Tag: Clint Eastwood

Political Thriller Week: ‘In the Line of Fire’

Jeff Mitchell

AHFW’s Political Thriller Week is firing on all cylinders on Day 2 with director Wolfgang Petersen’s “In the Line of Fire” (1993).  Secret Service Frank Horrigan (Clint Eastwood) is still rattled with guilt after President Kennedy’ assassination in 1963, and it’s 30 years later, and a new threat grabs his attention and thoughts of the past.  Eastwood plays an even mix of machismo and vulnerability that lies in the center of the film’s emotional core, and while he is perfectly cast as the troubled protagonist, John Malkovich’s creepy, loner turn…

Celebrate Nelson Mandela’s 100th birthday with ‘Invictus’

Jeff Mitchell

Nelson Mandela – the legendary South African president and humanitarian – was born 100 years ago on July 18, 1918, and ArtHouseFilmWire.com strongly, strongly recommends watching Clint Eastwood’s “Invictus” (2009) to help celebrate the man’s birthday. “Invictus” is the story of the 1995 South African national rugby team, and it’s journey and President Mandela’s wish to help unite a divided nation between whites and blacks.  Morgan Freeman steps into the role of Mandela so gracefully (as only he can), with much gravitas and respect, and some of the most moving…

‘The 15:17 to Paris’, a less than ordinary trip about an extraordinary story

Jeff Mitchell

“The 15:17 to Paris” – “Heroes are ordinary people who make themselves extraordinary.” – Gerard Way Spencer Stone, Alek Skarlatos and Anthony Sadler are 20-something Americans.  Friends since childhood, the three decided to travel to Europe on a semi-impromptu whim, but they never thought that their lives would be forever-changed during a Thalys train ride from Amsterdam to Paris. Specifically, the 15:17 on Aug. 21, 2015. Director Clint Eastwood tells Spencer’s, Alek’s and Anthony’s story on this particular train ride, but also their personal tales outside of the 15:17 in…