Underrated Films Starring Clint Eastwood: Tightrope

      Happy birthday to Clint Eastwood, who is celebrating his 96th today. He has produced numerous classic films, but today we also want to highlight some lesser-known Clint Eastwood movies.

      The Academy Award-winning filmmaker, known for his few words, is a master whose directing style is anything but subtle and straightforward. He may have achieved more success than any active commercial director today.

      Of course, with such an extensive filmography, not every movie resonated with audiences — some for valid reasons and others for unclear ones. Regardless, here are 12 underrated Clint Eastwood films.

      **Blood Work (2002)**

      Credit: Warner Bros.

      Based on Michael Connelly’s novel and adapted by Brian Helgeland of Mystic River fame, Blood Work is a cinematic page-turner. It’s a tightly organized B-movie.

      Watching Eastwood calmly retrieve a shotgun from a trunk to confront a villain is worth the admission price (or rental). The film features a tense chase between an ex-cop (Clint) and a murderer.

      Eastwood and co-star Jeff Daniels share a lively chemistry that effectively balances the film’s darker themes.

      **Changeling (2008)**

      Credit: Warner Bros.

      Changeling initially left both audiences and critics indifferent, but 17 years later, it stands out as a classic example of Eastwood focusing more on dialogue than violence.

      Christine Collins (Angelina Jolie) battles the legal system, corrupt officers, and societal pressures — much like many iconic Clint characters — without resorting to violence.

      The filmmaker skillfully portrays her internal struggles, a change from the hard-nosed heroes he typically depicts. His respect for Collins’ tenacity in Changeling adds depth to his growth as an artist.

      **Cry Macho (2021)**

      Credit: Warner Bros.

      With Cry Macho, Eastwood delivers a solid performance. It’s a simple road movie, enchanting mainly because of the 91-year-old legend’s presence as he walks, talks, and drives.

      The film pairs nicely with Bronco Billy for its light storytelling. Eastwood directs and stars as a cowboy tasked with returning a boy home from Mexico. Though the narrative is quite straightforward, Eastwood always brings a weighty presence.

      Even mundane moments reveal a rich story in his every expression. Cry Macho received a subdued reaction upon release, but it may gain appreciation over time as what could be Eastwood’s final performance.

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

      Credit: Warner Bros.

      In this box office success, one of cinema's favorite brawlers emerges as a fighting machine often dismissed as a mere joke.

      Every Which Way But Loose showcases Clint throwing punches, safeguarding his beloved orangutan Clyde, and battling neo-Nazis. The movie offers plenty of entertainment, featuring a shotgun-wielding Ruth Gordon and some exciting fight scenes.

      The quirky “romance” between Clint and Sondra Locke prevents the film from reaching popcorn classic status, but with its quality action and satirical humor, it truly deserves a better reputation.

      **The Eiger Sanction (1975)**

      Universal Pictures

      In this adaptation of Trevanian’s spy novel, Clint Eastwood embodies an American version of James Bond.

      He portrays Jonathan Hemlock, a former spy drawn back into a thrilling espionage world. Although the film disappointed at the box office and isn’t often regarded as one of his best directorial works, it’s filled with enjoyable spy antics, vibrant characters, and Eastwood's signature action.

      When The Eiger Sanction isn’t teetering on the brink of Bond parody, it offers straightforward thrills with timeless action and climbing sequences.

      **Honkytonk Man (1982)**

      Credit: Warner Bros.

      In Honkytonk Man, Eastwood reveals a more vulnerable side. In 1982, audiences weren’t receptive to him portraying a sensitive musician, challenging his usual persona.

      Regardless of its lukewarm box office reception, the film stands out as a gentle treasure from Eastwood. He has mentioned it closely represents a personal statement.

      Eastwood plays a dying musician traveling with his nephew (his son, Kyle Eastwood) to perform at the Opry one last time. Except for Jersey Boys, Eastwood’s expressions of musical passion always resonate with audiences.

      **Juror No. 2 (2024)**

      Eastwood’s latest, Juror No. 2, showcases many of his strengths as a director. With a talented ensemble and solid material, he brings out their best performances.

      Through Eastwood’s keen lens, we see characters rather than actors. In the morally complex and entertaining Juror No. 2, he shows a relaxed confidence in a simple tale about a young man (Nicholas Hoult) called to jury duty in a case in which he has a personal connection.

      Though the film received critical acclaim, it didn’t make a significant impact in theaters. Fortunately, it’s finding an audience on HBO Max.