Underrated Clint Eastwood Films: Tightrope

      Clint Eastwood is among the elite in the realm of movie stars and filmmakers.

      The Academy Award-winning filmmaker, known for his brevity, is a master whose approach to filmmaking is both robust and straightforward. He might have achieved more successes than any contemporary commercial director.

      With the vast number of films in his career, naturally not every title resonated with audiences — some for valid reasons, others for reasons that remain unclear. Regardless, these are 12 underrated films featuring Clint Eastwood.

      **Blood Work (2002)**

      Credit: Warner Bros.

      Adapted from Michael Connelly’s novel by Brian Helgeland of Mystic River fame, Blood Work is like a gripping novel come to life. It’s a tightly constructed B-movie.

      The moment Eastwood calmly retrieves a shotgun from a trunk to confront a villain is worth the price of admission. The film presents a cat-and-mouse game between an ex-cop (played by Clint) and a murderer.

      Eastwood and his main co-star, Jeff Daniels, share a lively chemistry that effectively balances the film's darker tone.

      **Changeling (2008)**

      Credit: Warner Bros

      Despite leaving audiences and critics somewhat indifferent, 17 years after its debut, Changeling increasingly resembles a classic example of Eastwood communicating deeper power through words rather than violence.

      Christine Collins (Angelina Jolie) battles the legal system, corrupt police, and societal norms — akin to many classic Eastwood characters. Yet, she does so without resorting to violence.

      The filmmaker vividly depicts her internal struggles with bravado — a passion often reserved for his more traditionally heroic figures. His respect for Collins’ strength in Changeling offers a profound glimpse into Eastwood as both a person and a filmmaker.

      **Cry Macho (2021)**

      Credit: Warner Bros

      Cry Macho is a modest success for Eastwood. It’s a road film that finds charm in its simplicity, primarily by showcasing the 91-year-old legend as he walks, talks, and drives.

      This film pairs nicely with Bronco Billy due to its easygoing narrative. Eastwood directs and stars as a cowboy sent to bring a boy back home from Mexico, and while the storyline is light, Eastwood brings a weighty presence to the film.

      Observing him on screen makes it impossible not to see a living story, where even his slightest expressions convey depth. Cry Macho was met with a subdued response upon its release, but it may be more appreciated with time, potentially marking Eastwood’s final performance.

      **Every Which Way But Loose (1978)**

      This beloved brawler shines in a box office hit often dismissed as mere comedy.

      Every Which Way But Loose features Clint throwing punches, looking after his beloved orangutan Clyde, and taking down neo-Nazis. It’s filled with entertainment, including Ruth Gordon wielding a shotgun and plenty of hand-to-hand combat.

      The quirky “romance” between Clint and Sondra Locke holds the film back from sheer popcorn movie greatness, yet with its excellent action and parody-like humor, it deserves a more favorable reputation than it currently possesses.

      **The Eiger Sanction (1975)**

      Credit: Universal

      Clint Eastwood embodies an American version of James Bond in his take on Trevanian’s spy novel.

      Eastwood portrays Jonathan Hemlock — a former agent drawn back into a world of espionage. Initially, this film disappointed at the box office and is not typically regarded as one of his standout directorial efforts.

      However, it offers a lot of fun with its spy antics, vibrant characters, and, as is typical of Eastwood, dynamic action.

      When The Eiger Sanction isn’t veering into Bond parody territory, it delivers straightforward thrills with classic action and climbing sequences.

      **Honkytonk Man (1982)**

      Credit: Warner Bros

      Eastwood reveals his inner self in Honkytonk Man. Audiences in 1982 were not particularly receptive to the filmmaker portraying a sensitive artist, making this a significant departure for him.

      Whether or not that led to lukewarm box office results, it stands as a heartfelt gem from Eastwood. He has previously noted that it closely aligns with his own statements.

      Eastwood plays a dying musician on a journey with his nephew (his son, Kyle Eastwood) to perform one last time at the Opry. Except for Jersey Boys, whenever Eastwood shares his love for music on screen, the outcome is always filled with passion.

      **Juror No. 2 (2024)**

      Eastwood’s most recent film, Juror No. 2, showcases many of his strengths as a director. With a talented ensemble and solid material, he can elicit remarkable performances from his actors.

      Through Eastwood’s keen perspective, we observe characters — not merely performers. In the morally complex yet entertaining Juror No. 2, he exhibits