How do you describe Clint Eastwood's character in the Dirty Harry movies? (films, action)

[tonymanero]

Also, do you think Dirty Harry is a good role model? Why or why not

[Huckleberry3911948]

dirty harry and all my childhood heros elliot ness and the untouchables would all be in jail and their families penniless-- if here today.
the men they arrested would all be free.

[Melissa82]

Ha, no... I would not want my kids looking up to a gun totting cowboy.

[tonymanero]

Originally Posted by Huckleberry3911948

dirty harry and all my childhood heros elliot ness and the untouchables would all be in jail and their families penniless-- if here today.
the men they arrested would all be free.

All thanks to the nonsense drivel called political correctness.

[bs13690]

No, and it is not because I am PC nor because I am a whiny, bleeding heart liberal.

I love the Dirty Harry films but let's keep in mind that it is fiction. In real life, someone like Harry Callahan would probably wind up killing innocents that he was convinced are guilty. I'm also sure that in real life, crashing a vehicle into a hostage situation would probably wind up getting some of the hostages killed as well.

You've got to give it to the SFPD for their affirmative action stance on his partners, though. He had a Latino, a black guy, an Italian guy, a woman, a black "best friend" and an Asian (ok, they were mostly forced on him). His list of partners reads like a casting call for a diaper commercial.

[Mark S.]

The Dirty Harry flicks are great entertainment, but I'd hardly call Harry a role model. His ethics come down to: "Might makes right." Which might be okay, if the mighty were always virtuous good guys. But what happens when the mighty are corrupt?

"Vigilante" flicks were a stable of the '70s. Some were great (Dirty Harry and Rolling Thunder come to mind). Others were okay (the first Death Wish flick). Many were downright bad (all the Death Wish sequels).

In real life, Harry would be in jail. But movies aren't real life. Don't give them more credence than they deserve.

[Visvaldis]

Originally Posted by tonymanero

Also, do you think Dirty Harry is a good role model? Why or why not

Like a deranged monkey desperately searching for the ultimate banana of excitement.

[Currency Pair Crocodile]

Originally Posted by bs13690

No, and it is not because I am PC nor because I am a whiny, bleeding heart liberal.

I love the Dirty Harry films but let's keep in mind that it is fiction. In real life, someone like Harry Callahan would probably wind up killing innocents that he was convinced are guilty. I'm also sure that in real life, crashing a vehicle into a hostage situation would probably wind up getting some of the hostages killed as well.

You've got to give it to the SFPD for their affirmative action stance on his partners, though. He had a Latino, a black guy, an Italian guy, a woman, a black "best friend" and an Asian (ok, they were mostly forced on him). His list of partners reads like a casting call for a diaper commercial.

It was perfectly poised for that age when the American police force was corrupt, involved with drug cartels and did everything but doing their job like they do today.

People were sick of roadside robberies, rapes, pimps, drugs and violence, and Dirty Harry appealed to the masses. You're trying to look at it with today's perspective.

[bs13690]

Originally Posted by Currency Pair Crocodile

It was perfectly poised for that age when the American police force was corrupt, involved with drug cartels and did everything but doing their job like they do today.

People were sick of roadside robberies, rapes, pimps, drugs and violence, and Dirty Harry appealed to the masses. You're trying to look at it with today's perspective.

I don't think I am. The OP asked if this character should be a role model and I don't think he should, regardless of what era he was in. Still loved the movies, though. I grew up during those days so I know what the films were about.

[chilaili]

I would describe the character as: Annoyed!

And no, I don't think he's a good role model, but then he was never Clint's favourite character either. He once said his favourite movie was Honkytonk Man.