Born in 1930, in San Francisco, California, Clint Eastwood is a legendary North American actor, filmmaker, and producer who has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. Eastwood's acting career began in the 1950s, gaining initial recognition through his role as Rowdy Yates in the television series Rawhide (1959-1965). However, it was his portrayal of the "man with no name" in Sergio Leone's iconic spaghetti westerns, such as A Fistful of Dollars (1964), For a Few Dollars More (1965), and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966) that propelled him to international stardom.
Transitioning seamlessly between acting and directing, Eastwood's directorial debut came with Play Misty for Me in 1971. He soon established himself as a prolific filmmaker with critically acclaimed works such as Unforgiven (1992), Million Dollar Baby (2004), and Mystic River (2003). His directorial prowess earned him multiple Academy Awards and extends beyond the Western and thriller genres.
Eastwood has explored a diverse range of subjects, from war and justice to personal redemption, earning him a reputation as one of Hollywood's most versatile directors. His films often explore complex moral dilemmas and human resilience. Marked by gritty performances and masterful directorial ventures, that simultaneously incorporate the tradition of American cinema, his contributions to the film industry have solidified his place as a true cinematic icon and his enduring legacy will undoubtedly continue to influence generations of filmmakers and actors. At 92 years old, Eastwood is currently working on a new film, Juror No. 2, which will premiere in 2024.
Back in 2009, Cinemateca Portuguesa organised a full retrospective of the filmmaker's work. This year, LEFFEST is organising a tribute that presents all the films Eastwood has directed since then, along with a selection of the ones he directed prior to that which can now be enjoyed in restored copies.
