Review: Dirty Harry (1971)

Directed by: Don Siegel
Written by: Harry Julian Fink, Rita M. Fink and Dean Riesner
Starring: Clint Eastwood, Harry Guardino, Reni Santoni, Andrew Robinson and John Vernon

The 1970s marked a significant and far-reaching change in the history of cinema. The films of New Hollywood had a certain edge to them. They brought the drama into realms that felt genuine, fresh and exciting. This also meant that many of the new films of the late 60s and 70s would work with lurid subjects in a more realistic manner. Countless filmmakers were empowered by this movement, but what's to say of those that bridged the two worlds? Don Siegel was previously most known for directing the first Invasion of the Body Snatchers before giving us one of the greatest examples of the modern police movie, Dirty Harry. 

Inspector Harry Callahan serves in the San Francisco Police Department. He earned the nickname "Dirty Harry" for his reputation of handling homicide cases and breaking professional and ethical boundaries to achieve his own vision of justice. When the city is terrorized by a psychotic, ransom-demanding sniper called 'Scorpio' Harry is put on the job of bringing the madman down.

One thing that strikes me as fascinating about Dirty Harry is that it's essentially a filmic response to issues facing America at the start of the 1970s. While the terror of the at-large, unidentified Zodiac killer undoubtedly inspired the film's villain and gave a face to real-life public enemy, it's critical of society on a more general level. It particularly concerns itself with the rising crime rates that accompanied the end of the post-war boom, the outcomes of the civil rights movement and a growing dissatisfaction with the establishment.

The titular character feels like a response to a society that's changing too fast. Some have suggested that Harry Callahan and the film in general is right-wing, possibly even fascist. I like to think of him as an unorthodox solution to these woes that differs from an inept justice system. Harry is a deeply flawed character that walks the line between hero and anti-hero wonderfully. He's a victim of unwanted circumstances as much as anyone, which draws our sympathies to him. We can condemn the less attractive traits of this person as much as we want, but we'll never deny his commitment or abilities in serving justice.

It's a very cynical movie full of uncompromising attitudes towards both the police force and the world of criminals alike. Even if one can't stomach the political undertones of Dirty Harry, they'll certainly love it for its unrestrained action movie violence and the intensity of the conflict between Harry and Scorpio. It's an intelligently written thriller edited in the most appropriate way. What's great to know is there's four sequels and all held up considerably well to this movie's standard.

My Rating: 9/10