Five Words: Clint Eastwood is a Badass

(five more words: No One Else Is, Though)

Explanation:       

        Clint Eastwood has gotten "Badass" down to a science. From The Man With No Name to Dirty Harry, Eastwood's acting career could be a study on who not to f*ck around with. Eastwood has, in many ways, made himself into the Badass that every boy wants to become. Walt Kawolski,  his character in Gran Torino, is no exception. Eastwood's disgruntled war vet is the ultimate scary-old-guy, and his journey to find redemption and meaning in his life is not only meaningful (for lack of a better, less-cheesy word), but fascinating to watch.

       Gran Torino's plot plays a large part of this-- Eastwood tackles normally untouched subjects in the entertainment industry. Kowalski, having just lost his wife, is being pushed into old age by his uncaring sons (who are, in many ways, pushed away by their father). To top it off, his teenage grandchildren seem to not only misunderstand Walt, but not give a damn about respecting him either (his teenage granddaughter's requests for his stuff after he dies--keep in mind, this is at her grandmother's funeral--is a particularly difficult-to-watch scene). Angry at the world, Walt begins to get the attention of the nearby Hmong community, who begin to worship him after he kicks a bunch of Hmong gangsters out of the neighborhood. Eastwood's willingness to delve into a culture virtually untouched in the entertainment industry keeps this redemption story fresh: the audience is able to spend more time focusing on Walt's journey to learn about this culture than on whatever racial tensions might exist. While there is certainly discussions and elements of race and America within the film, it seems to focus more on the character's journeys than on trying to give  us some sort of message (that we've probably already heard). Eastwood's focus on a culture less-known (and certainly harder for an audience to connect to) is really fascinating and inspiring.

       Eastwood's performance is also probably as good as everything you've heard, if not better. Eastwood is able to shift effortlessly between badass and vulnerable effortlessly, and none of it feels forced or motivated by story-- it is all Walt. It is just merely how this character is dealing with the world. Eastwood is able to balance the fine line between gruff and mean throughout the film, making the scenes where he opens up to the Hmong teenagers particularly special. I didn't think it was possible, but Eastwood makes a character who spends a good portion of the film dropping racial slurs completely likable and understandable-- you can't help but root for Walt to find his way out of the dark hole he's in.

       Eastwood, however, is the high point of all the acting in this film. While I give props to him for using specifically Hmong actors (casting calls were done in Hmong communities for actors), it is not surprising that almost all of them have never acted before. While they are charming at times (especially Sue, played by  Ahney Her), they are unable to hold their own in the more intense, later scenes towards the films climax. Bee Vang as Thao makes a good effort, but when things get too complex and emotional, he ends up coming off flat instead. Some have said that they are willing to forgive that, particularly because Eastwood is so good, but I feel that if you're main supporting characters can't hold their own, you're doing a story a great disservice.

       The writing, too, feels a bit cliched and flat at certain points in the film, mostly in the beginning between Walt and the young priest that attempts to reach out to him. The film picks up when the story gets more intriciate, but some of the exposition and dialogue seems a little too clunky throught the films first act. By second and third act, the, the film has really found its footing, and you can focus back on the story.

       Still, Gran Torino was quite a force to be reckoned with, and a wonderful role for Eastwood to take (both as star and director) later in his career. Eastwood's Badassery in this film is epic, and certainly worth taking a look.