TAG, you're it!

[Matt]

This is a game we came up with a few months ago to stir up good Eastwood conversation, and to nudge some of our less talkative members to post.   It's a game of Tag.  I'll start by naming two members and asking them each an EASTWOOD-related question.   If they choose to answer their question, they will then be able to "tag" two more members with questions for them to answer.   You may not join in the game unless you are tagged.  But, if there's a very interesting question that is asked of someone else that you'd like to answer, by all means start a topic on the board in the appropriate forum.  This game is all about getting Eastwood conversation rolling and learning from each other's differing opinions.  And having fun!

Here's a few tips for keeping the game fun and enjoyable for everyone:

If it's your turn to tag, please don't ask anything too personal and of course... keep all questions related to Eastwood and his movies.  

Try to involve members that you haven't seen posting much lately, to try to get them back into the board again.  

Don't ask too much of a member in your question.  The questions shouldn't feel like a homework assignment, but should be able to be answered relatively quickly and painlessly.    

You may want to IM (Instant Message) whoever you're posting your questions to so that they'll know they were tagged.  And, finally... don't forget to keep checking back yourself!

To try to find the right pace for the game, we will start with the rule that if you are tagged more than once in the same day, instead of tagging two more members with each question you answer, only tag two members with the first question you answer, and after that tag one member for each question you answer for the remainder of that day.

Whew... did I hit on everything?  If so, then .... (opens pocket watch, the chimes fill the room.  He cooly walks away and faces the others...) "Let's start."    (el Indio )


eustressor:  (You get one of my favorite questions from the old game... )   You win the lottery! To raise money for one of Eastwood's favorite charities, he has given away a choice to the grand prize winner... work as Assistant Director on his next film (no pay involved) or take $1 million in tax-free hard, cold cash.  Which do you choose?

mgk:  You've been an Eastwood fan probably longer than anyone on this board.  Why would you say, that after all these years, you're still such a big fan?  If you could sum it up easily, what's his "secret" for you?


I've chosen two of our most active members to get the game rolling, but it would be great once we're moving along to call on some of our members who post less frequently, to try to get them more involved with the board.

Over to eustressor and mgk to keep the game rollin'.  

[eustressor]

Well, I'd probably never hear the end of it from my family, but I'm a selfish bastard - I'd take the opportunity to be Assistant to Greatness. The things I could learn, the doors I could then knock on, the immeasurable honor - and the thrill!

bcm - If Meryl Streep had been unable or unwilling to play the role of Francesca, name the actress who you would have most liked to see play the part, and why.

Misty71 - What is your favorite ending to a Clint film, and why?

[mgk]

One of the reasons Eastwood's movies are so easy to watch over and over is because of his quiet, understated approach to each character he portrays.  You just don't ever seem to get tired of watching him say so little but express so much.  In his directorial efforts, each movie seems to flow in such a natural way that you feel like you are actually there and watching everything unfold.  There's just a "naturalness" whether he's in front of the camera or behind it.  

I think the most important secret as to why I continue to be a fan of Eastwood's is because of his respect for the audience.  He completely avoids the "Hollywood" predictable stories and predictable endings and gives the audience the opportunity to discover things on their own, think for themselves.  In almost all of the movies he has directed, he has found a way to extract the best performances out of each and every actor ...no matter how small or how big their role...and each has probably given the best performance of their lives at the time.  

There isn't another actor/director who has made as many movies as Eastwood  that are such a joy to rewatch after thirty or forty years.  His blockbuster hits were always about such timely material and, if the truth be known, were ahead of their times.  What he calls his "small films" are unique in their ability to develop such charming, such explosive, such complex characters that you discover something new about them each time you watch them. There seems to be a never-ending new layer you can reveal.  And, he is a master at developing relationships between people at a pace that allows the audience to get to know these characters just as the characters get to know each another.

He's a one-of-a-kind and has given us an impressive list of films to enjoy over and over again.

Christopher
I notice you have a new avatar and it's from Bird.  What is your opinion of Bird and is there something that your really like about it....a favorite quote or a favorite scene?

DAmbrosia
You are doing an excellent job with your thread on the weapons that Eastwood has used in his movies.  What is your favorite weapon that he has ever used and why is it your favorite?

[Christopher]

From mgk:

Christopher
I notice you have a new avatar and it's from Bird.  What is your opinion of Bird and is there something that you really like about it....a favorite quote or a favorite scene?

Bird is another one of those Eastwood movies that I've only seen once, and that's probably been a year and a half ago, or so. I think it's just a great achievement. Forrest Whitaker gave a performance of a lifetime as Charlie Parker, really terrific and heartbreaking. The only scene that comes to mind right now is when Parker sends all those telegrams to his wife after he hears of his child's death. Seeing a man self destruct stays with you for a while.

