Only Clint Eastwood

Rating: 8/10 (2 January 2009)

After watching this movie, I was reminded of "Honky Tonk Man", but this movie demonstrates a bravery I haven't experienced since I read Bukowski's Pulp. Eastwood has directed films, and starred as characters, with more depth, (the film IS only about HIS character-the other roles are a backdrop-which limits the development of the film), but the work has a constant, subtle undercurrent of inferred character development that generates an undeniable purity; the lead could only be played by one man. Embodying the role that is expected, leading to the inevitable showdown, I was awestruck as each perfectly crafted scene created the individual.
Walt Kowalski (Eastwood) is a despicable, callous, resentful son-of-a-bitch who finds himself in a situation where he must overcome his hostility to maintain his honor. In doing so, he becomes part of a community; the story AND Walt evolve from this point, continuing to an increasingly obvious certainty.
A tragically beautiful, pristine portrayal of human possibility, "Gran Torino" is a seminal, understated story of self-effacement and contrition.