Dirty Harry (1971)

Waste of time

It's no definitive masterpiece but it's damn close.

good back-story, and good acting

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

A couple of memorable lines. Iconic. But it doesn't make me feel lucky, and I've watched it more than once. It doesn't get better with repeated viewing. I'd have thought it was financed by the LA Police Department, if it wasn't for the ending, which seems to be based on High Noon, the conclusion of which reportedly angered John Wayne so much.The recent reviews of this film seem to have got it just about right. There is something dissatisfying about its plot and narrative account. Although there is a basic theme involving the pursuit of a maniac killer, it is also structured round a disconnected series of episodes designed to portray a cop who is stressed and driven beyond endurance by the rules and regulations of the society in which he operates. There appears to be no solution to this conflict. The viewer is left at a loss. Siegel's next film, Charley Varrick is more entertaining.

'Dirty Harry (1971)' is not quite what you'd think from the reputation that precedes it but is still as iconic as you'd expect and, while Clint Eastwood's squinting straight-shooter isn't as exemplary as what is essentially his western equivalent, the disillusioned detective at the heart of this somewhat surprisingly dark tale is more than just the poker-faced, hand-cannon carrying cool cucumber he has come to be known as. The film itself is just as concerned with the slower moments as it is with its moments of action, all of which are done in a typical stand-off type of style which thankfully places more emphasis on tension than schlocky 'shoot 'em 'up' splendour, and there's a real, slightly revisionist grit underlying the narrative that's got something to say and isn't afraid to say it. 6/10

So the film certainly starts off slow. It looks like it's going to be a completely self-explanatory, ostensibly obvious and pretty painful watch with as predictable a development as the ending would be. It turns out that: no, that's just that first half hour. Gradually the film takes a hold of the viewer and drags him into a more enticing development of the plot, one that engages the public right into the thick of the film's crux. It's like the film at its core has a heavy weight to bear and wishes to unload the burden onto the viewer, who finds himself morally and emotionally committed to the lead character's dilemma: going by the letter of the law and following standard procedure - or - choosing what 'feels right' regardless of the institutions.The film does a well enough job to not be as clichéd as you'd expect, to not be too linear with the plot which is praiseworthy since the film's entirety is really just one big premise (and 'Dirty Harry' so easily could've been a constant reiteration of the same scene over and over), and the protagonist despite being basically a comic book character still remains very relatable for his humanity which is also very much commendable. Strong ending with a very symbolic gesture which gives the whole all the more meaning and appeal, and you know a movie that ends well is infinitely more important than a movie that merely starts well (!).7.5/10.

'DIRTY HARRY' was directed by Don Siegel and stars Clint Eastwood, Andrew Robinson and Reni Santoni. ​After a woman gets shot in a pool, it's up to Inspector Harry Callahan(Clint Eastwood) - Dirty Harry - to hunt down her killer, who threatens to kill one more every day until he gets $100,000.I understand that a six may seem harsh for the movie, considering the cult status it has achieved. And let me just clarify, I wholeheartedly recommend you see this movie; it definitely deserves a watch. It is a solid, interesting, DISPOSABLE thriller. But that is it's big flaw. It is just disposable. Obviously, there are some memorable and amazing moments but the plot drags it down for me.Expanding on that point, I love the concept of some serial killer manipulating a city into giving him money but I think the film throws too many 'twists and turns' to make it seem more intelligent than it is. I'd rather they stick with the, possibly cliché, story of Dirty Harry hunting down Scorpio, rather than try to make the plot more complicated. Probably just my personal preference but I still consider it some form of flaw. As a whole, it is very enjoyable but it just isn't that well structured or written.Another thing I wasn't a fan of was the climax. With the exception of some truly badass moments and scenes, it just felt rushed as a whole. The location is different and interesting but the way they UTILISE it wasn't. I didn't want a huge giant climax featuring tanks, fire and the Death Star(Yeah I know Star Wars wasn't released yet) because action wasn't the focus and I understand that. I just would have rather they either changed the premise of the climax entirely, or put a little more effort in. I do love the final minute or two, however.Clint Eastwood was amazing as Dirty Harry and I think this is his most iconic role. He really owns the character and knows the perfect mix of being likable and loathsome, to make a tough guy cop. Harry is a very interesting and well written protagonist. I am very happy his past was left in his past because that gives him a level of mystery and intrigue, which I hope isn't spoiled in the sequels when I watch them.Andrew Robinson is great as the eerily insane an terrifying Scorpio. Scorpio was genuinely threatening and scary. He was a classic loathsome villain, with no levels of likability or charisma. He was just classically bad and I really like that.Reni Santoni was passable as Chico Gonzalez. Gonzalez was just a bland and boring character. He had no qualities to make him interesting . Him and Callahan had NO chemistry and I really don't understand why he was even in the movie.The cinematography and editing was pretty solid for the most. It looked fine. I do have some issues with the lighting, however. It got too dark for me at points and it was pretty hard to see. The costume design was perfectly passable.This movie contains one of the greatest one liners in cinema history. I wont write it here because it will take too long but you need to see the movie just to see this line put to good use. As stated prior, this movie is a perfectly disposable thriller. I do recommend you watch it, however. I'll rate this film 6 'LUCKY PUNKS' out of 10.