Eastwood marches to his own drummer, often eschewing the Hollywood publicity and attention so many other personalities crave. He lives in Northern California, rarely gives interviews, and avoids the spotlight whenever possible. In fact, his personal of the cultural loner and reluctant hero on the screen seems to fit him perfectly off the screen, as well. Eastwood's films almost always embody good against evil and the very nature of the perfect hero. Author Smith continues, "Eastwood's movie appears to suggest, in keeping with its general moral message that 'the war is over,' that the hero can indeed return" (Smith 45). All of his films contain this heroic element, even if the endings do not always end "happily ever after" in Hollywood style. Eastwood seems to understand the larger-than-life hero protagonist, and offers many films that embody this heroic figure, from "Flags of our Fathers" to "Unforgiven" and even "Play Misty for Me." His heroes are often unusual, and might seem like anti-heroes, but they win their fight and seem larger than life by doing so.

In addition, many of Eastwood's films have become cultural icons, giving identity and meaning to historic and important occasions. "Unforgiven" is an unforgiving look at the last days of the Old West, while "Flags of Our Fathers" shares an intimate moment in American history, introducing the men behind the famous photograph of Iwo Jima. Even more stylistic is "Letters from Iwo Jima," a look at the war though the eyes of the Japanese soldiers who fought and died on the island, and told entirely through subtitles (a risky move even today for most theater audiences)....

These films offer Americans a glimpse into their own varied cultural identity, and they are much more than entertainment venues, they teach, raise emotions, and even give glimpses into history that most people would never get to experience.
Eastwood's role as producer has not been nearly as prolific as his role as actor and director, and often he has not taken credit for his production work. Author Allison continues, "Whether Eastwood accepted a producer credit or not, each of them was made under the umbrella of Malpaso, the production company that Eastwood formed in 1968, which has helped him to satisfy his drive to govern every creative aspect of the films with which he has been involved" (Allison). Control is important to Eastwood, and seems even more important as he ages.

In conclusion, Clint Eastwood has become one of the most recognized and respected directors and producers in Hollywood by choosing the right films, coming in on time and under budget, and by using his raw talent effectively. He believes in hard work, loyalty, and decency and his films embody those elements, along with his artistic vision and just plain good instincts. He is a complex man who creates complex and moving films, and his star is still rising in Hollywood.

References

Allison, Deborah. "Clint Eastwood." SensesofCinema.com. July 2003. 30 June 2007. http://www.sensesofcinema.com/contents/directors/03/eastwood.html

Smith, Paul. Clint Eastwood: A Cultural Production. London: UCL Press, 2003.

Thompson, Douglas. Clint Eastwood: Riding High. Chicago, IL: Contemporary Books, 1992.