It’s been a long time since I watched this, good to revisit. First film in what ended up being five film run over the years, and rightfully so given Clint Eastwood’s portrayal of the character. Opens with a somber note, then straight into the crime funk-jazz! Sets the tone well? I’d like to hear more of this genre. And of course, here-in is one of the most well-known movie quotes committed to film. “You’ve got to ask yourself a question. ‘Do I feel Lucky? Well, do ya...Punk?” In hindsight, can see where Jules may have gotten his pre-kill “Path of the Righteous Man” little stint from. Harry had a sense of humor. Fucking dark one, but gave whoever was at the other end of the barrel of that .44 Magnum a moment to truly reflect on the error of their ways. Tarantino just bibled it up a bit.
This takes place in the San Franscisco, latin for otter’s vagina if the interwebs are correct. Early 70s. Pretty Sleazy. Totally gay. But SF cop Harry Callahan don’t take no guff from no one, not even the mayor. For as serious of a film as it is, does have some pretty good wry humor to open it up. Establishes Harry as one dry piece of fuckin toast, and a cheapskate one at that. Of course shit hits the fan, psycho on the loose, and Dirty Harry does what he does best. Peep on naked chicks. Classy! He is named Dirty Harry, after all. Well, does that and maybe hit, stab and shoot scumbags. With an emphasis on the shooting part. And occasional bad sad disjointed jazz. I like the crime funk-jazz better.
This really did create a new mold for cop movies, no-nonsense drive with an anti-authoritarian bent that both pisses off and endears said cop to their respective beleaguered bosses. Tight pacing with enough character detail to impart a little empathy for the stone-cold Harry. Decent shots of the city and environments. Can be a little dark at times, both thematically and literally, but hey, it was the 70s, whatayagonna do? Plus nice role by John Vernon (aka Animal House’s Dean Wormer).
