Gran Torino (TF1): the secrets to Clint Eastwood’s greatest success

an unexpected project
Masterpieces sometimes owe a lot to fate. If Clint Eastwood liked to choose stories himself to direct, that wasn’t the case. Gran Torino. Written by novice writer Nick Schenk, the screenplay was in circulation for a long time, and Schenk fell into the hands of the actor-director without thinking of it at first. Eastwood loved him so much that he put some decisions aside:I thought I was going to put my acting career on hold, but this story offered me a role that fits me like a glove at my age!” (she was 79 when the movie came out). Since he does not leave things unfinished, he also decides to manage.

A tribute to tolerance
Korean War veteran Walt Kowalski (Eastwood), a grumpy and hateful retiree, now lives alone with his dog and gun. He doesn’t let go of his past, and he doesn’t spare the young Asians and Latinos in his neighborhood by calling them crazy. The transformation he undergoes in contact with one of these youths, Thao, is the main element of the film. “Walt is grumpy and abusive, but he realizes he has a lot in common with this kid.“With this role, Clint ends the misunderstanding of the reactionary scourge he’s had in his mind since Inspector Harry and spreads a message of peace and tolerance that excites the public and critics alike.

A highlighted community
Walt’s neighborhood is partly made up of the Hmong, an ethnic group of eighteen clans spread over several Asian countries (Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, etc.) that took refuge in the United States at the end of the Vietnam War. “Few people know about our existence and our important role during the conflict in Vietnam.”, explains film consultant Paula Yang. Eastwood performs them, making a gesture that is saluted in America. “Hmong has a rich culture. Unfortunately, they experienced many setbacks.says the director.

A clash of generations, a winning bet
The disconnect between Walt’s old fads and modern youth culture provides the film’s most touching and funniest moments. That generational shock ended on set, but the collaboration between Eastwood and the young actors was immediately embellished with mutual respect. Inexperienced Bee Vang (Thao), just like her character, was intimidated and reassured by Eastwood’s rigidity: “It’s super comfortable! He is a good and humble man“By the way, Clint was under the spell: “Bee has wonderful natural qualities and she has a lot to do with the success of the movie.“

a legendary car
Closed to his solitude at the beginning of the movie, Walt finally has only one pleasure in life: to pamper his 1972 Ford Gran Torino.Eastwood says this car makes him happy and proud. identify with him” Just like the audience remembering the famous Gran Torino. Starsky and Hutch and more recently, that of the epic fast and furious.

family spirit
Eastwood is always surrounded by the same collaborators, thus creating a welded cinematic family in which he does not forget to associate his real family, especially his two sons, Kyle and Scott. The former took on the role of Thao’s sister’s friend, while the latter composed the music of the film, a famous jazz musician, and the magnificent opening song sung by his father, who contributed to the film’s success.

Gran Torino, Sunday, August 14 at 21:10 TF1

Sebastian Mauge