I’m thinking about Harry Callahan.
I remember how let down I was when I found out about Clint Eastwood’s right leaning politics. I had earlier concluded that we were like minded. Just because I enjoyed (and connected with?) the Man with No Name, and Inspector Callahan.
But now I realize that the theme of the Dirty Harry trajectory was a cop being hamstrung by the justice system. Even though it has been a frustration shared across the political spectrum, it’s far more central to the conservative identity.
I’m not so far off. He’s not an extremist. His films always incorporate a thread of humanism. I’m much more curious about those commonalities, and the historical context.
Upon reflection, this conservative vision becomes an apparent thread in the majority of Clint Eastwood’s oeuvre. Disappointed, and yet burgeoning sympathy. I still consider myself a fan.
All stills are from films from 1955. Top I’m not sure if this is a still from “Revenge of the Creature (from the Black Lagoon)” or “Tarantula”. Middle “Lady Godiva, of Coventry” Bottom “Francis* in the Navy”. That’s Martin Milner on the right.
*the talking mule.