Allycat: I recall asking you before what your favorite Eastwood movie was, so now: what's your least favorite Eastwood movie?

Red: Maybe you've answered a question like this before, but which movie does your name, Red, come from?

[bcm]

bcm - If Meryl Streep had been unable or unwilling to play the role of Francesca, name the actress who you would have most liked to see play the part, and why.

Aaah, I had avoided that question back in the discussion about Bridges. As I've said before, I don't know too many films. But the actress that I would choose is Licia Maglietta. She was born 1954 in Naples, so she wouldn't have to fake the accent  . Her age would fit more or less. And I saw her in Pane et Tulipani (bread and tulips), which is a story about a housewife away from her family too...And I liked her performance a lot in that movie.


philo: If Eastwood had assigned you to  add any extras on a DVD on one (and only one) movie of Eastwood, which one would you choose, and why?

Clyde: which Eastwood movie would you like to watch in the theater/cinema (again)? Please explain your choice.

[Clyde]

Clyde: which Eastwood movie would you like to watch in the theater/cinema (again)? Please explain your choice.


One of the most enjoyable Clint film going experiences for me was going to see IN THE LINE OF FIRE.  First reason being it's a very good film.  The second reason I
would like to revisit this film in the theater again was that I felt this movie attracted a different audience.  In the theater I noticed it wasn't filled out with just Clint Eastwood fans -- there were young people in the audience and you could almost sense that they didn't really know who that old guy on the screen was.  They were just there to see a movie that had great word of mouth and was very entertaining.  It was kind of nice for me to experience a Clint flick with a generation who
is unfamiliar with Clint. Many Clint films I've seen in the theater were mostly viewed by guys with their friends. IN THE LINE OF FIRE I felt crossed over to different segments in our society and it made going to the theater a little more magical. I'd like to experience that again.

tag to:

CalGal: If you could show one Clint movie to someone who has never seen a Clint movie before,  which would it be and why?

Mr. Pants: Many Clint fans groan at even the mention of Clint's two monkey movies.  What do you feel about  Clint's highly successful  "Which Way" films?

[philo]

philo: If Eastwood had assigned you to  add any extras on a DVD on one (and only one) movie of Eastwood, which one would you choose, and why?

This is harder than it sounds, because the two I would have chosen (Dirty Harry and Josey Wales) have already had extras added to them. I didn't think they were that well done, so I have always felt a prime chance was missed on both of those.

I would love to do a super version of The Beguiled because nobody else will, but with Mr Siegel and the essential Miss Page and Miss Hartman no longer with us , kind of stops the project before it gets going.

I am forced to choose a Universal release (reason see below)

I therefore choose High plains drifter . My version would include the following ....

2.35:1 16:9 enhanced restoration from original Technicolor elements
Mono sound
Isolated music score
original 1972 featurette 6 min
new documentary 50 min
thearical trailer
6 x tv spots
4 x radio spots
full complete stills gallery
poster designs
Clint Estwood director : first short film on the making of The Beguiled (which is why I chose a Universal release)
 feature length Commentary (if allowed) from anyone involved .

Would people love to own this ??  


My questions

Conan :

Which Clint Estwood film do you wish you had been able to see on the big screen ?


Holden Pike :

Is there any British film that you think Clint could have played a leading role in ?


Philo .

[misty71]

Sorry guys if I took time, I wasnt home yesterday...My favorite ending to a clint film?I like the end of "escape from alcatraz" because we dont really know if they made it or not...I think they did thought...

RAVENWIND: In wich CE movie would you have liked to play opposite clint, and why?

XIXHADO: Which is your favorite fight scene from a clint movie and why?

[Mr. Pants]

Originally posted by Clyde

Mr. Pants: Many Clint fans groan at even the mention of Clint's two monkey movies.  What do you feel about  Clint's highly successful  "Which Way" films?

Personally I really enjoyed them. I grew up with Eastwood's westerns and have only branched out to his other movies in recent years. I enjoy them because they are light hearted and a real joy to watch. Its nice to know Clint has a great sense of humor. It gives him a more rounded character as an actor and director to make some of the most violent and thrilling westerns, as well as some wonderfully funny comedies. I cringe at some of his movies but the "which way" films are a hit in my book.

KC: If you had a chance to talk with Eastwood face to face for five minutes, what would you ask him? What would you say?

the stranger: Name the movies you have seen that Lee Van Cleef plays in. Do not have to be Eastwood movies.

