Podcast Summary: Richard Brody Picks Three Favorite Clint Eastwood Films

Podcast Information:

• Title: The New Yorker Radio Hour
• Host/Author: WNYC Studios and The New Yorker
• Description: Profiles, storytelling, and insightful conversations, hosted by David Remnick.
• Episode: Richard Brody Picks Three Favorite Clint Eastwood Films
• Release Date: August 12, 2025

Introduction to Clint Eastwood’s Enduring Legacy

[00:11] David Remnick opens the episode by highlighting Clint Eastwood as one of the few constants in many people's lives, alongside death and taxes. He marvels at Eastwood's unprecedented career longevity, noting that at 95 years old, Eastwood has directed 40 films and maintained his status as both a relevant filmmaker and movie star for seven decades. Remnick underscores Eastwood's determination to continue working, quoting Eastwood himself: "There’s no reason why a man can’t get better with age."

[00:45] David Remnick introduces Richard Brody, The New Yorker's film critic, as a fervent admirer and defender of Eastwood. The discussion is set against the backdrop of Shawn Levy’s newly published biography, "The Man in the Movies."

Clint Eastwood’s Early Career and Directorial Aspirations

[02:14] Richard Brody praises Levy’s biography as a "fascinating" and "copiously researched" exploration of Eastwood’s life. He is particularly intrigued by Eastwood's early years and the innate charisma that preceded his Hollywood career. Brody reflects on Eastwood’s realization of his own screen presence: "People look at you when you walk into the room. Maybe you ought to consider the pictures."

[02:50] Richard Brody discusses Eastwood’s start in television with the 1950s series "Rawhide." He notes that while Brody himself didn’t watch much of it, Eastwood found the repetitive, formulaic storytelling of the show to be stifling. However, working with guest stars like John Cassavetes and Barbara Stanwyck provided Eastwood with invaluable experience and inspiration, fueling his desire to pursue directing.

Eastwood’s Directorial Style and Influence

[04:22] Richard Brody delves into Eastwood’s reputation for efficient directing—staying under budget and minimizing takes. He attributes this approach to Eastwood’s business acumen and his ownership of a production company, which afforded him greater creative and financial control over his projects.

[05:00] Richard Brody emphasizes the diversity of Eastwood’s filmography, which includes mysteries, true crime stories, political thrillers, and biopics of figures like Charlie Parker and John Huston. Brody draws a parallel between Eastwood’s filmmaking methods and his passion for jazz, highlighting Eastwood's desire for spontaneity and improvisation on set, akin to jazz performance.

Clint Eastwood’s Political Stance and Public Persona

[06:51] David Remnick transitions the conversation to Eastwood’s political positioning, noting him as a conservative icon. He references Eastwood's memorable moment at the 2012 Republican National Convention, where Eastwood addressed an empty chair representing then-presidential candidate Mitt Romney.

[07:07] Richard Brody recounts the exchange, emphasizing Eastwood’s improvisational nature:

Clint Eastwood: "I can’t tell him to do that."

Empty Chair: "Can’t do that to himself. You’re crazy. You’re absolutely crazy."

Brody suggests that while Eastwood is comfortable with his conservative image, his true passion lies in character exploration rather than political punditry. He commends Eastwood for his deeper curiosity about his characters compared to typical opinion-makers.

Richard Brody’s Three Favorite Clint Eastwood Films

[08:22] David Remnick prompts Brody to share his top three Clint Eastwood films directed by Eastwood himself.

1. Play Misty for Me (1971)

[08:27] The film marks Eastwood’s directorial debut. A dialogue excerpt showcases Eastwood’s characteristic snappy exchanges:

Clint Eastwood: "I never lied to you."

Unknown Character: "Big deal. He never lied to me. Well, what do you want for that? The congressional Medal of honor?"

Clint Eastwood: "So what am I supposed to do?"

Unknown Character: "Sit here all dressed up in my little horror suit, waiting for my lord and master to call?"

Clint Eastwood: "Nobody asks you to wait for anything."

Brody describes the film as a Hitchcockian thriller centered around a radio DJ being stalked by a listener. He highlights the film’s exploration of the fraught relationship between public and private life and the dangers of demagoguery, themes that resonate throughout Eastwood’s career.

2. Bird (Released Date Not Specified)

[11:19] A clip from Bird illustrates Eastwood’s authentic portrayal of jazz:

Clint Eastwood: "Yeah, go. Don’t fit all this off. I’m playing on B flat."

Richard Brody: "What makes Eastwood original is both his methods, which is to say he filmed Bird with the same level of jazz-like spontaneity that he films throughout his career."

Brody praises Bird for its spontaneous filming style and its deep thematic connection between Eastwood and jazz musician Charlie Parker. He discusses Parker’s internal struggles between his musical genius and the commercial limitations on his artistry, mirroring Eastwood’s own grappling with fame and creative control.

3. Sully (Released Date Not Specified)

[12:47] A poignant scene from Sully depicts the harrowing moments of an emergency plane landing:

Richard Brody: "This was dual engine loss at 2,800ft, followed by an immediate walk landing with 155 souls on board. No one has ever trained for an incident like that. No one."

The film tells the true story of pilot Chesley Sullenberger, who safely landed a malfunctioning plane on the Hudson River. Brody highlights Sully’s internal torment over the potential disaster he narrowly averted, emphasizing the moral and emotional burdens of heroic acts. The reenactment captures Sully’s haunted reflections on what could have been catastrophic, adding depth to Eastwood’s portrayal of heroism.

Themes and Reflections on Eastwood’s Filmography

[14:00] Richard Brody discusses the recurring theme of the accidental hero in Eastwood’s work—characters who find themselves in situations beyond their control, achieving greatness yet being burdened by unforeseen consequences. He contrasts this with Unforgiven, acknowledging its significance in Eastwood’s career but noting it doesn’t rank among his personal favorites. Brody critiques Unforgiven for being overly literal in its exploration of the moral price of violence, suggesting it lacks the spontaneity and inspiration found in his top picks.

[15:08] Richard Brody briefly mentions Juror Number Two as his favorite recent film, commending its original tone and thematic depth despite following a conventional storyline. He appreciates how Eastwood subverts expectations, transforming a typical narrative into a complex exploration of foreboding and prosecutorial demagogy.

Conclusion

[15:41] David Remnick wraps up the discussion, thanking Richard Brody for his insights. Remnick directs listeners to Brody’s film critiques available in his New Yorker column, "The Front Row."

[16:07] The episode concludes with standard closing credits and acknowledgments, followed by advertisements, which are beyond the scope of this summary.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• David Remnick [00:22]: "There’s no reason why a man can’t get better with age."

• Richard Brody [02:38]: "He learned a tremendous amount from working with classic movie heroes who were on the show that he wanted to direct."

• Clint Eastwood [08:27]: "I never lied to you."

• Richard Brody [11:19]: "What makes Eastwood original is both his methods, which is to say he filmed Bird with the same level of jazz-like spontaneity that he films throughout his career."

• Richard Brody [14:00]: "The accidental hero… achieving greatness yet being burdened by unforeseen consequences."

Final Thoughts

This episode of The New Yorker Radio Hour offers an in-depth exploration of Clint Eastwood’s multifaceted career, as viewed through the lens of Richard Brody’s expert analysis. From Eastwood’s early days on television to his nuanced directorial choices and enduring thematic concerns, the conversation paints a comprehensive portrait of a Hollywood legend who continues to evolve and inspire. Brody’s selections—Play Misty for Me, Bird, and Sully—highlight Eastwood’s versatility and profound understanding of character-driven storytelling, solidifying his place as a master filmmaker.