Director Deep Focus - Clint Eastwood
Clint Eastwood was born on May 31, 1930, in San Francisco. In his youth, he had interests in music and creative pursuits with little regard for academics. While he did attend college, he dropped out after two semesters to pursue acting.
His acting career started with uncredited roles in films. Eventually, Eastwood first got his major role in “Rawhide” (1959) which ran for eight seasons, seven of which he was a secondary actor.
Eastwood didn’t begin to think about directing until the later seasons of “Rawhide” which is when he began taking little steps to get experience behind the scenes.
Director Don Siegel helped Eastwood achieve his directorial debut with “Play Misty for Me” (1971). Siegel signed Eastwood’s director’s guild of America card and was who Eastwood considered one of his biggest supporters to the start of his directing career.
As of now Eastwood continues to direct at the age of 71 and holds four academy award wins and 11 nominations.
“Play Misty for Me” (1971)
While “Play Misty For Me” was not a commercial success, it was Eastwood’s break into the directing world.
Throughout the movie, viewers will recognize shots heavily inspired by Don Siegel and they will even spot the man himself playing as a bartender.
Eastwood’s ability to direct a viewer's curiosity in the right direction is beautiful and makes for an intense psychological experience.
“Million Dollar Baby” (2004)
“Million Dollar Baby” is an emotional and exciting watch for both sport and non-sport fans.
The emotional build created by dynamic cuts, blocking, and color grading make “Million Dollar Baby” stand out on Eastwood’s lists of directed movies.
Additionally, this movie granted Eastwood the 2005 Academy Awards for Best Director, Best Actor in a Leading Role and Best Picture.
“Gran Torino” (2008)
As both actor and director, “Gran Torino” is one of Eastwood’s best movies.
It offers good laughs in serious moments and shows perfect displays of talking without saying a word.
The silent metaphors and allusions within this movie truly exhibit Eastwood’s abilities to move an audience on and offscreen.
Erell Williams is a first-year majoring in broadcasting journalism. To contact her email exw5303@psu.edu.
