61 replies to this topic

[bond 16.05.72]

I actually thought about this sometime back that it would be great to see DH go out on a quality entry as the Dead Pool was pish. If like Cabot says he could do an Unforgiven type take on Callahan, a dinosaur who's rhetoric is outdated and somewhat politically incorrect jarring with the contemporary feel of modern law enforcement. It could be quite compelling. As long as it doesn't descend into murder mystery suspense cookie cutter crap like DP & Sudden Impact wasn't all that.

They can't do a by numbers Callahan movie but if Clint wants a more art house take on his most iconic character I am interested to see how it pans out.

[Blonde Bond]

Some part of me would say; YES! Bring back Harry.

The other part of me that acknowledges that the man is almost 80, and the part of me that just checked what Clint Eastwood looks like today, wants to say; no thanks to a geriatric Dirty Harry.

[OO4]

that horrible cannon he carries around

I hope you meant that in a good way. It's certainly a better .44 Magnum than the Ruger Gardner's Bond had under his seat. And when you load it with .44 specials like Harry did it really is easier to handle than many would think.

Of course I mean this in fun... except about the shootability of the Model 29.

[Turn]

Dirty Harry return? Sure, why not. Everybody else is doing it. Clint needs to lighten up from all the serious Million Dollar Baby and Letters From Hiroshima fare.

I actually like most of the films in the series, even The Dead Pool. But I remember watching that in the theater when it came out and thinking it seemed really out of place amongst the new wave of action films, since it was in the same summer as Die Hard and Rambo III.

It's funny, the Dirty Harry series kind of reminds me of the Rocky series in a strange way. It starts out somewhat serious and kind of conforms to audience expectations as the series wears on and many elements are repeated, such as forcing Harry to work with a new partner (a woman, an Asian) and making it more dependent on cool lines and humor. Then the older star resurrects the character after several years.

Here's a piece of trivia I heard yearts ago: one of what some people thought was Chuck Norris' best film, Code of Silence, was originally written as a Dirty Harry film. I have no idea why that was never made.

[Blofeld's Cat]

Another Dirty Harry???

I don't know about that, but if it stimulates SE DVDs of the others in the series, I'm all for it.

[Arbogast777]

I think I can maybe put this rumor to rest...

My local paper (Minneapolis Star-Tribune) just did a story about the film industry in the state and I caught this in the article...

"Lucinda Winter, executive director of the Minnesota Film and TV Board, was gratified recently when Warner Bros. called with the news that Clint Eastwood will scout the state for a $20 million film about an auto worker."

It would seem reasonable that they're talking about "Gran Torino."

[Righty007]

I think I can maybe put this rumor to rest...

My local paper (Minneapolis Star-Tribune) just did a story about the film industry in the state and I caught this in the article...

"Lucinda Winter, executive director of the Minnesota Film and TV Board, was gratified recently when Warner Bros. called with the news that Clint Eastwood will scout the state for a $20 million film about an auto worker."

It would seem reasonable that they're talking about "Gran Torino."

!

[Scottlee]

Am I the only one who liked The Dead Pool at all? I liked it more than Sudden Impact(despite the classic coffee house scene) which I found protracted and inconsistant.

I also prefer The Dead Pool to Sudden Impact, the latter of which is the only entry in the series I don't find remotely enjoyable. I did and still have a big problem with the concept of it being okay for a woman to wander around shooting men in the balls because they once turned a blind eye to a rape.

[HildebrandRarity]

Though I'm not sure how Harry's "politically incorrect" persona will work in 2008/9. Will he randomly refer to someone as a "spic", and everyone's jaw will hit the floor?

News to me...he was one of the first to have a black and then a woman partner as supporting characters in the first few films...groundbreaking.

[Red Barchetta]

I like the entire series- even the Dead Pool- if nothing else than for Liam Neeson, and Jim Carrey (credited as James Carrey). Though the weakest entry in the series, it grows on you, like AVTAK.
That being said, I don't think Harry is coming back. I'd rather 'see' him retired, fishing off a boat somewhere, or shooting fish off a boat somewhere, rather than come back as a 70+ year old cop.
Now, Grand Torino may, or may not be the next DH movie- we'll have to keep up surveillance on it.

IMHO

My Ranking:

Dirty Harry
Magnum Force
Sudden Impact
The Enforcer
The Dead Pool

[mrsbonds_ppk]

Clint Eastwood could so do this. It will be interesting that's for sure. But what happened to the video game they were making?

I like your list Red Barchetta that's the order I'd put them in although I could put Magnum Force in the number one spot.

[Red Barchetta]

Don't get me wrong- I love just about everything he's done (Bridges of Madison County not counting), but he's getting up there age wise.

Although I'll admit I'd pay to see him rattle off some more good one liners!

[Red Barchetta]

Unforgiven was supposed to be his Man with No Name swan song, but developed differently. And I agree, it is a masterpiece- I think it's his best!
And, I love Gene Hackman in it- he scares the crap outa me!

