“Honkytonk Man” Master Eastwood’s premature masterpiece *Note! Contains spoilers.

spoiler alert! An ending that could not have happened in an Eastwood movie

The third point is, of course, the strangeness of Eastwood's storytelling. This film, like other Eastwood films, has some humorous moments. For example, there are many episodes in which Hoyt ends up getting married under Red's guidance. Starting with driving a car, working with Red as a chicken thief, helping Red escape from prison, and even stepping into a brothel. I can't help but think that my 14-year-old son would play such a lawless role.

Meanwhile, through the journey, Whit learns about Red's life. There was a woman I loved from the bottom of my heart. Although he broke up with his girlfriend, they had a child together. Although she hopes to get back together, her dream doesn't come true... Even seemingly unconventional adults have hidden stories. In terms of a coming-of-age story in which one learns this and becomes an adult, it has similarities to later Eastwood works such as `` Gran Torino '' and ``Cry Macho .''

"Honkytonk Man" (c)Photofest / Getty Images

What is most noteworthy is that this is the first time in a Malpaso-produced movie starring Eastwood that a main character who resembles him loses his life. It was impossible for Eastwood, who was an immortal action hero, to die, even in a movie. That alone was unique among Eastwood's works at the time.

Looking back at Malpaso's long history, this and Gran Torino(2008) are the only movies in which a character similar to Eastwood dies. However, just as the main character's favorite car was passed down to the next generation in Gran Torino, the main character in this film also leaves something big behind for the next generation. The body perishes, but the spirit does not - ``Honkytonk Man'' conveys this theme with a human touch. This is a masterpiece that would be too good to be lost in Eastwood's film history.

Text: Manabu Soma

After working as an information magazine editor, became a freelance writer. He writes articles and reviews for magazines such as ``SCREEN,'' ``DVD & Video Distribution,'' and ``Cinema Square,'' as well as theater pamphlets and the movie site ``Cinema Today.'' Currently appearing on Star Channel "GO! Theater". I host club events as a hobby.

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