Here is the first full-length movie trailer for Clint Eastwood’s “Gran Torino.” The movie will be released in theaters December 17, 2008. See photos and the trailer here.
Clint Eastwood is the director, producer and star of the movie. The Gran Torino of the title is the classic 1972 Ford car and prize possession of his character, Walt Kowalski, a Korean War veteran who harbors deep seated prejudice against Asians. His car draws the attention of local gangs in his Detroit neighborhood. One of the gang members (played by newcomer Bee Vang) is part of a family of Hmong immigrants, Kowalski’s neighbors against whom he has had much animosity. Kowalski becomes determined to reform his neighbor, who, as part of a gang initiation, tried to steal the car.
The story comes down to two objects (three if you count the scowl): his 1972 Ford muscle car and his M-1 rifle.
“That’s the weapon he has had left over since being in the service,” Eastwood says. “And the same weapon I had when I was in the Army.”
Like his character, Eastwood is also a Korean War veteran. From what we see in the trailer, he brings to the role his signature steeliness and “Dirty Harry” persona that made him an enduring icon of masculinity. The scenes in which he interacts and begins to warm to the Hmong are especially poignant.
The legendary Hollywood director is making his first screen appearance in four years; the previous was his 2004 movie “Million Dollar Baby” for which he received a Best Actor Academy Award nomination. In an interview, Eastwood, who is 78 years old, hinted that “Gran Torino” might be his last screen appearance.
“Yeah, it’ll probably be my last,” he says of Gran Torino. “I’ll be drummed out of it after this one.”
After more than 50 years and dozens of iconic characters, could he be serious?
That familiar dry voice on the phone turns into a chuckle. “Nah, I’m just kidding.”
But Eastwood acknowledges that the thought crosses his mind. “Every time you do one you think, ‘Aw, that’s enough of that.’ I always feel it’s very comfortable to be behind the camera.”
“Gran Torino” is written by Nick Schenk (“I Shot Myself”) from a story he co-wrote with Dave Johannson. The movie was filmed on location in Detroit, Michigan, produced by Eastwood’s company, Malpaso Productions, and will be distributed by Warner Bros. The limited release opening, December 17, 2008 will make the movie an Oscar contender. This first trailer for the movie had its debut in front of Clint Eastwood’s movie “Changeling” starring Angelina Jolie, which opened on October 24, 2008. For movie poster and images, see the official Web site.
Clint Eastwood is a five-time Academy Award winner. He won two Academy Awards for Best Director, two for as producer of the Best Picture; he also won the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award in 1995. He was also twice nominated for Best Actor, for “Unforgiven” and the aforementioned “Million Dollar Baby.”
Many of Eastwood’s movies have received critical acclaim, from the more recent “Million Dollar Baby” (2004) and “Letters from Iwo Jima” (2006) to the earlier Western movies such as “High Plains Drifter” (1973) and “The Outlaw Josey Wales” (1976) that first brought him to prominence as a major Hollywood director.
More photos and “Gran Torino” movie trailer video are below.
Photos: www.wenn.com
January 27th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
Clint’s character and prejudice is very true of my ex-in laws, who used to lived in the heart of Detroit in a home/neighborhood very similiar to the one in this movie. In fact, they moved out because of the minorities “taking over their neighborhood.” I found Clint’s drinking of Pabst & Archie Bunker type name calling of all minorities right on the money. Walt’s character was very realistic of SOME of the good ole auto plant workers from back in the day like my ex- father in law. Loved the movie, as always, Clint’s acting was incredible! Great story of irony!