[D'Ambrosia]

DAmbrosia
You are doing an excellent job with your thread on the weapons that Eastwood has used in his movies.  What is your favorite weapon that he has ever used and why is it your favorite?

mgk, I’d like to wait after I finish my dissertation before I answer that one.  I had answered a similar question in the old thread but I’m not so sure, I’ll get back to this one…

[mgk]

No problem, D'Amb.  Come back to it when you're ready.

In the meantime, I'll tag someone else so we can keep things moving.

Doug:

Which Eastwood directed film do you think is his best directorial effort?  Explain why you have chosen that particular film.

[KC]

KC: If you had a chance to talk with Eastwood face to face for five minutes, what would you ask him? What would you say?

Assuming I wasn't so tongue-tied that I couldn't speak at all ... I'd probably say, "Clint, can't I have ten minutes?"

Seriously, I think I'd just try to thank him for all the pleasure he's given me with his films over his long career, and express my hope that he'll go on making films for a long time yet.

eustressor: If you could compose one discussion question for A Perfect World that we moderators didn't ask, what would it be? If you could give us some idea of how you'd answer it, that would be great, too ...

Matt: I know you've been watching a lot of Hitchcock lately ... Can you see Eastwood as the leading man in any existing Hitchcock movie (of the ones you've seen)? If so, which one? If not ... why not?

[Matt]

Matt: I know you've been watching a lot of Hitchcock lately ... Can you see Eastwood as the leading man in any existing Hitchcock movie (of the ones you've seen)? If so, which one? If not ... why not?

I could see Clint back in the 60's/70's stepping into the role of Barry Kane (originally portrayed by Robert Cummings) in Saboteur more than any of the other roles in the Hitchcock films I've seen.  I think he'd fit the part of a wartime airplane factory worker better than the more aristocratic roles portrayed by Cary Grant, and although I'd love him to be in my favorite, Marnie, I can't quite see him in Sean Connery's role there either.  The films I've seen with James Stewart as leading man don't seem to suit him quite as well as Saboteur, but they're closer than the others.  I definitely can't imagine him in Psycho or The Birds.  

Barry Kane in Saboteur is wrongly accused, running from the authorities, meeting a girl along the way who at first hates him and then can't help but fall for him and tag along (at first begrudgingly and then wholeheartedly) to help him out.  Hey, is this another film like The Gauntlet?

I'd also love to see him in the scene with the blind man... that was just fantastic.

And just think, KC, he'd be in your neck of the woods again for the finale!  

AKA:  Name an actress you'd like to see work with Clint. What kind of character would you like to see her portray?

Brendan:  If you could go back in time and be Clint Eastwood for one day of his life, which day would you choose?  Maybe it would be a day he filmed a specific scene from one of his movies, or any other exciting day.

[Brendan]

Brendan:  If you could go back in time and be Clint Eastwood for one day of his life, which day would you choose?  Maybe it would be a day he filmed a specific scene from one of his movies, or any other exciting day.

Thanks Matt.

Hmmm. Theres three days I could think of. 1. The day he shot the Unforgiven ending when Munny shot Little Bill. 2. The day the ending was shot for Dirty Harry or 3. The day he won Best Director and Best Picture at the Oscars.

But I would probably pick the day at the Oscars. Just so I could know what it feels like to hear your name called out, and the audience start cheering for you. And even the feeling of being able to hold the Academy Award. Its something that I'd probably never get to do, so doing it that way would be a blast.

Cal - What movie made in the 1990's do you think Clint would have been great for? (In a starring or supporting role)

Eustressor - Whats your most favourite scene in all of Clint's movies?

[eustressor]

eustressor: If you could compose one discussion question for A Perfect World that we moderators didn't ask, what would it be? If you could give us some idea of how you'd answer it, that would be great, too ...

Ack! Oop! But you moderators did such a good job, bringing up so many points I'd never even considered...maybe, "Eustressor, why don't you let somebody else have the last word for a change?"

OK seriously, how about this?

A PERFECT WORLD: Style and Technique: 8. Realism
On the whole, did you find the events and characters in this movie to be realistic and believable? Were there any particular elements (character, scene, etc.) you felt were unrealistic? If so, did it diminish your enjoyment of the film?

Short answers - Yes, yes, and no.

I would consider this a romantic movie, in the classical sense, which out of the gate lowers the premium on realism. Still, on the whole, there was a fine air of authenticity to the setting, as well as the primary character development. It felt like 1963 Texas, and the characters were really sweating in the heat.

But... the scene outside of Friendly's felt a lot like something out of a Burt Reynold's film. Hey, let's smash some cop cars! They deserve it 'cause they're incompetent! And when Red's trailer goes galavanting through the woods, pulls up right next to the truck, and then smashes into the trees without a single occupant being seriously injured, well, one can almost picture Dom Deluise as "Captain Chaos", bounding out of the wreck and tripping on his cape.

