Conversations on Clint

Jesse Nussman, Jay Ledbetter, Trace Sauveur

Get ready for a humorous and insightful look into the filmography of Clint Eastwood. In this series, we take a look at each of the 40 films directed by the Hollywood icon, using them to better understand one of America's most fascinating figures.

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22 episodes
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Avg 1 hr 20 min
English

Episodes 22

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Thursday · 1 hr 10 min
Space Cowboys (2000) | Eastwood's Early Aughts Hit About Aging Astronauts
Blast off into Clint Eastwood’s 2000 hit Space Cowboys in this episode of Conversations on Clint. We chart the journey of four veteran test pilots—played by Eastwood, Tommy Lee Jones, Donald Sutherland, and James Garner—who get called up for one final, high-stakes NASA mission to repair a decaying Soviet satellite. Join us as we dissect Eastwood’s direction of this crowd-pleasing sci-fi drama, explore the effortless chemistry of its legendary lead ensemble, analyze how the film tackles aging and evaluate its place as one of Eastwood’s biggest commercial triumphs at the turn of the century. Audio clip from Space Cowboys (2000), directed by Clint Eastwood. © Warner Brothers Pictures. Used for commentary purposes. Track: MokkaMusic - Retrosonic ⁠⁠ • Retro Funky Bass and Guitar (No Copyright ... ⁠⁠Music provided by MokkaMusic Youtube channel and ⁠⁠https://inaudio.org
September 3 · 1 hr 14 min
True Crime (1999) with Alejandra Martinez | Eastwood's Late 90s Thriller Taking on the Death Penalty
In this episode of Conversations on Clint, Jesse, Trace, and Jay dive deep into Clint Eastwood’s 1999 investigative thriller, True Crime. Joined by special guest Alejandra Martinez, film critic for the Austin Chronicle, we take a critical look at one of Eastwood’s oddest late-90s directorial efforts. Based on Andrew Klavan’s bestselling novel, True Crime stars Eastwood as Steve Everett, an aging, flawed investigative journalist racing against the clock to prove the innocence of a death row inmate (played by Isaiah Washington) hours before his scheduled execution. Audio clip from True Crime (1999), directed by Clint Eastwood. © Warner Brothers Pictures. Used for commentary purposes. Track: MokkaMusic - Retrosonic ⁠⁠ • Retro Funky Bass and Guitar (No Copyright ... ⁠⁠Music provided by MokkaMusic Youtube channel and ⁠⁠https://inaudio.org
August 27 · 1 hr 22 min
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1997) with Jenny Nulf | Eastwood's Ode to Savannah, Georgia
This week on Conversations on Clint, we take a trip down to Savannah, Georgia, to tackle Clint Eastwood’s atmospheric 1997 adaptation of John Berendt’s best-selling non-fiction sensation, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Joining the show to break down this unique entry in the Eastwood filmography is film critic and programmer Jenny Nulf. Together, we unpack how Eastwood shifts his director’s lens from gritty Westerns and lean thrillers to a languid, character-focused Southern Gothic tapestry. Audio clip from Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1997), directed by Clint Eastwood. © Warner Brothers Pictures. Used for commentary purposes. Track: MokkaMusic - Retrosonic ⁠⁠ • Retro Funky Bass and Guitar (No Copyright ... ⁠⁠Music provided by MokkaMusic Youtube channel and ⁠⁠https://inaudio.org
August 20 · 1 hr 18 min
Absolute Power (1997) | Eastwood's Pulpy Clinton-Era Political Thriller
In this episode, we explore Clint Eastwood’s 1997 political crime thriller Absolute Power. Trace, Jay, and Jesse break down Eastwood’s dual role as director and starring role as Luther Whitney, an expert jewel thief who witnesses a shocking crime involving the President of the United States (Gene Hackman). Join us as we explore the film's star-studded cast, featuring Ed Harris, Laura Linney, and Scott Glenn, analyze its themes of institutional corruption and moral redemption, and examine how the movie reflects 90s Clinton-era conspiracies. Audio clip from Absolute Power (1997), directed by Clint Eastwood. © Warner Brothers Pictures. Used for commentary purposes. Track: MokkaMusic - Retrosonic ⁠⁠ • Retro Funky Bass and Guitar (No Copyright ... ⁠⁠Music provided by MokkaMusic Youtube channel and ⁠⁠https://inaudio.org
August 13 · 1 hr 21 min
The Bridges of Madison County (1995) with Sophia Ciminello | Clint Eastwood Romantic Masterpiece with Meryl Streep