[Double-Oh-Zero]

I remember watching him on the tonight show a few years back and Leno asked about Harry coming back. He said something to the effect of Harry has to be retired fishing or golfing somewhere (kind of like Clint), BUT he didn't rule it out either.

I saw that one, too. I seem to recall him being given an enthusiastic round of applause when he confirmed the possibility of it.

Regardless of whether or not this rumour is true, I'd still love to see Clint take another crack at it. He may be approaching 80, but I think he'd still be able to deliver the goods. I believe Eastwood himself has said on several occasions (ncluding the appearance on Leno) that he would love to do another if:

a) the script is up to par, and
b ) there is a compelling enough reason for Harry to come out of retirement ("from fishin' and drinkin' 'queer beers,'" according to Eastwood).

Hell, I'd rather see a mediocre sixth Dirty Harry film than a remake of Bullitt starring some young, doe-eyed pop-tart from a teen melodrama.

[WC]

Perhaps Clint Eastwood could direct a new Dirty Harry movie and have Hugh Jackman star in the title role. Jackman has been said to resemble Eastwood when he was younger (I think the strongest resemblance is actually with Eastwood in the movie Joe Kidd). Of course, that's more the Wolverine Jackman than the Jackman you get in films like Swordfish or Animal Attraction.

Apparently once Jackman approached Eastwood and told him that people saw a resemblance between the two. However, Eastwood just gave him one of his trademark stares as if to say "what of it, boy?"

[stamper]

Really, he did that ? That would be stupid, this is a job for the agent to the other agent, not man to man, this is Hollywood.

[Arbogast777]

Here's a headline I didn't want to see...

Eastwood: I'm Done As Dirty Harry

[WC]

Really, he did that ? That would be stupid, this is a job for the agent to the other agent, not man to man, this is Hollywood.

Well I don't think Jackman was trying to solicit work. He was just trying to make polite conversation at a function with this screen idol, but Eastwood wasn't interested. I can't remember where I saw this interview. It might've been on Friday Night with Jonathan Ross or something like that.

BTW Eastwood does look way too old to be playing Dirty Harry at his age:

[Safari Suit]

1) He really doesn't look too bad for his age in that photo. A little craggy, but this is Eastwood we're talking about! He is still in good shape.

2) Is Dirty Harry really a role which requires youthful vigour?

[mrsbonds_ppk]

I saw a video of him at Cannes saying that he doesn't think he would play Dirty Harry and he doesn't think Harry would even be on the force.

[Mister E]

I love Dirty Harry.

I don't know about this, though. It's one thing to see Stallone and Ford back in action. It's an entirely different thing to see Clint, who is ancient enough that he's been gathering cobwebs, come back into action.

Interestingly enough, when Eastwood starred in BLOOD WORK back in '02, I remember some people commenting that it easily could have been a final Dirty Harry entry. I haven't seen it, though.

Never underestimate the power of the tough guy film stars. John Wayne, Sean Connery, and Charles Bronson still kicked past 65. I doubt we'll get a classic if this film actually goes into production but one things for sure, age won't keep Clint down.

[mrsbonds_ppk]

Never underestimate the power of the tough guy film stars. John Wayne, Sean Connery, and Charles Bronson still kicked past 65. I doubt we'll get a classic if this film actually goes into production but one things for sure, age won't keep Clint down.

I agree Mister E.

I didn't know Clint looked so old though...no offense. I hadn't seen him in a while until Cannes.

[sark]

I saw an interview with Eastwood in a English newspaper and said he his definatly not making another Dirty Harry movie.

[Mister E]

Never underestimate the power of the tough guy film stars. John Wayne, Sean Connery, and Charles Bronson still kicked past 65. I doubt we'll get a classic if this film actually goes into production but one things for sure, age won't keep Clint down.

Yes but Clint isn't 65 is he, he is about 95 (well, he looks it)!!

I said past ms.mp.

[baerrtt]

Just to add to this...unlike Harrison Ford or Stallone there is also the undeniable fact that Eastwood has successfully moved on from his iconic character(s) by being a successful director (a two time Oscar winning director to boot) who is considered (by some) to be one of the greatest or at least very interesting filmmakers of all time/now.

Ford and Stallone , making comparisons, weren't able to achieve/move on to other things that would ensure they weren't solely defined by their superstar making roles (Indiana Jones and Rocky/ Rambo for Sly of course). After the LAST CRUSADE and ROCKY V respectively both 18/19 years ago neither man created a successful, different chapter in their onscreen careers which, for a new generation (or the old one), reivented them in the audience's eyes hence the favourable and nostalgic anticipation that both ROCKY BALBOA and the latest Indy flick gained before their respective releases. My point is Clint Eastwood now is a much more different actor (and director) on many levels than he was even by the DEAD POOL (still underrated in both categories then). And besides that....

He's too bloody old and the recent pictures at Cannes this year confirm this very blatantly.

