Review of Dirty Harry (1971) by Danny R — 26 Dec 2011

Director Don Siegel's landmark, trend-setting classic police thriller which is one of the most defining films of the 1970s. Clint Eastwood delivers a bold, charismatic performance in the iconic role that made him an international superstar as the laconic, hard-boiled, uncompromising San Francisco police inspector from the homicide division "Dirty" Harry Callahan, who's cocky cynicism and inset sense of self-justice makes his character realistic and likable despite his flaws, from the very first scene we get the impression that Callahan is the kind of guy who will go against the rules and do things his way to get the bad guys, often at the exasperation of his superiors.

"I shoot the bastard, that's my policy" he tells the mayor and it sticks throughout the film, his dialogue with criminals is delivered behind the barrel of a devastatingly lethal foot-long Smith & Wesson .

44 Magnum pistol, the most powerful handgun in the world, he taunts one wounded bank robber with the film's most famous line, "Do you feel lucky?," Well, do ya, punk?" Callahan is out to stop a psychopathic sniper and sadist named Scorpio, one of the most heinous villains in cinematic history, he is brilliantly played by Andy Robinson in a unforgettably chilling performance who has murdered a young women and has threatens to continue shooting innocent people, killing one a day until the city pays him the ransom of a $100,000, Callahan will stop at nothing to put an end to Scorpio murderous spree.

Superlative supporting performances by Harry Guardino, Reni Santoni, John Vernon and John Larch. Brilliantly filmed on location in San Francisco, with energetic and stylish direction by Don Siegel, gritty and haunting cinematography by Bruce Surtees and a wonderful jazzy score by Lalo Schifrin.

This is the original rogue cop movie and a milestone in its genre, but it is the powerful macho mystique conveyed by Eastwood's superb performance that makes this film so memorable. Highly Recommended.