[neverending]

It took me a long time to appreciate Eastwood. As a young hippie I wanted nothing to do with his "violent right-wing bullshit." As I grew older I came to see him as a unique artist in cinema- unique in that there is no other individual who has created such a strong body of work as both an actor and director. Sure, plenty of actors also go behind the camera, but none have created such a powerful, varied body of work both in front and behind the camera.

Two of my favorite works by Eastwood illustrate this point perfectly- Play Misty For Me- a really excellent thriller that showcases Eastwood's talent as an actor and director in a role that's not typical for him; and Bird, a biopic of jazz great Charlie Parker which is stunningly directed, and showcases Forest Whitaker in one of his greatest performances.