[Mister E]

After the LAST CRUSADE and ROCKY V respectively both 18/19 years ago neither man created a successful, different chapter in their onscreen careers which, for a new generation (or the old one), reivented them in the audience's eyes hence the favourable and nostalgic anticipation that both ROCKY BALBOA and the latest Indy flick gained before their respective releases.

Are you joking about Harrison Ford ? He has been far more successful outside of playing Indy then Stallone playing Rocky. Just to name two from Ford, both wonderful Jack Ryan films which were critically acclaimed blockbusters.

He's too bloody old and the recent pictures at Cannes this year confirm this very blatantly.

Says you.

[baerrtt]

After the LAST CRUSADE and ROCKY V respectively both 18/19 years ago neither man created a successful, different chapter in their onscreen careers which, for a new generation (or the old one), reivented them in the audience's eyes hence the favourable and nostalgic anticipation that both ROCKY BALBOA and the latest Indy flick gained before their respective releases.

Are you joking about Harrison Ford ? He has been far more successful outside of playing Indy then Stallone playing Rocky. Just to name two from Ford, both wonderful Jack Ryan films which were critically acclaimed blockbusters.

He's too bloody old and the recent pictures at Cannes this year confirm this very blatantly.

Says you.

Jack Ryan wasn't an memorable character no matter how successful the films Ford was in. After AIR FORCE ONE Ford's following films over the next decade ranged from mediocre to poor (HOLLYWOOD HOMICIDE for example). You're entitled to your opinion if you find PATRIOT GAMES and CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER 'wonderful' but for most of the general public those films haven't exactly lingered on the memory regardless of how much money they made. If anything THE FUGITIVE was Ford's last memorable/best film.

Eastwood is 78 years old. Explain in all honesty how/why a 78 year old action hero is remotely credible?

[Mister E]

Jack Ryan wasn't an memorable character no matter how successful the films Ford was in. After AIR FORCE ONE Ford's following films over the next decade ranged from mediocre to poor (HOLLYWOOD HOMICIDE for example). You're entitled to your opinion if you find PATRIOT GAMES and CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER 'wonderful' but for most of the general public those films haven't exactly lingered on the memory regardless of how much money they made. If anything THE FUGITIVE was Ford's last memorable/best film.

You can down play the Jack Ryan films as much as you like, the audience reception and critical praise at the time say otherwise. How long both films have lingered in the public mind is irrelevant. My point was he has had successes after Indy III. What Lies Beneath was also a good film BTW.

If anything THE FUGITIVE was Ford's last memorable/best film.

Are you saying that was his best film ?

Eastwood is 78 years old. Explain in all honesty how/why a 78 year old action hero is remotely credible?

Because it depends on how the actor acts.

Edited by Mister E, 12 June 2008 - 07:27 PM.

[baerrtt]

Jack Ryan wasn't an memorable character no matter how successful the films Ford was in. After AIR FORCE ONE Ford's following films over the next decade ranged from mediocre to poor (HOLLYWOOD HOMICIDE for example). You're entitled to your opinion if you find PATRIOT GAMES and CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER 'wonderful' but for most of the general public those films haven't exactly lingered on the memory regardless of how much money they made. If anything THE FUGITIVE was Ford's last memorable/best film.

You can down play the Jack Ryan films as much as you like, the audience reception and critical praise at the time say otherwise. How long both films have lingered in the public mind is irrelevant. My point was he has had successes after Indy III. What Lies Beneath was also a good film BTW.

If anything THE FUGITIVE was Ford's last memorable/best film.

Are you saying that was his best film ?

Eastwood is 78 years old. Explain in all honesty how/why a 78 year old action hero is remotely credible?

Because it depends on how the actor acts.

An action hero's credibility is gained from physical presence/fitness first and foremostly not just on 'how they act'. Eastwood physically can't do any of the stuff he did over 30 years ago let alone 20 years ago. The MAN himself says that he won't be able to time and time again in several interviews (check out the latest EMPIRE magazine where he explains this simple fact again for anyone wanting him to return to the role).

PATRIOT GAMES was critcally praised? Really? Because if i remember correctly the film was widely criticised for using the IRA as a plot point (a very sensitive subject at the time). My point is Ford's body of work is bolstered largely because of memorable roles/great films (STAR WARS, RAIDERS, BLADE RUNNER, WITNESS etc). IMO by and large the work he did after (THE FUGITIVE and to a lesser extent WHAT LIES BENEATH aside) the third Indy movie varied in quality regardless of however much money they made.

It is relevant if a commercially successful film doesn't last in the public's memory. People can name Indy and Han Solo, some people can cite Deckard (his character in BLADE RUNNER) when you ask them to name their favourite Ford perf/character. Jack Ryan, from experience, doesn't get mentioned nowadays. In other words the want for an INDY means that the work Ford did two decades ago still widely means more to a lot of people than the work he's done over the last decade.

[stamper]

Ford as Ryan was like watching your uncle who is so uptight he only go take a crap twice a week.
No thanks, the only Jack Ryan is in The Hunt for Red October (and it is not Connery either).