhower, Eastwood said he was tempted to break ranks only once — in 1992, for Ross Perot. “I liked him,” Eastwood said. “I guess because I like rebels.” The only Democrat he can remember voting for is Gray Davis when he was elected governor of California in 1998. Yet Eastwood is also a big admirer of the current governor, Jerry Brown, and what Eastwood likes about Brown is revealing. He sees him as a kindred spirit, a free-thinking libertarian willing to take unpopular or unorthodox positions on key issues. Eastwood says he contributed to Brown’s campaign to establish several charter schools in Oakland when Brown was mayor there, seeing them as an important example of new thinking on education. “I’ve always been very liberal when it comes to people thinking for themselves,” said Eastwood, who supports gay marriage, abortion rights and environmental protection. “But I’m a big hawk on cutting the deficit. I was against the stimulus thing too. We shouldn’t be bailing out the banks and car companies. If a CEO can’t figure out how to make his company profitable, then he shouldn’t be the CEO.” When it comes to the current crop of Republican presidential candidates, if Eastwood is enthusiastic about anyone, it’s Herman Cain. “I love Cain’s story,” he says. “He’s a guy who came from nowhere and did well, obviously against heavy odds. He’s a doer and a straight-talker, which I don’t see enough of from either party.” He’s not as bullish on Mitt Romney. As a film icon, Eastwood has been fiercely protective of his image, but he’s not especially enamored by that attitude in a politician. When Eastwood was in Massachusetts in 2002, filming “Mystic River,” Romney was running for governor there. “I saw a lot of him and you have to admit — he looks like a president,” Eastwood recalled with a tone that you’d have to describe as being slyly sarcastic. “I mean, if you were casting a movie where you needed someone to play president, you’d definitely pick him.” He sounded equally skeptical about Rick Perry. When I suggested that Perry, as a rugged, gun-toting Texan, would probably crave a photo op with Eastwood even more than with Donald Trump, Eastwood said with a shrug, “If he wanted to meet me, he might be a little disappointed.” I’m here to testify that it’s awfully difficult to be disappointed when you meet Eastwood. He has a self-deprecating charm that wears well, even if you’re on the other side of the political spectrum. When I push back at his criticism of the auto company bailout, he flashes one of his trademark Eastwood squints, the kind of squint that has made hundreds of bad guys quake in their boots. “Look at me,” he said evenly. “I’ve had to make films for less money or go out and find my own money. On ‘Mystic River,’ I had to cut my salary and everyone else’s to get it made. I know the score. If I start to grind out two or three turkeys, I’ll be unemployed, just like anyone else.” Hollywood may be a town of la-la-liberals, but when it comes to individual careers, it’s a business with a nakedly conservative embrace of free-market principles. The hit makers are the toast of the town. The flopmeisters can’t get anyone to return their calls. Eastwood had his biggest hit ever as a filmmaker with 2008’s “Gran Torino.” But his last two films, “Invictus” and “Hereafter,” were disappointments. So if “J. Edgar” is a stiff, Eastwood will be skating on thin ice. Whatever happens, he isn’t expecting any handouts. When times are hard, he says, “People are forced to figure things out — it makes you more creative at what you do.” Even though he was talking about Wall Street bailouts, he was also talking about himself. When you’re in Clint Eastwood country, it’s the strong who survive. Copyright Los Angeles Times 2011 Edited November 11, 2011 by Strider Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redrum Posted November 11, 2011 Share Posted November 11, 2011 I nominate Josey Wales for Prez. :^) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strider Posted November 11, 2011 Author Share Posted November 11, 2011 I nominate Josey Wales for Prez. :^) I'll second that, Redrum! