Fresh Air Film Icons: Clint Eastwood / Eli Wallach & More
Aug 30, 2024
Clint Eastwood, the legendary actor and director, shares insights on his rise to fame and how the infamous squint in his performances was more about the heat than character. Eli Wallach reminisces about his joyful experiences on set while filming iconic Westerns. Christopher Frayling reveals how Sergio Leone redefined the Western genre, blending European influences with American storytelling. Meanwhile, Hal Needham takes us through the thrilling, high-risk world of stunt work in Hollywood, sharing daring tales from his adventurous career.
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Acting Advice from Clint Eastwood
- Let the character's intent drive your line delivery, allowing it to naturally amplify.
- Avoid practicing line readings aloud, as this can lead to confusion and hinder authentic performance.
Eastwood's Casting in Spaghetti Westerns
- Sergio Leone discovered Clint Eastwood through a Rawhide episode viewed in Rome.
- Eastwood was chosen partly due to his affordability and experience in Westerns.
The Eastwood Squint
- Clint Eastwood's squint in Leone's films was a natural reaction to bright lights and heat, not an intentional acting choice.
- Leone's close-ups emphasized Eastwood's mysterious persona.
