Still awesome.
Watched this last night for the first time in... good God maybe 6 or 7 years?
Still as good as ever. Fantastic movie.
It's almost like this movie is being forgotten. Believe it or not, I didn't see this movie until I bought the DVD (probably in 1997), and it was a very early DVD for me, probably in my first 5. I was totally blown away by it, because first of all it was super fun to watch, but also you could just see all the influences stemming from this film. It really feels like an indie movie doesn't it? It's got a gritty look to it, and let's be honest, some of the shots are amateurish, perhaps on purpose, I'm not sure.
But, just the characterization of the anti-hero detective was pretty groundbreaking, even though Eastwood was just carrying that persona over from his westerns. It worked though, didn't it ;)
At one time I thought Dirty Harry kind of spawned the modern buddy cop trope, but after further review, I think it only hinted at it, because Reni Santoni doesn't really have enough of a presence, nor an influence in the outcome, to consider this on the level as something truly Buddy Cop like 48 Hours did.
I love the music in this too, it's so funky.
Has an edge to it. Some topless scenes, racial epithets and a truly evil villain. I soft of forgot how 'edgy' it was. Also the fact Scorpio was inspired by the Zodiac killer... using a recently active unapprehended serial killer as the basis for your villain is quite something, the canonical Zodiac killings were in 1968 and 1969. Not sure it would be done today (it probably would I guess but it does seem in poor taste somewhat).
Harry Callahan is a great protagonist. Cheeky, takes no bullshit and hard on crime but with good morals and a kind heart under it all.
I love the rooftop photography of San Fran., Calif.
All great points! It's been quite awhile since I've viewed this one, myself.
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