When a man calling himself “the Scorpio Killer” menaces San Francisco, tough-as-nails Police Inspector “Dirty” Harry Callahan is assigned to track down the crazed psychopath.
Is Dirty Harry a fascist or authoritarian? Absolutely. But when you witness such an elevated police procedural thriller, one can disagree with its politics while still enjoying the experience. Originally, various studios passed around the film, and multiple actors turned it down, not wanting to be associated with the screenplay’s right-wing views. So it was no surprise that the more conservative-leaning Clint Eastwood accepted the role. The film was produced through Eastwood’s Malpaso Productions, and he brought on director extraordinaire Don Siegel after the pair had already made three films together. Eastwood’s regular cinematographer Bruce Surtees worked with Siegel, utilizing wide angles, making San Francisco look gargantuan as if it were some megalopolis monster that could swallow up Det. Harry Callahan (Clint Eastwood).
At least five different writers contributed to the screenplay (including Terrence Malick), with John Milius penning his signature ends-justifying-the-means narratives. And, if you have seen any film written by Milius, you would know he adores military and police officers.
The film’s villain, Scorpio (Andrew Robinson), was inspired by the Zodiac murderer who shocked San Francisco, attacking citizens at random and sending threatening cryptic letters to the newspapers. Even though the film is almost completely immoral, there is a clever parallel between Harry and the serial killer’s use of violence in an attempt to transcend their impotence. And like any great film, there are many compelling things to unpack. Perhaps unconsciously, “Dirty Harry” is loaded with Freudian phallic imagery. The most obvious example is his oversized 44 magnum and his routine of consuming hot dogs, steeples, building models, and more. Especially when Harry delivers ransom money, Scorpio sees his pistol in a very suggestive tone, states, “My, that’s a big one.”
With Harry’s impotence, it is less sexual, even though he lacks any sensual experience or intimacy; it is more of a neurotic fixation on the police department’s bureaucracy holding him back from doling out his rage on every criminal. Scorpios’ self-loathing or psychosexual drive leads him to commit heinous crimes, but when cornered and lacking control, he regress to infantile behavior.
The infamous scene where Harry is still chewing on a hot dog as he foils a bank robbery is played for laughs, but it is beyond disturbing. Harry Callahan: “I know what you’re thinking: ‘Did he fire six shots or only five?’ Well, to tell you the truth, in all this excitement, I’ve kinda lost track myself. But this is a .44 Magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world, and will blow your head clean off. You’ve got to ask yourself one question: ‘Do I feel lucky?’ Well, do you, punk?” He says this while pointing his gun at the robber, who is thinking of reaching for his shotgun, but the man surrenders. As Harry walks away, the robber asks if it was empty or not, “I gots to know!” Harry points his gun and pulls the trigger, fortunately, it is empty – but what a psychotic thing to do.
Harry’s superiors know his dangerous methods, so they partner him up with Chico Gonzalez (Reni Santoni), a young, inexperienced cop. This begrudging buddy dynamic became the blueprint for millions of films and is pretty successful here. Chico acts as a Greek chorus, questioning Harry’s lack of morality and challenging his actions.
So why does this film work? Almost akin to eating an unhealthy meal, it is bad for you, but it tastes so good. Putting the problematic politics aside, the film is technically astonishing. Shot in exquisite Technicolor, Siegel’s sense of timing and place, his use of aerial perspectives to capture San Francisco, and framing its nights as a neon-tinged city is beautiful to behold. Plus, the action sequences have aged very well. The shootouts and footchases remain thrilling and well-conceived. Although many consider this the essential “Dirty Harry” chapter, the best is, without a doubt, “Sudden Impact.” If only we got a chapter where he had to sit on a therapist’s couch and share his deepest feelings.
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