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magic Fills the Air Posted November 11, 2011 Share Posted November 11, 2011 (edited) Clint Eastwood is one of the few 'great' directors and actors left in Hollywood. As a director, I think what makes his films so exceptional is that they are so unfussy and understated, and the focus of the film is very much on the narrative. Having learnt his trade on the ground, he knows how to get the best out of the actors he works with, and demonstrates a maturity of judgement that's so rare in modern cinema. In period films such as Changeling, Los Angeles in the 1920s is so wonderfully evoked that once you've taken it in, you can almost forget about it. Edited November 11, 2011 by Magic Fills the Air Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bong-Man Posted November 11, 2011 Share Posted November 11, 2011 Caught him on John Stewart's show the other night. Clint's kept himself in great shape and is still sharp as hell. Nice to see someone enjoying their later years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ady Posted November 11, 2011 Share Posted November 11, 2011 Legend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jabe Posted November 11, 2011 Share Posted November 11, 2011 Since I was knee high to a grasshopper when Rowdy Yates was herding cattle, I've been and remain a huge fan of Clint Eastwood and his body of work. He has that ultra coolness about him, much like Robert Plant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luvlz2 Posted November 19, 2011 Share Posted November 19, 2011 http://youtu.be/ZSSvJrKIejM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TypeO Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 Clint is one of my all-time favorites. I personally liked Hereafter, and the opening scene is incredibly realistic. Some of my favorite quotes are from The Outlaw Josey Wales: Are you gonna pull those pistols or whistle Dixie? Dyin' ain't much of a living, boy. Not a hard man to track. Leaves dead men wherever he goes. (yeah, I know HE didn't say it, but it's about him, and I love it.) And best of all, again not Clint's quote, but possibly the origin of the internet epithet "asshat" - Union Army officer: Now get back in line before I kick you so hard you'll be wearin' your ass for a hat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
badgeholder Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 Well, if J Edgar does flops I don't think his career is over. At 81, is he really concerned about that? Leo looks amazing in the previews I've seen, didn't think he could do it, but maybe so, who's playing JFK ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strider Posted November 20, 2011 Author Share Posted November 20, 2011 Well, if J Edgar does flops I don't think his career is over. At 81, is he really concerned about that? Leo looks amazing in the previews I've seen, didn't think he could do it, but maybe so, who's playing JFK ? I wrote a brief review of "J. Edgar" in the "going to the movies" thread. Nobody plays JFK as he isn't in the movie...you only hear his name mentioned and an off-screen voice. There is RFK, played by Jeffrey Donovan. In fact, you never SEE any of the Presidents Hoover dealt with except for one: Richard Nixon, played by Christopher Shyer. They show Nixon's famous reaction to Hoover's death. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redrum Posted November 21, 2011 Share Posted November 21, 2011 Some of my favorite quotes are from The Outlaw Josey Wales: Are you gonna pull those pistols or whistle Dixie? Dyin' ain't much of a living, boy. Not a hard man to track. Leaves dead men wherever he goes. (yeah, I know HE didn't say it, but it's about him, and I love it.) A few others... (Spit)--'How is it with stains?' 'We call that a Missouri boat ride!' 'Whipped 'em agin', Josey!' 'They made my horse surrender and he's now pulling a wagon in Kansas!' (not exact quote I don't think) :^) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redrum Posted November 23, 2011 Share Posted November 23, 2011 From 'Dirty Harry' 'Get out of the way, hammerhead!' 'Well I'm just all broken up about that man's rights!' (Thug beating Scorpio) 'This one's on the HOUSE!' :^) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jahfin Posted November 23, 2011 Share Posted November 23, 2011 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ady Posted November 23, 2011 Share Posted November 23, 2011 From 'Dirty Harry' 'Get out of the way, hammerhead!' 'Well I'm just all broken up about that man's rights!' (Thug beating Scorpio) 'This one's on the HOUSE!' :^) Harry: When an adult male is chasing a female with intent to commit rape, I shoot the bastard, that's my policy. The Mayor: Intent? How did you establish that? Harry: Well, when a naked man is running through an alley with a butcher knife and a hard on, I figure he isn't out collecting for the Red Cross! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redrum Posted November 23, 2011 Share Posted November 23, 2011 Harry: Well, when a naked man is running through an alley with a butcher knife and a hard on, I figure he isn't out collecting for the Red Cross! From 'The Enforcer'... Why do you carry that cannon? Because I hit what I aim at! