After a lengthy discussion on 80s New York vigilante Bernhard Goetz in class, we watched this classic featuring Clint Eastwood in his iconic role as inspector Harry Calahan. Quoting from my course syllabus: "The film is, and was so regarded as, a critique of, and protest against, the Warren Court's imposition of new constitutional rules on police procedures in the 1960s." The film makes a very clear statement, with the police finding justice when the law fails to do so. There is the constant conflict between due process and crime control that in a perfect world would not exist. The law since the 1960s has been designed to deter bad police behavior and protect criminals' rights. Dirty Harry could not care less about criminals' rights.
Of course, Dirty Harry is known for his famous line: "Go ahead, make my day" which doesn't appear in this film, but instead we get equally glorious "You've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel lucky?' Well, do ya, punk?". Eastwood does what he does best, playing a character is filled with intensity; he is the ultimate tough guy. The film editing is exciting, the action is enticing, and the score is just perfect.
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