536. Dirty Harry

Dirty Harry
1971
Directed by Don Siegel

I would have never thought of comparing the movie Shaft and Dirty Harry but reviewing them back to back makes me realize that they are actually quite similar.  So why do I hate Shaft and like this movie?  God, I hope the answer isn't "because I'm white."  Thankfully, I don't think that's the case.

A psychotic serial killer named Scorpio demands $100,000 from the police department and promises to kill somebody every day until his ransom paid.  He then proceeds to keep his word with great gusto.  It seems like the only one who can stop him is the equally insane police detective, "Dirty" Harry Callahan.

Parts of this film are extremely disturbing; I would classify this more under horror than action.  I do think the movie takes itself a bit too seriously at times, though I would have to reveal a spoiler to explain why, so I will refrain.

Harry Callahan is a major dick, but we are still end up rooting for him, since he is the lesser of two evils.  And isn't that what justice is all about?

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

Andrew Robinson created his own back story for his character, which involved his character fighting in Vietnam and seeing all sorts of tragedies.  Well, it was the seventies, so you have to plug Vietnam in there somewhere.

Loosely based on the Zodiac killer.

"Dirty Harry" is apparently a slang term for a photographer.

310. Invasion of the Body Snatchers

Invasion of the Body Snatchers
1956
Directed by Don Siegel

Moving right along, we have another movie about the danger of conformity; it is easy to say that this film is an allegory for McCarthyism.  The filmmakers claim that no political message was intended.  However, the movie seems so deep that you can pretty much apply any political issue to this film.

But before we get into that, let's get to walk the film is on the surface.  This is the story of Dr. Miles Bennell who soon discovers that some of neighbors are in fact impostors that are being grown by some unknown alien force.

Like I said, I am inclined to believe that this is an anti-McCarhyism movie, mostly because I have seen about fifteen films so far in the fifties that have that message.  Still, I think the film has an ageless quality that makes me think it is more about the power of individualism and less about current events.

Like all good horror films, this movie relies more on psychological horror than blood and gore, which I suppose is why the movie is so timeless.  Also, surprisingly good acting for a B movie. A great movie.

RATING: *****

Interesting Facts:

#9 in AFI's top 10 sci fi films.

You're next!