‘Cry Macho’ is Clint Eastwood’s 41st film as a director.
Let that sink in for a moment. 41 films. Sometimes, and we’re talking a period in which the filmmaker was well into his 70’s, he was churning out two per year. And even more amazingly….his batting average has always been pretty stellar.
Now, ‘Cry Macho’ isn’t one of his best, but then, it’s far from his worst. If nothing else, this is a movie that celebrates Eastwood; not so much where he’s been as a legendary Hollywood tough guy, but where he’s at now. In fact, the whole point of this picture is likely the same thing that will frustrate a percentage of his fans. But more about that in a sec…
In ‘Cry Macho’, a story based in the late 1970’s (and come to think of it, the entire vibe and presentation of the motion picture often suggests it was MADE in the 1970’s), Eastwood stars as Mike Milo, a former rodeo star who owes his ex-boss, Howard Polk (Dwight Yoakam) a favour. Thus, Mike must travel across the border from Texas into Mexico to bring Howard’s son (Eduardo Minett) home.
There are challenges, of course….what kind of movie would this be without them? But never are any of the hindrances fodder for fingernail gnawing; the son’s stubborn insistence that his father doesn’t really love him comes and goes, the security team that the boy’s wicked Mom sends after Milo are a little too buffoonish to strike any fear, the corrupt federales are somehow all-too-easy to duck, etc., etc. Thus, ‘Cry Macho’ makes the quick transition from rollicking adventure to an overly compassionate look at two individuals who need love and encouragement more than either is willing to admit.
And while the point of the movie is probably very obvious, it still hits its mark; Eastwood takes special care in his ‘big speech’ moment – the one in which he explains to his travel companion that being tough ain’t all its’ cracked up to be – because I think, at this stage, he means it. ‘Cry Macho’ sports two mild car chases and one thrown punch. At the same time, there is oodles of gorgeous cinematography, thoughtful dialogue and moments of perspective. Why, Eastwood even rides a horse again. It’s brief, but seeing him back up on there in the saddle was a very, very beautiful thing.
I remember watching Eastwood’s 2018 film ‘The Mule’ and feeling profound sadness as the credits rolled and those words, “Directed and Produced by Clint Eastwood”, graced the screen. At the time, I was pretty certain, that was it….the last time I’d see that. After ‘Cry Macho’, I’m feeling it even more. Let’s not throw stones that ‘Cry Macho’ isn’t the most energetic offering, and (admittedly) it’s a wee sloppy here and there. The fact that a 91-year old movie icon still has it IN him to direct, produce and star in movie with as compassionate roots as this one is a gift to us all, pure and simple. It IS a gift.
