This week I thought it would be worthwhile to take some time out of my busy schedule of television appearances and book signings; and dig though the House Human’s movie collection to see what ‘it’ watches when I’m not around.
As a result I have travelled back a few years and come up with a movie that is bound to become a future viewing classic. A movie that expresses more about living life and, our effect on others, than it says about anything else.
Despite its frequent use of course language and barrage of racial slurs, and be warned because I won’t be repeating them here, Gran Torino is a beautifully crafted and well developed ‘coming of old-age story’.
From the opening scene following the death of his wife, you are left without doubt that Walt Kowalski (Eastwood), a Korean War Veteran, is nothing more than a miserable old bigoted sod that wallows in the futility of self-pity. It is also clear that he has as little time for his own family as they do for him and even less time for the religious convictions of his wife’s former priest (Carley)… yes in case you’re wondering; Walt has a bigger attitude problem than this bear. The only difference is Walt’s attitude, unlike mine, is in desperate need of adjusting.
This engaging film explores the relationship that develops between Walt and his young Hmong neighbours – the bookish Thao (Vang) and his strong, street-smart sister Sue (Her). , You know that something ‘special’ is coming when Thao’s ill-advised and failed attempt to steal Walt’s pride and joy, a 1972 Gran Torino as part of a gangbanger initiation doesn’t quite go the way expected. Despite this, and despite Walt’s bigoted views, his life becomes inexplicably entwined with those of his neighbours and he finds himself coming to their physical rescue as often as they do to his emotional.
Eastwood has once again proven himself as both actor and director. Although at times the plot comes across as contrived, given its series of memorable quotes and brazen treatment it is easy to see why this movie was nominated for a Golden Globe. If this was indeed Eastwood’s last hoorah as an actor, he certainly left on a high.
2008
Director: Clint Eastwood
Writers: Nick Schenk and Dave Johannson
Staring: Clint Eastwood; Bee Vang; Ahney Her and Christopher Carley
Run Time: 116 mins
Ok let’s face it. If you think you can handle the truth… here it is.
For those of you foolish enough NOT to follow me on Twitter, or illiterate enough NOT to read my blog ‘Out of the Toy Box’, you will come to learn that I’m an 8 inch Teddy Bear living in Tropical North Queensland, Australia. No not Austria where they make ski equipment and women wear dirndl…. Australia! You know, the land Down Under where everyone says G’day Mate; where kangaroo’s hop down the main street of Sydney; where deadly Drop Bears fall unexpectedly from every tree; and of course, where Paul Hogan (when not in America) will personally come to greet you as you step off the plane, before he throws another prawn on the barbie and hands you a Coldie. If by chance you’re socially impaired and need the first part of my bio about Australia interpreted, I suggest you either (1) find an Australian, (2) tell someone who cares or, (3) employ a translation service… they’re paid to care.
But I digress. In late 2010 after having grown tired of constantly being referred to by the House Human as ‘just another’ bear, as though I were mixed in with your average collection of everyday dim-witted toys, I wanted to make a point and I climbed out to explore the world beyond the toy box. Since then I have been allowed to continue my explorations during the day and I’ve tried my paw at a number of things – none of which were particularly agreeable --, until I set upon the idea that I wanted nothing more in life than pure unadulterated fame and fortune.
As I am only a little bear with nothing more than poly-fill for brains and very little talent, I set feverously to work trying to figure how to achieve such a tremendous goal. Then one night in the darkened toy box while everyone was asleep, it dawned on me. My path to fame and fortune was to be found in the three things that bring me pleasure (over and above annoying the House Human and watching Dr Who), they are: Writing, Social Media and Reality Television. What a grand and wondrous technologically advanced world you humans live in…just think, thanks to fabulous team at HYFN.Network I can now mix all three themes and give you this little bear’s spin on things. Fame and fortune here I come…
Oh, and just in case you haven’t picked up on it yet: Yes I have a slight attitude problem -- and no, I don’t want it adjusted --.
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