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheZeppyWanderer Posted December 3, 2011 Share Posted December 3, 2011 I've always flagged up THUNDERBOLT AND LIGHTFOOT as being one of my absolute favs, and much underplayed in comparison to the other Clint classics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Out OnTheTiles Posted December 5, 2011 Share Posted December 5, 2011 Love Eastwood. GRAN TORINO was great. "Are you gonna pull those pistols or whistle Dixie?" THE OUTLAW JOSEY WALES Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strider Posted December 6, 2011 Author Share Posted December 6, 2011 (edited) Clint is one of my all-time favorites. I personally liked Hereafter, and the opening scene is incredibly realistic. Some of my favorite quotes are from The Outlaw Josey Wales: Are you gonna pull those pistols or whistle Dixie? Dyin' ain't much of a living, boy. Not a hard man to track. Leaves dead men wherever he goes. (yeah, I know HE didn't say it, but it's about him, and I love it.) And best of all, again not Clint's quote, but possibly the origin of the internet epithet "asshat" - Union Army officer: Now get back in line before I kick you so hard you'll be wearin' your ass for a hat. "The Outlaw Josey Wales" is full of great lines and is in my list of Top 5 Clint Eastwood movies to watch. Laura Lee: Kansas was all golden and smelled like sunshine. Josey Wales: Yeah, well, I always heard there were three kinds of suns in Kansas, sunshine, sunflowers, and sons-of-bitches. Josey Wales: When I get to likin' someone, they ain't around long. Lone Watie: I notice when you get to dislikin' someone they ain't around for long neither. Lone Watie: We thought about it for a long time, "Endeavor to persevere." And when we had thought about it long enough, we declared war on the Union. Lone Watie: I didn't surrender, but they took my horse and made him surrender. They have him pulling a wagon up in Kansas I bet. Ten Bears: These things you say we will have, we already have. Josey Wales: That's true. I ain't promising you nothing extra. I'm just giving you life and you're giving me life. And I'm saying that men can live together without butchering one another. Ten Bears: It's sad that governments are chiefed by the double tongues. There is iron in your words of death for all Comanche to see, and so there is iron in your words of life. No signed paper can hold the iron. It must come from men. The words of Ten Bears carries the same iron of life and death. It is good that warriors such as we meet in the struggle of life... or death. It shall be life. Senator: The war's over. Our side won the war. Now we must busy ourselves winning the peace. And Fletcher, there's an old saying: To the victors belong the spoils. Fletcher: There's another old saying, Senator: Don't piss down my back and tell me it's raining. Bounty hunter #1: You're wanted, Wales. Josey Wales: Reckon I'm right popular. You a bounty hunter? Bounty hunter #1: A man's got to do something for a living these days. Josey Wales: Dyin' ain't much of a living, boy. Edited December 6, 2011 by Strider Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2bitnogoodjive Posted December 6, 2011 Share Posted December 6, 2011 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jahfin Posted December 6, 2011 Share Posted December 6, 2011 Which served as the inspiration to a very cool Robyn Hitchcock tune (which has already been posted in the thread). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redrum Posted December 7, 2011 Share Posted December 7, 2011 A few years ago a reporter asked Eastwood if he would do another Dirty Harry movie and Eastwood responed with, "What could that movie be about? some old guy out fishing." 'The Dirty Old Fisherman' :^) What I always loved about the Dirty Harry series was just seeing my hometown SF. 'Bullitt' and 'Monk' qualify too. :^) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gerwinbakker Posted December 7, 2011 Share Posted December 7, 2011 CLINT EASTWOOD is THE MAN! Hear hear!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redrum Posted December 18, 2011 Share Posted December 18, 2011 (edited) The Mayor Of Carmel What a cush job that musta been. Edited December 18, 2011 by redrum Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ady Posted December 23, 2011 Share Posted December 23, 2011 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vaa28xicJDE Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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