It’s easy – and wrong – to label “Unforgiven” as Clint Eastwood’s pivot point from movie star to directorial wunderkind.
Sure, the film marked the beginning of Oscar’s love affair with the steely-eyed actor, and the dawn of him distancing himself from glorifying on-screen violence. But two of his early ’70s films started the actor in the direction he heads now.
“Play Misty for Me,” which marked Eastwood’s directorial debut, and “The Eiger Sanction” headline a new Eastwood DVD sampler dubbed “American Icon Collection.”
The pack also features “Coogan’s Bluff” and “The Beguiled,” but “Sanction” bears re-watching for the complicated themes embraced by the young director.
“Sanction” finds Eastwood playing Jonathan Hemlock – think Indiana Jones without the hat and whip. He’s an art historian, avid painting collector and mountain climber. Oh, and he’s a retired assassin being dragged back into the game by the mysterious Dragon (Thayer David).
Jonathan is assigned to kill the men who knocked off one of his former fellow agents, and the mission leads him to the Eiger, one of the most imposing mountains to scale in all the world. A number of elite climbers, including the man who may be Jonathon’s target, are prepping to scale the treacherous mountain.
“Sanction” feels like a half dozen movies in one, from spy flick to tough guy romance and, finally, “Cliffhanger” style actioner. Eastwood, the actor, is at his cocky best here, and he’s equally assured behind the camera.
A steady dose of government conspiracy spikes the drama, leaving Jonathan unable to trust friend as well as foe.
And kudos to George Kennedy for rescuing the film’s middle passages as Jonathan’s old climbing mentor.
“Sanction” also features a swishy turn by Jack Cassidy and a few decidely un-PC lines. Who knew you could joke about rape in ’70s era cinema?
“The Eiger Sanction” meanders too much to be stacked alongside Eastwood’s best films, but it boasts stunning cinematography, some juicy secondary roles and, or course, Eastwood at his surliest.
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{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
I didn’t realize the he directed this movie.. It’s one of those films that if its on, I will watch it, very enjoyable for what it is. And I should have realized it’s like him, gritty, steely, no-nonsense.