a fine swan song for a living legend

Rating: Null/10 (17 March 2009)

Ever since I saw Dirty Harry on TV when I was 10, I have always been a Clint Eastwood buff. I have seen all of his films at least twice. I am probably one of the last people to see this film in its theatrical release. I put off seeing it for two months and I think the reason was I read Eastwood said it is his last film. I thought it would be a depressing experience, after all who wants to hear the last word on Clint Eastwood. However, this film is first class and I think its wonderful that Mister Eastwood has gone out on top. In his first acting role since Million Dollar Baby in 2004, Clint shines as Walt, a man out of step with his times. He has just buried his wife and they make it clear at the beginning he has no relationship with his children or grandchildren. A Korean war vet and retired auto worker, he has an Archie Bunker view of the world and the "gooks" who live in his neighborhood. However, circumstances occur that make him examine his prejudices and in the end redeem his troubled soul. Next to In The Line Of Fire, I consider this Clint's best acting job. He makes you dislike Walt's prejudices but still feel for the man. He has a great scene where he angrily tells that troubled young kid about the horrors of his war and the guilt of killing and how it troubles you all your life. Eastwood is so great at playing characters that are tormented by demons of guilt. He has done it so well before in Unforgiven, In The Line Of Fire, and Million Dollar Baby. It says so much for Eastwood's toughness that he can still play a tough guy role and still fight with fist or gun at an age when most people are trying to remember what they had for breakfast. I also wanted to mention he does an excellent job directing this fine film as well. Eastwood is so low key that most moviegoers don't realize he heads his own production company, Malpaso productions, and directs most of his own films. He has won two Oscars and even critics who have derided his acting have praised him as an outstanding director. SPOILER Alert, this movie and The Beguiled are the only Eastwood films where his character isn't around at the end. However, we cheer Walt at the end because he shuffles off this mortal coil heroically and with a purpose, like a man and with perfect dignity. We rejoice for him, because we know that he has at last found the redemption and peace he so craved. Well done Mister Eastwood and enjoy your retirement.