The philosophy of Clint Eastwood

Famous for his masculine swagger and gritty roles, American cultural icon Clint Eastwood has virtually defined the archetype of the tough lawman. Beginning with his first on-screen appearance in the television seriesRawhide(1959–1965) and solidified by his portrayal of the “Man with No Name” in Sergio Leone’s “Dollars” trilogy (1964–1966), he rocketed to stardom and soon became one of the most recognisable actors in Hollywood.The Philosophy of Clint Eastwoodexamines the philosophy and psychology behind this versatile and controversial figure, exploring his roles as actor, musician, and director.

Led by editors Richard T. McClelland and Brian B. Clayton, the contributors to this timely volume discuss a variety of topics. They explore Eastwood’s arresting critique and revision of the traditional western in films such asUnforgiven(1992), as well as his attitudes toward violence and the associated concept of masculinity from the “Dirty Harry” movies (starting in 1971) toGran Torino(2008). The essays also chart a shift in Eastwood’s thinking about the value of so-called rugged individualism, an element of many of his early films, already questioned inPlay Misty for Me(1971) and decisively rejected inMillion Dollar Baby(2004).

Clint Eastwood has proven to be a dynamic actor, a perceptive and daring director, as well as an intriguing public figure. Examining subjects such as the role of civil morality and community in his work, his use of themes of self-reliance and religious awareness, and his cinematic sensibility,The Philosophy of Clint Eastwoodwill provide readers with a deeper sense of Eastwood as an artist and illuminate the philosophical conflicts and resolutions that drive his films.