In the world of cinema, only a few command as much respect as the Hollywood legend Clint Eastwood does. A brilliant actor and an exceptional filmmaker, Eastwood has pushed the limits of creativity when it comes to many of his movies and features. Known best for his no-nonsense approach, it is not to say that the actor-director has not caused a few controversies and storms in his career.
Over the years, many of Eastwood’s films have been criticized for being politically or historically inaccurate, leading to severe backlash. Even while making Gran Torino, the actor was adamant about making the film despite it containing politically incorrect themes.
Clint Eastwood was Warned Not to Make Gran Torino
Clint Eastwood has in his decades-long career made several brilliant films, many of which have been appreciated for their bold and challenging themes. This repute of the actor is often accompanied by backlash from critics and fans, who believe several of the actor’s films lack political or historical accuracy.
But such backlash has never deterred the Oscar-winning filmmaker from taking on movies that are controversial in nature. One of his most revered and controversial films has been the 2008 American drama film, Gran Torino. Despite being praised, the film has been called out for being inaccurate, both culturally and politically.
Thanks to its politically charged content and unflinching portrayal of racial tensions, Eastwood was warned well in advance not to take the film. In an interview with Esquire, he remarked,
And then when I did Gran Torino, even my associate said, ‘This is a really good script, but it’s politically incorrect.’ And I said, ‘Good. Let me read it tonight.’ The next morning, I came in and I threw it on his desk and I said, ‘We’re starting this immediately.’
Labeling today’s generation a p*ssy generation with everyone walking on eggshells, Eastwood remained unbothered even when criticism followed suit after the release of the film. Remaining true to his repute and ideals, the actor-director remains against the idea of ‘political correctness’ even when a single statement can lead to ‘cancelation’ in the blink of an eye.
Clint Eastwood Doesn’t Believe Dirty Harry Can Be Made Today
One of Clint Eastwood’s most iconic works is the Dirty Harry film series, where he starred as an unapologetic rogue cop who takes the law into his own hands. Along with his bold and blunt approach to crime and justice, the film might today seem like glorifying vigilante justice, potentially be deemed as controversial by modern standards.
While the film series remains a cult classic today, its depiction of criminals and its handling of sensitive issues could be considered politically incorrect or even problematic today. Thus, Eastwood wasn’t wrong when he expressed back in 2017 at the Cannes Film Festival that Dirty Harry cannot be made today (via Yahoo Movies).
A lot of people thought it was politically incorrect. That was at the beginning of the era that we’re in now, where everybody thinks everyone’s politically correct. We’re killing ourselves by doing that. We’ve lost our sense of humor.
While many of his fans would not mind getting a Dirty Harry remake, it is certain that the film would need to undergo several changes before it is released. Given today’s climate of heightened awareness and sensitivity, the film series might pose controversial, yet there is no denying that the film series remains a beloved part of Clint Eastwood’s career.