10.24.08
Trailer: Clint Eastwood’s Racially Charged Oddity ‘Gran Torino’
The trailer for Clint Eastwood’s “Gran Torino” has just gone up over at Apple. When Eastwood said his character was a “weird racist,” and I may be paraphrasing there, he meant it. In fact, the entire scope of the picture, as hinted at in the trailer, and the mood it evokes is profoundly unlike anything I’ve seen before. Weird, but totally original. I think it is almost 100% different to what I was expecting, and perhaps it doesn’t look as good as I hoped, but I am feeling it for sure.
Characteristically assured, definitely channelling the gritty majesty of the ‘Dirty Harry’ archetype, I think that if any film scores Eastwood Oscar attention this year, it will be “Gran Torino.” “Changeling” could get Jolie her nomination – but it is clear that Eastwood as we know him, an iconic amplification of badass composure, seems to be in top form here and probably deserving of his first Best Actor win ever. If they, being the Academy, were to ever give him one, I’m betting this is Clint’s best shot.
If this is indeed Eastwood’s final acting role ever, it looks like he’s going out with a bang: caricature style. Famous for his grumpy scowl, watch him deliver it yet again – gun in hand, and intolerance on the brain – “get off my lawn” and all. And then learning the errors of his ways – Oscar style.
In the film, Eastwood plays Walt Kowalski, a racist Korean War vet who helps a particularly troubled kid who is a part of a family of Hmong immigrants, whom Kowalski despises, out when he is hounded by a local Detroit gang. Branding Walt as a neighbourhood hero, now uncomfortably in the position of having to face his demons head on. “Gran Torino” opens in limited release on the 17th of December.
Image: The Playlist
Kerry said,
October 24, 2008 at 6:50 pm
Congrats on calling it first, it looks great I think, the Clint seems on top of his game
Craig Kennedy said,
October 24, 2008 at 7:01 pm
Jeez, what’s a brother gotta do to be first around here??
Thanks for the heads up Nick. I like the look of this. I wondered how a racist Eastwood character would go over in this hyper-sensitive day and age, but it looks like it’s all about him learning a little lesson.
I like it. I’m looking forward to this more than Changeling.
Dave said,
October 24, 2008 at 7:18 pm
I like the trailer, its totally Clint with his vintage scowl and badass composure, totally focused on himself – in the trailer at least – with what looks like a redemption tale, which I can’t say I was expecting. thanks nick.
Jerry said,
October 24, 2008 at 7:23 pm
Man oh man, I am digging the hell outta that trailer dude. Having not seen or heard a thing about what the film is even about until this week, I am officialy stoked despite being hugely hopeful before.
Salmaya said,
October 24, 2008 at 7:41 pm
OMG. Seriously? Wow. Jeez. Ugh. *cries*
I am in heaven….!
Gonzalo said,
October 24, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Seriously, I found the trailer for this first here, its like almost up nowhere else, dayam. Great trailer too – different to what I expected, but in a good way, definitely looking forward to this more than I ever was for Changeling. For sure.
Alexander Coleman said,
October 24, 2008 at 8:39 pm
This looks rather exquisite.
It’s probably time to pencil Clint Eastwood in for a Best Actor nomination.
Nick Plowman said,
October 24, 2008 at 8:40 pm
I couldn’t agree more Alex!
Sonato said,
October 24, 2008 at 9:33 pm
Best Actor you say? I agree. Beautiful stuff indeed. One of the best trailers I have seen in ages. Its like Dirty Harry 6.0 but will more soul, I think. Can’t wait.
Ava said,
October 25, 2008 at 6:10 pm
A much older, more grumpy Dirty Harry….lol, still looks great.
K. Bowen said,
October 26, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Shouldn’t you, um, see the film before declaring a winner? ;)
Nick Plowman said,
October 26, 2008 at 5:55 pm
I didn’t really declare him a winner so much as weigh up the facts and offer a prediction, sight unseen, based on the trailer, and I think he looks great, so he will “probably” get Oscar love if his performance is as good as I hope. I’m just pissing in the wind here…lol
Matthew Lucas said,
October 27, 2008 at 4:11 am
It seems as if I never see a computer on the weekends anymore, but I saw this today in front of PRIDE AND GLORY and really liked the vibe.
It feels like another MILLION DOLLAR BABY for Eastwood…but we’ll see.
coffee said,
January 15, 2009 at 8:39 am
Clint Eastwood did a great job of using his outward crankiness to come across as mean as well as somehow heroic this newest film of his