Film Review: "Cry Macho"
Cry Macho, Clint Eastwood’s latest film, came out in theaters on Sept. 17. IMDb swiftly describes the movie’s plot: “A one-time rodeo star and washed-up horse breeder takes a job to bring a (friend)'s young son home and away from his alcoholic mom. On their journey, the horseman finds redemption through teaching the boy what it means to be a good man.”
Eastwood has been sitting on this film for years, as it is an adaptation of a 1975 novel by the same name by Richard Nash. He plays Mike Milo, and bonds with his young Hispanic son he is sent to retrieve, Rafo, portrayed by Eduardo Minett. This film echoes the themes of racial and generational tensions that were prominent in Gran Torino (2018).
In Cry Matcho, viewers witness a fragile, aging actor attempting to go out on a good note. Since its release, however, the film has received negative feedback. IMDb’s rating stands at 5.9 out of 10, whereas Rotten Tomatoes rated gave the film a 55%.
Eastwood began his eventful acting career in 1955 when he was only 25. He has acted in 72 films total, not to mention his producing, directing, composing and much more. He is best known for his roles as Blondie in The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966), Harry in Dirty Harry (1971) and Robert Kincaid in The Bridges of Madison County (1995). The film he produced and starred in more recently was The Mule (2018), which was partially filmed in Augusta.
Eastwood’s aptitude for breathtaking cinematography was the only thing not lacking in Cry Macho. Lovers of the highly-esteemed actor will appreciate the films’ altruistic nature as a rewarding farewell to the icon, but those unfamiliar with Eastwood’s work might scratch their heads at the strength and charm of this decrepit man.
The most important theme of the film reflecting the senescent actor’s frailty is the intersectionality of displaying emotion and masculinity. Cry Macho, like every other Clint Eastwood movie, is made to show the audience another side of the beloved actor. In some shots, fans can even depict the glint in his eye that reveals his world of experience.