It's never bothered me - in fact, I enjoy the rollicking fun of both scenes every time I watch it. But after drumming up my imaginary question, I had to sit and think about my answer, and it occured to me that these scenes were awfully light-hearted, almost a romp in comparison to the rest of the picture.

I don't think Burt came by and offered any suggestions during the filming of these two scenes. What I do think is that, and this reminds me of an old songwriting trick, by inserting moments of levity and abandon into the film - "Gee this is fun, woohoo!" - it set's the viewer up to be completely punched in the belly by the climax of the film. I think it was a deliberate excercise in dynamics for effect, and one more way Clint invites the audience to participate in the story.

And the fact that these two scenes never detracted from my enjoyment of the film to me says a lot about Clint's seemless ability to effectively create something which is a bit of a rarity these days - suspension of disbelief. I never even noticed, until I really thought about it.

"Red's gonna be pissed!"  

OK, questions:

little_bill - What's your favorite Gene Hackman line in Unforgiven? Who does he say it to, in which scene, and why does it stand out to you?

mgk - Name two things about The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly that you feel are often overlooked by critics and casual viewers, who may feel it's just a really long, but otherwise typical shoot 'em up cowboy movie. I'm speaking of TGTBTU specifically, independent of the rest of The Man With No Name trilogy  

[Ravenwind]

So,its my turn.

RAVENWIND:In which CE movie would you have liked to play opposite Clint and why?

Well,thats not an easy one.If i had to choose it would have to be "Outlaw Josey Wales".Because its among my personal favorits and i liked the part that John Vernon played.It was a strong,meaningful part.
I hope you are satisfied with this answer.

Then its my turn to ask isnt it?

Daisy Abigael: What is your favorite fight in an Eastwood movie?
Nightwing: In which movie of Clint's did Dennis Hopper have a cameo part?

[Doug]

Doug:

Which Eastwood directed film do you think is his best directorial effort?  Explain why you have chosen that particular film.

Well, I feel strongly about his directing in several movies, but Unforgiven has to be it.  Here he was returning to a genre that he'd already done so much to impact, and he returns with a script that allows him to explore western themes in entirely new ways, and to me it's obvious he thought more about this project than any other.  To me the film looks more like an art film, with every shot purposely planned out for maximum impact.  Yet the pacing is perfect, with the action coming at the right moments.  His building of supsense is right on.  And the film just looks awesome.  Sorry I can't go into more detail, but I have packing to do as I'm flying back to my home town in two days.  (So I may be a little scarse for the next two weeks. )

My two tags:

Christopher: If you had to give up your board name and choose one from a Clint movie, what would the new name be?

Lilly: Who's your favorite male co-star (supporting actor) in a Clint movie?  And why.

[Brendan]

Nightwing: In which movie of Clint's did Dennis Hopper have a cameo part?

Hang Em' High.

Eustressor I dont know if you saw my tag from earlier or not and since we have turned a new page, I'll just repost both my ones from before.

Cal - What movie made in the 1990's do you think Clint would have been great for? (In a starring or supporting role)

Eustressor - Whats your most favourite scene in all of Clint's movies?

[eustressor]

Well, it's got to be from Unforgiven, right?

Actually it's almost a tie, but Mr. Munny wins by a nose. My favorite Eastwood scene ever would be that beautiful, ominous scene in Unforgiven just before the climax of the film, when Munny and The Schofield Kid are waiting under that tree, on that hillside, with those threatening clouds moving in, as they wait for that distant rider to arrive.

The words, gestures, and interim silences in this scene to me sum up the whole point of this movie. It all strikes home with terrible effect when the news of Ned's death is announced. I love how Munny falls off the wagon at exactly the moment his true name and history are revealed by the terrified young lady. Beauty, beauty, dark beauty...

A close second is Tuco's four minute whirlwind graveyard sequence as the haunting Morricone score swells to a crescendo in The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. Again, for me the moment of greatest revelation and enjoyment as a viewer occurs immediately before the climax of the movie.

I don't think that similarity is an accident. Clint made a deliberate nod to Leone, as well as Don Siegle, in the credits of Unforgiven.

MC - If you had to pick one, which would you rather have future generations remember Clint for - his acting skills or his directing skills? Why?

[mgk]

  Aaaarrrrggghhhh!!!!!!!!!  

You are not going to believe this.  I had my response to Eustressor's question answered and ready to submit when my computer froze up and I lost it all.

I shall return after I search my brain for the answer that I once had.

Sorry for the delay.