Clint Eastwood became a worldwide icon after starring in the Dollars Trilogy, a Spaghetti Western series directed by Sergio Leone. He later expanded the scope of his stardom through the Dirty Harry franchise as the vigilante-esque cop Harry Callahan, cementing his status as an enduring Hollywood acting symbol.
Eastwood eventually proved himself to be just at talented at directing, earning Academy Awards for Unforgiven (1992) and Million Dollar Baby (2004), both of which he also stars in. However, there are several incredible movies directed by Eastwood where he doesn't play a leading role (or any role, for that matter).
10 Flags Of Our Fathers (2006) Is A Fascinating Look At Heroism Through The Lens Of Reality
Eastwood focuses heavily on the conjunction between brotherhood and conflict, with Flags of Our Fathers being an incredibly emotional depiction of the Battle of Iwo Jima.
While the movie only covers the event from a U.S. frame of reference, its "fascinating look at heroism, both earned and manufactured," helps refresh audience perspectives on the balance between human drama and ice-cold politics. Most importantly, Flags of Our Fathers refuses to paint a rosy picture of reality, steering away from empty patriotism without squandering the soldiers' spotlight.
9 Letters From Iwo Jima (2006) Refrains From Cultural Stereotypes While Discussing WWII From A Japanese Perspective
The reason that Flags of Our Fathers worked so well is that it was paired with Letters from Iwo Jima, a movie that explores the Japanese perspectives of the same battle.
Although it didn't win its Academy Award nominations for Best Director and Best Picture, Letters from Iwo Jima was widely acclaimed by critics as being one of the best movies of 2006. Interestingly, the film did significantly better at the Japanese box office, largely due to its attempt at maintaining cultural sensitivity.
8 Richard Jewell (2019) Illustrates Eastwood's Practical Style Of Filmmaking
Partly based on Marie Brenner's article in Vanity Fair, Richard Jewell revolves around the bombing in Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Park that took place in 1996. The movie is an exceptionally well-designed biopic, shedding light on the truth behind Jewell's heroism and innocence.
Audiences enjoyed Richard Jewell considerably more than critics, but the latter made mostly positive comments about Clint Eastwood's practical direction style. On the other hand, the less-than-positive portrayal of reporter Kathy Scruggs was deemed unnecessarily sexist.
7 Invictus (2009) Earned Critical Appreciation For Eastwood's Heartfelt Direction
Centered around the 1995 Rugby World Cup, Invictus takes a look at the history of apartheid in South Africa through the lens of sport. Matt Damon and Morgan Freeman's roles as team captain François Pienaar and President Nelson Mandela respectively were particularly praised by reviewers.
However, most of the movie's critical applause was directed at Eastwood's heartfelt direction. Invictus is filled with powerful moments, especially its iconic award ceremony scene as seen above.
6 Bird (1988) Might Be Forest Whitaker's Vehicle, But Eastwood Is The Driver
Legendary saxophonist Charlie Parker's is the focal point of Bird, a non-linear narrative that highlights the various fluctuations in the jazz musician's life. Forest Whitaker's role as the titular protagonist received universal recognition and earned him the Cannes Best Actor award.
Eastwood's directorial skills were similarly acknowledged, as evidenced by his award at the Golden Globes. Unfortunately, Bird lost several million dollars due to its weak performance at the box office.
5 Sully (2016) Is A Great Example Of Eastwood's Refined Sense Of Simplicity
Casting Tom Hanks as airline hero Chesley Sullenberger explains Sully's incredible triumph in both commercial and critical spheres, but Eastwood's impact on the film can hardly be underestimated.
Reviewers called Sully "beautifully balanced and hugely engaging," with the NYT pointing out that it was "economical and solid" - words that are often used to describe Eastwood's refined sense of simplicity. Sully is the perfect example of a film that manages to be breathtaking without losing itself to extravagance.
4 Mystic River (2003) Owes Its Success To Eastwood's Awareness Of Tension
Mystic River includes stellar performances from Marcia Gay Harden, Laurence Fishburne, Kevin Bacon, Sean Penn, and Tim Robbins, with the latter two winning their respective acting nominations at the 76th Academy Awards.
Cast aside, Mystic River thrives under the watchful eye of Clint Eastwood, whose artistic awareness of tension and carefully curated violence help establish the trajectory that takes the movie to its tragically fateful conclusion.
3 Jersey Boys (2014) Shows Eastwood's Expertise In A Completely New Genre
Eastwood has proven himself to be a master filmmaker, and his expertise extends to the musical genre. Jersey Boys is the cinematic adaptation of the 2005 jukebox musical about The Four Seasons, a wildly famous rock'n'roll band from the '6os.
Critics were mixed in their responses to the film, stating that it suffers from excessive "bickering and brooding," but pinpointed the "powerful pleasures of its musical moments." Jersey Boys may not have been the ideal genre for Eastwood, but he manages to pull through, nevertheless.
2 Changeling (2008) Is Bolstered By Jolie's Acting As Much As Eastwood's Direction
Changeling dramatizes the horrific Wineville Chicken Coop Murders of the 1920s with almost clinical precision, focusing largely on Angelina Jolie's Christine Collins. The movie delves in and out of a variety of complex elements, from mental health to political apathy.
Changeling was a favorite to win the prestigious Palme d'Or at the Cannes but eventually lost to Laurent Cantet's Entre les murs (2008). That said, Eastwood's direction and J. Michael Straczynski's screenwriting are essential factors that allow Jolie to shine with all her brilliance.
1 American Sniper (2014) Was Praised For Its Vivid Tribute To Chris Kyle
American Sniper views the personal aspects of war via Chris Kyle, one of the most proficient snipers in the history of the United States. Clint Eastwood and Bradley Cooper were both lauded for their respective accomplishments, garnering several Oscar nominations in the process.
Although American Sniper's "vivid tribute to its real-life subject" was noted by critics, a few reviewers complained that the movie failed to flesh out the moral nuances of the Iraq War and spent the bulk of its attention on its protagonist at the cost of other equally interesting characters.