Tough Ain't Enough: New Perspectives on the Films of Clint Eastwood

As one of cinema's most iconic actors, it's sometimes easy to forget that Eastwood is also one of America's most accomplished directors, with two Best Director Oscars, and dozens of nominations for various awards. His approach to various genres including Westerns, police procedural/thriller, biopic, war picture and comedy (add a bare knuckle boxing orangutan and you've got a comedy), are a wonderful opportunity to look at an artist's evolution without limiting himself to genre or trope. In Lester D. Friedman and David Desser's 'Tough Enough: New Perspectives on The Films of Clint Eastwood' a series of essays examine both Eastwood's directing and acting. Fascinating and illuminating, the book offers a greater appreciation of Eastwood as an artist and as an icon.

I found these essays interesting and thought provoking. Although I disagree with the views of several of them, I still thoroughly enjoyed reading a different viewpoint than mine as was the case in several essays . After reading these essays on Clint Eastwood and his films, I believe I will watch all movies through a different lens. The essays made me more mindful of the many other elements in a film beyond just the story. Keep in mind this book is written by scholars and the vocabulary in some of the essays is probably at a higher level than many people’s. I know some of the vocabulary was well above mine and I needed a dictionary next to me to understand what the author was trying to say. I didn’t enjoy that part of the reading but overall an excellent book.Lots of information and viewpoints are covered from Eastwood’s acting to the music used in his movies. I feel any fan of Eastwood will enjoy the book but also anyone who wants to seriously study filmmaking will gain huge insight into Eastwood’s style.

I have been a fan of Clint Eastwood for many years and havewitnessed his astonishing transformation from TV Western star, to Spaghetti westernicon, to Dirty Harry, to Romantic lead, and, ultimately, to consummate filmmaker.This book is a must for any Eastwood fan and filmmaker who wants to learnhow and why, Eastwood made the critical decisions toreinvent himself over the course of his remarkable career. Highly recommend!Ken Lee, Vice President, Michael Wiese Productions

This is a quintessential book for Eastwood fans, aspiring filmmakers, and storytellers. As he approaches ninety, Clint Eastwood has amassed a body of work many filmmakers dream of. I don't know if the actor, director, and composer knew of all the layers in his storytelling. What I do know is this book deserves to be read by many around the world. From the military films to the biopics to the roles of women, this cinematic icon has covered many facets of storytelling, and he's still working today. A great read for any filmmaker's shelf.

I've found very interesting that every chapter was written by a different author like a different essay, and that they were dedicated to specific subject matters. I've found my self not following the order of the chapters but mostly jumping around out of curiosity and personal interest and nevertheless finishing the entire book. I think that what makes it most interesting is how the man, whatever is the specific opinion of the single author, emerges as an interesting, impossible to box in stereotype, kind of artist. Really a fascinating way to approach a fascinating subject.