Clint's acting ability

[herofan]

I think that for many, what makes a great actor is that when assuming the role they become the character. Great actors usually aren't perceived to be star personalities, and often are not perceived to be the icons that Eastwood clearly is. To put some context to this, for me personally, I consider really great actors to be actors that have a lot of versatility. They can assume almost any role believably. I think the perception that most people have of Clint Eastwood is that he's a huge star who assumes a persona, and does variations of that persona repeatedly in his films. As you state, Eastwood has almost always been believable in his roles, but I don't think Eastwood has shown the versatility that most people consider to be the hallmark of a great actor. For example, I think Meryl Streep is a great actress. She isn't just playing variations on the same character in her films. She can embody almost any role, and she can do so believably. I think that is what separates an icon like Eastwood from the very top of performers who are widely considered by many to be the greatest actors. Eastwood is still my favorite actor by far though, and I do think he's a better actor than he is usually given credit for. I hope that answers your question.

A very good explanation that I agree with.  Like you, Eastwood is by far my favorite of all time.

[_Clintan_]

I think it's important to separate "greatest/best ever" and "favorite", something being your favorite doesn't automatically make it the best. It's the same with movies, one may have a favorite movie but still think other movies are better. Clint certainly isn't the greatest actor ever, he doesn't have the versatility, but he's definitely one of my favorites, mostly thanks to his screen presence combined with a long line of great and memorable movies.

[Jed Cooper]

I think it's important to separate "greatest/best ever" and "favorite", something being your favorite doesn't automatically make it the best. It's the same with movies, one may have a favorite movie but still think other movies are better. Clint certainly isn't the greatest actor ever, he doesn't have the versatility, but he's definitely one of my favorites, mostly thanks to his screen presence combined with a long line of great and memorable movies.

Hi Clintan,

I understand and certainly respect what you're saying.  For me, though, I can in all good consciousness say that I consider Clint Eastwood the greatest actor ever.  I can comfortably say that with the belief that it is true.  The same goes for Elvis Presley as a singer/entertainer.  I’m not trying to force my opinion on others.  To me, they truly are the greatest.  It’s because they are my personal favorites that I consider them to be so.  Sounding contradictory with respect to Eastwood, I am fully aware that there are better and more talented actors out there.  Of course, there are more successful ones, too.  In the long run, does this matter?  Well, no, not to me and I’m not trying to sound arrogant.  If I’m coming across that way, I apologize for it’s certainly not my intention.  The same goes for Elvis.  While I’d be hard pressed to admit there are better singers in his field (an exception would be Freddy Mercury), there are plenty of vocalists that have just a good a range or better than that The King had.  There are multiple sources that cite him as still the most successful solo recording artist of all time, but there are those that have won multiple grammy awards, of which Elvis has been awarded only three. 

So, I could go to great lengths to support my opinion by citing the numerous awards and recognition that have been given to Eastwood and Presley, but those are merely facts that could be countered and there’d be a potentially never ending debate.  No, rather, I’ll just stand by my opinion as being enough, which I fully support others doing. 

To reiterate; when I make the statement, “Clint Eastwood is the best actor ever”, it’s because it’s what I’ve seen of his film performances over decades and that I still prefer his movies above all others.  What’s great about variety is being able to enjoy many other great films and performances by other actors and it’s something I continue to look forward to, as much as the next Eastwood project.         

[Richard Earl]

This is a fun tread to read. It got me thinking about Eastwoods best acting roles vs. my personal favorites of his roles. Clint's acting in Tightrope was great as it has been mentioned in this thread and his acting in Heartbreak Ridge is not near the talent that he performed in Tightrope. Ask me which film I can watch again and again. It is Heartbreak Ridge because I just love that film as over the top as it might be. We have seen him in dramas, thrillers and westerns and some dramas with elements of comedy. I will say this again that I would love to see Clint as a villain in a horror film. I think he would be great.

[Jed Cooper]

This is a fun tread to read. It got me thinking about Eastwoods best acting roles vs. my personal favorites of his roles. Clint's acting in Tightrope was great as it has been mentioned in this thread and his acting in Heartbreak Ridge is not near the talent that he performed in Tightrope. Ask me which film I can watch again and again. It is Heartbreak Ridge because I just love that film as over the top as it might be. We have seen him in dramas, thrillers and westerns and some dramas with elements of comedy. I will say this again that I would love to see Clint as a villain in a horror film. I think he would be great.

I know what you mean about wanting to return to Heartbreak Ridge over Tightrope and that his acting is better in the latter.  I think his character in the former is closer to what a lot of fans had become accustomed to and why that would be the preferred favorite of the two.  I think it's the same reason Gran Torino was so popular, because Clint had returned to a role similar to those he'd played previously, only an older version. 

That would be interesting, to see Clint play a villain in a horror movie.  Imagine! 

[herofan]

This is a fun tread to read. It got me thinking about Eastwoods best acting roles vs. my personal favorites of his roles. Clint's acting in Tightrope was great as it has been mentioned in this thread and his acting in Heartbreak Ridge is not near the talent that he performed in Tightrope. Ask me which film I can watch again and again. It is Heartbreak Ridge because I just love that film as over the top as it might be. We have seen him in dramas, thrillers and westerns and some dramas with elements of comedy. I will say this again that I would love to see Clint as a villain in a horror film. I think he would be great.

I agree.  I think with any kind of entertainment, technical ability and appeal aren't always the same thing, and who is to say which is most important.  For example, Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan wouldn't win on American idol or The Voice, but they sure did have a lot of appeal that gave them a great, long career above others who may have actually had better singing ability. 

[Richard Earl]

I agree Jed and herofan! Speakig of Gran Torino, his acting was incredible!