Author: Noah Applebome
I don’t care how old Clint Eastwood is, he’s still tough as nails; his ruggedness has withstood his age. In the film Gran Torino, Eastwood plays Walter Kowalski, a retired automotive worker and Korean War veteran. In his unforgiving tone, Eastwood delivers ruthless lines such as, “I’ll blow a hole in your face then go inside and sleep like a baby,” so that you can’t help but be scared of the old man. But have no fear: Kowalski might just end up being the good guy in this movie.
Set in Michigan, the film portrays a man uncompromising towards those who are racially or religiously different from him– particularly the growing Asian population in his neighborhood. However, deep within this old white bigot is a more complex man, burdened with tremendous anger and guilt. Eastwood gives a very solid performance.
Though many of the film’s more memorable quotes are racial slurs, the crude dialogue is tastefully done. Whether it is Eastwood’s old raspy deliverance of dialogue or my own sense of humor, I found the overall script to be well-written.
Kowalski’s son Mitch, played by Brian Haley, makes feeble attempts to look after his father. In response, Kowalski stubbornly refuses to give up his way of life. Haley’s character attempts to portray how relations between parent and child can progress with age. I would like to think that most sons would put greater effort into looking after their fathers in reality. Still, the situation adds complexity to the film.
Kowalski struggles with the incompatibility of the morals of the Catholic Church with the realities of his own life. Played by Christopher Carley, Father Janovich, a straight-edged priest, appears as Kowalski’s opposite. Throughout the film, however, they are able to learn from each other and their differences.
In spite of his alienation and anger, Kowalski feels a strong sense of responsibility to society. His neighborhood struggles with gangs and violence, causing Kowalski to become caught up in the midst of the problems that plague the community. At a turning point in the film, he says, “The thing that haunts a guy is the stuff he wasn’t ordered to do.” Kowalski is certainly not proud of the horrors he committed as a soldier, but he is willing to justify violence in the name of justice.
Although the character development of Kowalski is somewhat dramatic and hard to believe, Gran Torino is nonetheless a captivating film. The humor of Eastwood’s character and his overall screen presence keep the viewer engaged. The plot is somewhat predictable, as is the feel-good ending cliché, which is typical of many of Eastwood’s films. However, if you don’t mind either of these things, you will not be disappointed by the film. Accompanying Eastwood’s strong performance, Sue Lor, played by Ahney Her, is excellent. Although her role is not glamorous, her ability to see past Kowalski’s shortcomings plays an essential part in the film.
Directed and produced by Eastwood, the film includes an original song of his in the closing credits. Though it may be his last acting role, it is one Eastwood will be remembered by.
This article has been archived, for more requests please contact us via the support system.
