Half-Assed Internet Research
Development; efficient production; dedication; awards; finances; casting; remake; set; actor autonomy
In the discussion (18)
Approx. transcript time · 00:03:36Read transcript
- The film is described as Eastwood’s sixteenth directorial feature and first Oscar breakthrough, intended as his last Western. — Bill Simmons
- His fast, few-take style, avoidance of an action call, and tendency to finish under budget and schedule are described as an actor-centered approach. — Sean Fennessey
- The dedication honors Sergio Leone and Don Siegel, with Siegel’s efficient working style especially linked to Eastwood. — Sean Fennessey
- The Rookie and later Dirty Harry films are described as enabling more personal projects such as White Hunter Black Heart and Bird through the Warner partnership. — Chris Ryan
- Hackman reportedly would not join if the violence lacked reflection on its meaning. — Chris Ryan
- The film won picture, director, supporting actor, and editing. — Bill Simmons
- The Oscars telecast reportedly drew45million viewers. — Bill Simmons
- The 1976 script used The William Munny Killings and The Cut-Whore Killings titles; Eastwood acquired it in the early 1980s and delayed, ultimately reaching an appropriate age for the role. — Bill Simmons
- A script reader reportedly dismissed the screenplay before Eastwood later decided to make it. — Chris Ryan
- The stated budget is$14.4 million and gross$159.2 million.
- An uncertain internet report says a Six Flags Great Adventure coaster was to use the film’s theme before becoming Viper; the source’s reliability is explicitly questioned.
- Harris reportedly received the Eastwood call while watching High Plains Drifter.
- Rubinek reportedly followed Nicholson’s advice to send an audition tape, and Eastwood said the extra effort won him the role. — Sean Fennessey
- Eastwood reportedly preferred taped auditions because he disliked rejecting actors in person. — Sean Fennessey
- A 2013 Japanese remake starring Ken Watanabe is noted. — Bill Simmons
- Eastwood replaced opening and closing voiceover with text, preferred despite the text being difficult to read. — Bill Simmons
- Henry Bumstead reportedly built Big Whiskey in 32 days; the fresh construction suits the frontier setting. — Bill Simmons
- Rubinek recalls Eastwood granting him control over Beauchamp’s characterization and offering only practical adjustments, illustrating trust in actors. — Sean Fennessey
