Netflix Officially Says Goodbye to Clint Eastwood’s Brutal Western Classic
By Rohan Naahar
Rohan Naahar is a News Writer for Collider. From Francois Ozon to David Fincher, he'll watch anything once. He has covered everything from Marvel to the Oscars and the many hits and misses released weekly, shaping public perception. In his time at Collider, he's also driven diversity by writing about multiple Indian film industries.
The Western That Challenged John Wayne
Clint Eastwood, like John Wayne, is an iconic figure in the Western genre. Yet, while Wayne was rigid in his views, Eastwood took a different path with his directorial debut, High Plains Drifter (1973). This Netflix streamable film, however, is only available for a limited time.
The movie marks a significant shift in Eastwood's career, moving away from his earlier success and the Sergio Leone 'Dollars Trilogy'. It was well-received but sparked criticism from Wayne, who found it too transgressive. In a letter to Eastwood, he wrote, "That isn't what the West was all about..."
The film follows an enigmatic stranger who brings justice to a town hiding dark secrets. High Plains Drifter is a testament to Eastwood's versatility and his ability to revolutionize the Western genre.
A Quiz for Taylor Sheridan Fans
Taylor Sheridan, known for Yellowstone, Landman, Tulsa King, and Mayor of Kingstown, doesn't write typical heroes but complex characters battling power dynamics. Test your knowledge with our Collider exclusive quiz: [Quiz Link]