Harry- Dirtier Than Ever!

It is for the fourth time that we welcome Clint Eastwood in the role of Harry Callahan, better known as Dirty Harry, which is perhaps Eastwood's most popular and most successful characterization in his superstar career.  The three previous films in the series were Dirty Harry (1971), Magnum Force (1973), and The Enforcer (1976).  Now comes Sudden Impact in which Clint not only stars, but which he also produces and directs in the bargain.  It's the most physical we have seen thus far in the Callahan saga.

Sudden Impact is no re-hash of anything that has gone before in the Dirty Harry series.  Detective Callahan's search for the murderer is complicated by assassination attempts on himself which stem from the killing of a gangland boss.  Dirty Harry is held responsible for the man's death and, for the first time, becomes a target himself.

"It's a reversal that Harry hasn't faced before," says Eastwood.  "And it presents itself unexpectedly, without any connection to the central storyline.  It keeps Harry off balance and adds another dimension to his list of problems."

"The guy's character is still the same but we've added a few twists to make the film more interesting than its predecessors from a visual as well as a story point of view.  For one thing, we've taken part of the action out of San Francisco and adapted it to Santa Cruz, which we call San Paulo.  That gives Harry a different backdrop to work against."

Eastwood's special position as director and star enabled him to accomplish more within the scope of the film.  "I wanted it to have a dark, sinister quality as well as action," he says.

"Harry, as a character, stands out because of what he represents, especially now that the pendulum seems to be swinging in a more conservative direction.  People are a little edgy about the rights of criminals taking precedence over the rights of victims.  They are more impatient with courtroom procedures and legal delays.  I think the public is interested in justice and that's what Harry stands for.  He's unique because he's stood for the same principles from the beginning, when it wasn't terribly fashionable."

Eastwood has been more than proficient at achieving his specific goals and accomplishing a reputation within the industry of not only bringing his films in on time and under budget, but having them become immense box office hits as well.  He frequently works with the same crew members and actors (Sudden Impact teams him with Sondra Locke for the sixth time), creating a spontaneous, comfortable working atmosphere which enables him to adjust his shooting schedules for the greatest benefit and most efficient cost.

"I try to eliminate waste," he says.  "I want a team working with me who share my point of view and can move quickly, think ahead to the next set-up, the next scene or the next location.  We don't want to cut corners- we just want to get the most out of what we're doing.  I really don't differentiate between the actors or the crew.  Everyone is there because they have a job to do and I assume it's going to get handled efficiently."

"As far as directing myself is concerned," he says, "I've done it in eight films and I'm comfortable with the process.  At this point it actually makes things easier and more efficient.  I'm also producing Sudden Impact, so there are fewer hurdles all the way round.  Decision-making takes time, and usually, when you have lots of people involved in deciding one thing or another, it costs you days or weeks better spent elsewhere.  I also want to be involved personally and this is the best way.  I really enjoy what I do."

Original text appeared in Film Review, Feb. 1984