Dirty Harry (1971)

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Director: Don Siegel

Writers: Harry Julian Fink & RM Fink and Dean Riesner, from a story by Harry Julian Fink & RM Fink

Stars: Clint Eastwood, Andy Robinson, Harry Guardino, Reni Santoni, John Vernon, John Larch, John Mitchum, Mae Mercer


When a serial killer called Scorpio (Andy Robinson) brings a new level of savagery to the streets of San Francisco, it takes a loose-cannon cop named Harry Callahan (Clint Eastwood) to meet the threat with a new level of disregard for the formalities of police work.


One might view this film as a knowing commentary on the frustration and impotence Americans felt in the 70s (not unlike today) because of high crime rates and how this can lead us to accept infringements on our civil rights just so long as those who do the infringing promise to produce results--all we need is a benevolent fascist to take care of us and we'll be alright. 


One might also see it as a revenge fantasy and a cry of frustration that simply plays on our basest instincts--fear and anger.
 

However one may read its subtext, it is so skillfully made that I can't help but be caught up in it. 


The sequels never approached the level of this movie.

Spoiler alert!!! The end of the movie!!

























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