Clint Eastwood has been a fixture in Hollywood since 1959. According to 200 Greatest Pop Culture Icons, as presented by VH-1; Eastwood was ranked 90. He has portrayed silent cowboys, obnoxious law enforcement officers, and the latest character, a prejudiced man that has his views changed by being open to conversation. Our topics for the past couple weeks in class have centered on a hero and the idea of hero worship. Eastwood’s movies have usually portrayed him as the hero of the movie. The Outlaw Josey Wales is a classic example of Eastwood’s hero status in movies. In this selected movie that is taking place in post-Civil War Missouri, Wales’ family is killed and he vows revenge. In his pursuit for revenge, he saves a girl from being raped by renegade Indians and helps an elderly lady move through the rough frontier of post-Civil War United States.
His latest movie, Gran Torino, was another Eastwood hero piece. During the film, the character changes his views towards the minorities that have moved into his neighborhood and eventually gives his own life so that the young people in his neighborhood have a better and safer place to live. Once again, the hero character in Eastwood shines through. It is roles such as this that placed Eastwood as a favorite when society is polled about hero worship.
How to be Great (1995) revealed that Clint Eastwood “often shows up on lists of today’s heroes because of his rugged individualism” (p. 50). The example of Eastwood is a result of the characters that he traditionally portrays. Eastwood’s characters fit the mold that was created for a hero by showing courage and strength in the face of danger. Eastwood hasn’t been placed into the marketing strategies of many companies like other people in the hero worship status. You will not find him pitching under garments or cars. His outside of Hollywood activities include public service, including a stint as the mayor of his town and serving as an advisor to the governor of California regarding environmental issues.
Eastwood has been a fixture in American culture for fifty years. His presence today was reaffirmed by the success of Gran Torino. The ruggedness and courage that the majority of Eastwood’s characters portray have led him to be a fascination on America’s desire for hero worship.
References:
Author, N. (2009, July 21). 200 Greatest Pop Culture Icons. Retrieved September 14, 2009, from PopDirt: http://www.popdirt.com
Author, N. (1995, November/December). How to be great. Psychology Today , pp. 48-54, 62.
His latest movie, Gran Torino, was another Eastwood hero piece. During the film, the character changes his views towards the minorities that have moved into his neighborhood and eventually gives his own life so that the young people in his neighborhood have a better and safer place to live. Once again, the hero character in Eastwood shines through. It is roles such as this that placed Eastwood as a favorite when society is polled about hero worship.
How to be Great (1995) revealed that Clint Eastwood “often shows up on lists of today’s heroes because of his rugged individualism” (p. 50). The example of Eastwood is a result of the characters that he traditionally portrays. Eastwood’s characters fit the mold that was created for a hero by showing courage and strength in the face of danger. Eastwood hasn’t been placed into the marketing strategies of many companies like other people in the hero worship status. You will not find him pitching under garments or cars. His outside of Hollywood activities include public service, including a stint as the mayor of his town and serving as an advisor to the governor of California regarding environmental issues.
Eastwood has been a fixture in American culture for fifty years. His presence today was reaffirmed by the success of Gran Torino. The ruggedness and courage that the majority of Eastwood’s characters portray have led him to be a fascination on America’s desire for hero worship.
References:
Author, N. (2009, July 21). 200 Greatest Pop Culture Icons. Retrieved September 14, 2009, from PopDirt: http://www.popdirt.com
Author, N. (1995, November/December). How to be great. Psychology Today , pp. 48-54, 62.
Great icon J.J.! I never have been a big Clint Eastwood fan, but he is one of those guys that you could spot anywhere and certainly had a cult following. No matter what character he played, he is is always tuff as nails. I recently saw Grand Torino, my hubby wanted to see it and its one of the few times he won the movie night pick, and I was very impressed with it - loved the movie and it proves no matter how old you are, you can still kick butt if your Clint Eastwood!
ReplyDeleteShannon
Gran Torino is a movie everyone should see. It speaks of the racial prejudice that still exsists in this country. It also gives one hope that that anyone and everyone can change.
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