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Clint Eastwood Calls Outlaw Josey Wales His Best Performance

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In his own words, Clint Eastwood acknowledged that his portrayal in “The Outlaw Josey Wales” might have been as good as he could deliver. The iconic “Dollars” trilogy by Sergio Leone catapulted Eastwood to fame, making him one of the last prominent figures associated with Westerns before the genre began losing its luster. Notably, Eastwood’s Westerns were characterized by a grittier, more violent tone than the traditional “Oaters” from Hollywood’s Golden Age. Clint Eastwood brought the genre to a close in style with the critically acclaimed 1992 film, “Unforgiven.

Clint Eastwood’s films such as “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” and “Unforgiven” often receive the limelight in discussions about his work, but it’s worth noting that “The Outlaw Josey Wales,” a 1976 production where he both directed and starred, is another noteworthy addition to his repertoire. This film follows a farmer turned gunslinger seeking revenge for the murder of his family during the Civil War. The movie delivers the expected action and witty dialogue synonymous with Clint, but it also offers an unexpected depth. As Josey Wales gradually transforms through the surrogate family he forms, the film takes on a surprisingly emotional and heartwarming tone.

Clint Eastwood Believes The Outlaw Josey Wales Features His Greatest Performance

Clint called Dirty Harry and The Outlaw Josey Wales his best acting work

In an interview with Paul Nelson (as found in the book Conversations with Clint: Paul Nelson’s Lost Interviews with Clint Eastwood, 1979-1983), Clint Eastwood was asked about his top performances. He replied, “I believe Dirty Harry and The Outlaw Josey Wales are my two finest acting roles,” and then quickly qualified, “The Outlaw Josey Wales might be as good as I can possibly achieve.

I don’t often weigh in on my work or critique my films and acting, but when I do, it’s worth paying attention. My comments to Nelson about my role in “The Outlaw Josey Wales” are a prime example. Not only did I acknowledge the part as exceptional, I delved into the reasons why. Specifically, I believe I effectively portrayed the character’s emotional journey – from a disillusioned loner to someone who learns to embrace life once more – all with minimal dialogue or explicit explanation.

In a subtle manner, I portrayed an extensive narrative about a man’s journey without directly revealing much information about him. By employing minimal exposition, I allowed the audience to perceive the development of the character and his transformation through various encounters with others, all without the need for explicit explanatory scenes.

In the beginning, I’m deeply injured and seem to be fighting out of a lack of alternatives. It isn’t until I’m compelled to flee and meet individuals like Lone Watie (Chief Dan George) or Laura Lee (Sondra Locke), that I start to perceive a life beyond violence. Despite not being particularly talkative, my character, Josey Wales, is remarkably portrayed by Clint Eastwood. The performance is striking because Eastwood communicates Josey’s transformation primarily through subtle facial expressions or body language.

In the intense confrontation between Josey and Captain Terrill (Bill McKinney), a man who had brutally killed Josey’s family, Eastwood demonstrates exceptional non-verbal acting. After the final gunfight, Josey pursues Terrill and taunts him with his empty revolvers. Once cornered, Captain Terrill is killed by Josey with his own sword. Eastwood’s facial expressions change throughout this climactic moment, ranging from relief, to shock, and ultimately acceptance as he realizes that his mission to avenge his family has finally been completed.

Clint Eastwood Is A Better Actor Than He’s Often Given Credit For

There is more to Eastwood than a squint

It’s significant to recall that Eastwood stated “The Outlaw Josey Wales” was his finest acting effort about 40 years back; therefore, it’s possible his opinion has evolved over the subsequent decades. Eastwood isn’t one to boast about his own talent, but it’s apparent he put a lot of effort into portraying the character of Josey Wales. While critics may now view Eastwood as a directorial auteur, he didn’t receive much recognition as an actor or director when he first began his career.

