Review of Dirty Harry (1971) by Dillon L — 20 Dec 2010

I have already said that the 1970's is my favourite decade for movies; the output of quality is second to no other decade. The Godfather part I and II, Chinatown and Apocalypse now are just few examples of the absolute masterpieces that were released in the 70's. Featuring smooth and perfect direction from Don Siegel and a compelling performance from Clint Eastwood Dirty Harry ranks as one of the best of the decade.

Based loosely on the Zodiac killings of the 60s, Detective Harry Callahan investigates several murders that take place over the city of San Francisco, Detective Callahan stops at nothing to bring the murder Charles "Scorpio" Davis (Andrew Robinson, this is no spoiler) to justice. Dirty Harry is a masterpiece in action movie genre.

Originally the role of Harry Callahan went to Frank Sinatra, but Sinatra injured his hand before filming and as a result Clint Eastwood was called to replace him, and Eastwood gives an absolutely riveting performance. Eastwood is simply superb as the detective who is prepared to do anything to bring murders and robbers to justice; he is prepared to use violence in order to get a confession. Clint Eastwood performance as Callahan is superb, Callahan is a perfect example of anti hero, he fights for a good cause, but the method he employs are frowned upon, his character is not a likeable one, but a great one, one of the best in cinema, Harry Callahan is iconic, all those detectives who turn their nose up at authority are all based on him. With his superb one liner's and sarcastic replies, Eastwood is absolutely mesmerising giving the best performance of his career. Eastwood steals the show, so much so that the rest of the cast are almost completely forgotten.

Dirty Harry also contains a cracking script and one of the most memorable quotes of all time. 'I know what you're thinking. Did he fire six shots or only five? Well, to tell you the truth, in all this excitement, I've kinda lost track myself. But being as this is a .44 Magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world, and would blow your head clean off, you've got to ask yourself one question: Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya punk?' Eastwood delivers this line with so intensity, that once heard, it will be never forgotten. The script, as well as the plot, is compelling and gripping, full of dark comedy, and witty one liners, it's terrific. The plot is utterly gripping from the start, it all ends in an outstanding climax, there is never a moment of boredom as Callahan dashes across San Francisco to answer the telephone in the allotted time or the murder will kill the teenage girl he has kidnapped (both the Die Hard Movies and Lethal Weapon are heavily influenced by Dirty Harry.).

The action scenes are fantastic and exciting, the school bus chase and a fight to the death are two of the many highlights. The action sequences are superbly shot, and unlike many action movies today they are easy to follow the camera does not shake wildly. San Francisco is beautifully shot, the camera shots of SF skyline from the helicopter are immense and the Golden Gate Bridge is put to good use.

Four sequels followed Dirty Harry, but none of them came close to matching the first one. The truly great thing about Dirty Harry is that has not aged a bit, helped by perfect pacing, great direction and wonderfully choreographed action sequences Dirty Harry is a masterpiece, not just in the action movie genre, but in film in general, and perhaps one of the greatest action movies ever made.

5/5.