Review of Dirty Harry (1971) by Kevin G — 04 Jun 2010

Just an amazing movie. I don't think it's really possible to not root for the triumph of THE Harry Callahan and his .44 magnum over the amoral, diabolical sleaze of the Scorpio killer. Clearly the concept of the plot is influenced loosely by the Zodiac case, but Callahan is totally original.

I think it may be one of the first movies of it's time to depict such an absolutely gritty and ruthless antihero. Clint Eastwood once again nailed his character perfectly and created a quintessential iconic figure.

There is no doubt that Eastwood has been and continues to be a major influence on many of the modern depictions of a corrupt hero. What I love about Callahan is the fact that he is so flawed and incorrect in his methods, yet there's absolutely no way you can't help loving him for it.