In films such as the “Dirty Harry” series, Clint Eastwood’s distinctive deep voice and narrow-eyed gaze are often utilized effectively, yet these characteristics have sometimes given the impression that his acting abilities are limited. However, in “Bronco Billy,” one of Eastwood’s preferred Western productions, he portrays a mature dreamer yearning to live as a cowboy. This role is filled with warmth and optimism, and is surprisingly humorous. Contrasting this is the 2004 film “Million Dollar Baby,” where Eastwood plays a gruff boxing coach who develops a paternal bond with Hilary Swank’s emerging amateur boxer. This character depicts the opposite end of the emotional spectrum compared to his role in “Bronco Billy.

In a different wording: Clint Eastwood plays an endearing grump better than anyone else, yet his role as Frankie in ‘Million Dollar Baby’ is more intricate than just that. Similar to The Outlaw Josey Wales, Frankie starts off as a cynical man who undergoes a transformation due to his interactions with Maggie, portrayed by Hilary Swank – making the heart-wrenching third act even more unbearable. The emotional climax between Frankie and Maggie could arguably be Eastwood’s finest acting performance to date, as it relies heavily on dialogue rather than facial expressions.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I must admit that there are certainly roles Clint might not be the first choice for, but upon reflection of his impressive body of work, it’s evident that he is a far more versatile performer than often acknowledged. From the captivating performances in “The Beguiled” to the charming portrayal in “Honkytonk Man” and the heartfelt roles like those seen in “The Bridges of Madison County,” Clint has consistently demonstrated his ability to transcend his on-screen persona and tackle diverse roles. Despite his embrace of his own screen image, he fearlessly ventures into uncharted territories, proving himself an actor with a wide range and depth.

The Outlaw Josey Wales Is Still Clint Eastwood’s Most Underrated Western

The Outlaw Josey Wales is one of Eastwood’s best movies

The Dollars trilogy and Unforgiven significantly reshaped the conventional Western genre, with Unforgiven serving as a thoughtful critique of the romanticized Old West. It’s no wonder these Westerns hold significant importance in Eastwood’s career portfolio. Although The Outlaw Josey Wales has consistently been appreciated and even became a commercial success (earning over $31 million against a production budget of $3.7 million, as reported by Box Office Mojo), it doesn’t receive the same level of recognition as Unforgiven does. However, it’s worth noting that Josey Wales is considered one of Eastwood’s finest films overall.

This film is brimming with exceptional performances, particularly from Chief Dan George and John Vernon, making it one of Clint’s most visually stunning Westerns. It boasts some remarkable setpieces as well. Eastwood’s performance anchors the movie, highlighting why he became a screen legend. For newcomers to the genre, it serves as an excellent starting point, blending classic Western tropes and clichés with innovative twists.

Clint Eastwood Was Replaced For The Outlaw Josey Wales’ Sequel

The Return of Josey Wales is almost totally forgotten

In a departure from Eastwood’s usual preference for avoiding sequels, he initially considered adapting “The Vengeance Trail of Josey Wales” novel, but eventually shifted his focus to other projects. Instead, it was Michael Parks (known for his role in Red State) who stepped into the roles of both director and lead actor for the 1986 sequel, The Return of Josey Wales. In this film, the supposedly deceased outlaw reemerges from retirement to seek vengeance for some slain companions, but unfortunately, the movie itself fails to impress.

Every Clint Eastwood Movie Franchise Years Active
The Dollars Trilogy 1964–1966
The Dirty Harry Series 1971-1988
The Every Which Way… Movies 1978-1980

The production seems sparsely detailed, yet it’s evidently made with a limited budget and fails to capture the grandeur and dynamic action found in “The Outlaw Josey Wales.” Parks maintains an undeniable charm, however, he falls short of Clint Eastwood’s prowess. Released amidst the Western film drought of the 1980s, this sequel was swiftly overlooked; considering its inferiority to the first installment, maybe it’s best that it faded into obscurity.

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2025-06-04 17:48

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