The internet was abuzz yesterday with news that Clint Eastwood’s next picture (after Changeling with Angelina Jolie) would be a film that Clint would star in and direct and that it would be called Gran Torino. The only problem with the news is that no one had any clue what the plot was or who else would star in it or anything.
Well, today, IESB.net published an email from someone claiming that Gran Torino will actually be the return of “Dirty” Harry Callahan in a sixth film in the franchise. The emailer said:
I recently advertised my 1974 ford grand torino classic original for sale in the local here, and within 24 hours had someone from Village Roadshow Pictures interested in having a look at it. He came. He wasn’t interested for numerous reasons (probably the modifications). He told me they were looking for the right car for a new Clint Eastwood movie.
He said it was a thriller about a killer that drives a certain torino. His 1972 Ford Gran Torino is the only thing the police have on him. A retired police lieutenant, one Harry Callahan, makes it his mission to track down the culprit when two young police officers, one Callahan’s grandson, are shot and killed by the guy.
This is all completely unsubstantiated, of course. It does seem like an interesting idea, but we have to look at the fact that it’s been 20 years since Eastwood has played Dirty Harry and he’s like 78 years old. I’m not sure if a Dirty Harry kind of picture is really his thing these days.
Having said that, however, I think it would be pretty huge if he were to do it. Eastwood is such a great filmmaker now that I have no doubt the film would be completely fantastic. Add in the recognition of the Dirty Harry character and the story line as outlined above and I think you’d have the makings of a pretty big hit.
Somewhere Sylvester Stallone’s got his agent on the phone trying to see if he can get a part.
So what do you think? Would you line up to see a new Dirty Harry movie with a 78 year old Clint Eastwood? Would that make your day? Well, would it…punk?
I never seemed to get into the Dirty Harry movies, but if Harrison Ford can come back this year and play an old guy, why not Eastwood?
Should be interesting…
Part of what made Dirty Harry work for me is that he’s not an action hero. He’s a real guy – not especially muscular or physically superior in any way. He gets his butt whooped fairly often. He bleeds. He’s a credible, vulnerable, flawed hero. What he has is street savvy, quick wits, determination, and a whole lot of saltiness. He’s just gritty and ill-equipped to tolerate assholes.
So, yeah, I think a 78-year old Dirty Harry could, with the right script, still work. And maybe this is a turning point (perhaps like the next Indy flick?) where he passes on the mantle to a younger guy…
I can agree with your assessment of the Dirty Harry character. I’d prefer it if he didn’t pass on the mantle, though. Let the character remain always and forever Clint’s.
A 6th one would make it a double trilogy…good for DVD sales.
Much as I hate to think it, maybe the best way to cap off the series is for the character to die rather than passing the torch. It would be a very non-Hollywoodish move since it kinda seals off much opportunity for any other sequels down the road. But then again, Clint is one for bucking the system, ain’t he?
Yeah, but I’m not sure Eastwood wants to go reminding everyone exactly how old he is. If I were him I’d stay away from dying on screen for as long as possible…
If Clint Eastwood really is 78, then his next movie should be about an OLD man sitting at the local pharmacy everyday sipping his coffee and complaining about the “youngsters.”
They already made a movie about old men complaining about the “youngsters.” It’s called “Grumpy Old Men.”
Nope, let Clint kill other people…just not himself.
Clint is only 77. (He will be 78 by the time the film is released though
) )
My dad has always been a huge Eastwood fan so I got to see everything he was in as I was growing up.
Love the Dirty Harry character. If anyone could revive an old character and do it well – it would be Eastwood, IMHO.
BIM, welcome to the site and I hope you are around more often than not
And thanks for the correction on Clint, you wouldn’t be YOU if you didn’t let us know
Great, now I’ll have to use spell check,welcome Brian
ROR
I had a sort-of Dirty Harry moment last year when I got robbed at gunpoint with a .44 magnum & the guy was going to shoot me in the stomach. So I figured ” what the hell ? ” and grabbed the gun barrel. We fought, and the guy got some money but was so flustered that anyone would not back down that he ran away.
I’m 55 so more power to Clint & I’d love to see him do it again…
george senda’s last blog post..When are we going to STOP letting scum like this walk free ?
Well….my Dad is 76yo trains in the gym 3 times a weeks and could run me and my other brothers into the ground..has a bit of the old arthritis…but it doesn’t stop him being extremely fit and strong…and i believe old Clint takes good care of himself…and besides…he only needs his friends smith and weston.