It was fascinating to hear other actors comment on Eastwood's talents. Rip Torn, who first acted with Clint in episodes of Rawhide, describes Eastwood as possessing a "dynamic lethargy" in which he appears to do nothing, but in reality does everything. It's difficult for me to accept that he is "doing everything," although I certainly agree that a patient actor (who listens to the characters around him) projects a more thoughtful image. Clint is no method actor. He seems to like to compare himself to James Cagney, and while admitting their deliveries are the exact opposite of one another, I agree their energy comes from the same place. Both careers combine the consummate bad-guy image with a demonstrated love of music and singing; both elevated screen violence to new levels; and both, in their best roles, perfected the detachment and disillusionment of the anti-hero.
In a rare filmed interview, Sergio Leone admitted that Eastwood was not his first choice for Fistful of Dollars. All he knew of Eastwood was his considerable physical presence, but he could have him for half the price of an established actor so the deal was done and history was made. During filming Leone noted that his star had an "indolent way of moving" and that he closely resembled a cat. This is an interesting metaphor for Torn's "dynamic lethargy," suggesting that Eastwood's lazy habits hide not only the skills of a master, but a devious, scheming mind-exactly like that which his predecessor, Mr. Cagney, wore on his sleeve.
Another interesting comparison drawn by Out of the Shadows is that of the Dirty Harry character to Gary Cooper's sheriff in High Noon. In the end of each film, both characters defeat that villain and then proceed to toss their badges away-suggesting that the community they saved was in fact not worth saving at all. Along with drawing ideological parallels between generations, this comparison also neatly defines the type of role the western hero might play should he find himself in today's society. Perhaps it is no longer possible to be the John Wayne-type hero and be taken seriously. If your hero believes in America and will defend all things good until the bitter end, in today's Hollywood you'll most likely find yourself stuck in a movie like Independence Day.
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