Clint
Eastwood is an icon. There's no doubt about that. The guy has done it all, but
lately, I've become increasingly disappointed in his directing efforts. I did
enjoy Space Cowboys to a certain degree, but Absolute Power, True Crime and Midnight
In the Garden of Good and Evil didn't work for me. If anything, I found them to
be tediously paced. The new film Blood Work isn't exactly tedious, but it suffers
for different reasons.
Blood
Work finds Eastwood playing an FBI agent who retires from the force because of
severe heart problems. A new heart gives the veteran a new lease on life but an
unexpected visitor convinces him to get involved in one last case, putting him
and his new ticker at risk.
Eastwood
has some vintage moments as an actor here, but ultimately, he's just Eastwood.
There isn't a lot of depth to this role. The supporting cast, however, breathes
life into the film. Anjelica Huston is spunky and likable as a cardiologist despite
limited screen time. Jeff Daniels is fun as Eastwood's lazy neighbor. And I really
enjoyed Tina Lifford as a police officer who assists Eastwood on his new case.
Paul Rodriguez is laughable as a bitter agent dead set against Eastwood's return.
His joking manner offsets what little drama this picture has to offer. Of course
I don't blame Rodriguez. He's likable enough, but this character does not belong
in this movie.
Eastwood
the director knows how to shoot a picture. Blood Work has expert cinematography.
The film maker is also good with actors. There is genuine chemistry going on between
the cast. The problem is, Eastwood doesn't take any chances. He almost appears
bored with the material. This is thriller-by-numbers. Inside of fifteen minutes,
I doubt the audience will have a hard time identifying the killer. Now it could
be argued that while watching a film of this nature, you're just supposed to kick
back and let the story happen--but Eastwood seems to be pushing the audience into
figuring out who the bad guy is. We get several shots early on in the film, of
the villain in a hooded coat or hidden in the shadows. Eastwood puts so much emphasis
on that part of the story, that when the end comes, we're expecting a twist.
Blood
Work was written by Brian Helgeland (L.A. Confidential), a screenwriter I really
admire. With this new film it's pretty hard to know who to fault. Writing or direction?
I think it's a little bit of both. This story takes a straight-forward approach
to it's thriller sequences, but it builds no drama and offers no surprises. The
love story is completely underdeveloped and unrealistic, and the obvious climax
fails to deliver. This movie just never really comes together, despite a good
cast and an interesting premise.
In
my eyes, Mr. Eastwood is still a legend. I just wish he'd challenge his audience
more. The last film he directed that really impressed me was The Bridges of Madison
County. That movie had an emotional core and real drama. Hopefully, he'll take
more chances with his next project.