In this episode of Conversations on Clint, we're joined by special guest Sophia Ciminello dive deep into Clint Eastwood’s 1995 romantic masterpiece, The Bridges of Madison County. Adapted from Robert James Waller’s best-selling novel, this sweeping romantic drama showcases Eastwood as National Geographic photographer Robert Kincaid and Meryl Streep in her Academy Award-nominated performance as Francesca Johnson. Together, we explore how Eastwood pivoted from gritty Westerns and action thrillers to direct one of the most tender, visually captivating, and emotionally profound love stories in American cinema. Audio clip from The Bridges of Madison County (1995), directed by Clint Eastwood. © Warner Brothers Pictures. Used for commentary purposes. Track: MokkaMusic - Retrosonic ⁠⁠ • Retro Funky Bass and Guitar (No Copyright ... ⁠⁠Music provided by MokkaMusic Youtube channel and ⁠⁠https://inaudio.org
August 6 · 1 hr 23 min
A Perfect World (1993) with Josh Sewell | Eastwood's Underrated Gem Starring Kevin Costner
In this episode of Conversations on Clint, we dive deep into Clint Eastwood’s underrated 1993 masterpiece, A Perfect World, featuring guest Josh Sewell. Starring Kevin Costner as escaped convict Butch Haynes and Clint Eastwood as Texas Ranger Red Garnett, this compelling crime drama stands as one of the most nuanced character studies in Eastwood’s directorial filmography. Audio clip from A Perfect World (1993), directed by Clint Eastwood. © Warner Brothers Pictures. Used for commentary purposes. Track: MokkaMusic - Retrosonic ⁠⁠ • Retro Funky Bass and Guitar (No Copyright ... ⁠⁠Music provided by MokkaMusic Youtube channel and ⁠⁠https://inaudio.org
#16
July 30 · 2 hr 14 min
Unforgiven (1992) with Ryan McQuade | Clint Eastwood's Oscar-Winning Masterpiece
In this episode of Conversations on Clint, we dive deep into Clint Eastwood’s 1992 Oscar-winning masterpiece, Unforgiven. Widely regarded as one of the greatest Westerns ever made, Unforgiven deconstructs the myths of the American Frontier, violence, and heroism. Joining us for this special discussion is acclaimed film critic Ryan McQuade, who brings expert insight into Eastwood’s career-defining direction, David Webb Peoples’ brilliantly nuanced screenplay, and the unforgettable performances by Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman, and Richard Harris. Audio clip from Unforgiven (1992), directed by Clint Eastwood. © Warner Brothers Pictures. Used for commentary purposes. Track: MokkaMusic - Retrosonic ⁠⁠ • Retro Funky Bass and Guitar (No Copyright ... ⁠⁠Music provided by MokkaMusic Youtube channel and ⁠⁠https://inaudio.org
#15
July 23 · 1 hr 6 min
The Rookie (1990) | Eastwood, Sheen, and '90s Buddy Cop Mayhem
In this episode, we tackle 1990's action-thriller The Rookie—an explosive entry in the classic '90s buddy cop genre. Directed by and starring Clint Eastwood as grizzled LAPD veteran Nick Pulovski, the film pairs him with a young, hot-headed Charlie Sheen (David Ackerman) as they go rogue to dismantle an elite exotic car theft ring led by Raúl Julia and Sônia Braga. Audio clip from The Rookie directed by Clint Eastwood. © Warner Brothers Pictures. Used for commentary purposes. Track: MokkaMusic - Retrosonic ⁠⁠ • Retro Funky Bass and Guitar (No Copyright ... ⁠⁠Music provided by MokkaMusic Youtube channel and ⁠⁠https://inaudio.org
#14
July 15 · 1 hr 35 min
White Hunter Black Heart (1990) with Josh Martin | Eastwood's Meta Hollywood Drama
Killing an elephant is a sin, but Clint's gonna do it anyway! This week, Jesse Nussman, Trace Sauveur, and Jay Ledbetter are joined by critic Josh Martin to talk about one of Eastwood's most underrated pictures. The four discuss the movie's relationship to real-life filmmaker John Huston, his movie "The African Queen," colonialism in Africa, filmmaking hubris, and masculine performance. Audio clip from White Hunter Black Heart (1990), directed by Clint Eastwood. © Warner Brothers Pictures. Used for commentary purposes. Track: MokkaMusic - Retrosonic ⁠⁠ • Retro Funky Bass and Guitar (No Copyright ... ⁠⁠Music provided by MokkaMusic Youtube channel and ⁠⁠https://inaudio.org
#13
July 9 · 1 hr 44 min
Bird (1988) with Nick Johnston | Charlie Parker, Music Biopics, and Forest Whitaker’s Breakout
On this episode of "Conversations on Clint," hosts Jesse Nussman, Jay Ledbetter, and Trace Sauveur discuss Eastwood's 1988 biopic of jazz legend Charlie Parker (aka Bird). But the boys will not be alone; they're bringing along Vanyaland's Nick Johnston to discuss what made Parker such an influential musician and how Clint explored his love for music on the silver screen. Audio clip from Bird (1988), directed by Clint Eastwood. © Warner Brothers Pictures. Used for commentary purposes. Track: MokkaMusic - Retrosonic ⁠⁠ • Retro Funky Bass and Guitar (No Copyright ... ⁠⁠Music provided by MokkaMusic Youtube channel and ⁠⁠https://inaudio.org
#12
July 2 · 1 hr 20 min
Heartbreak Ridge (1986) | Military Badasses and Reagan Era Propaganda
On this episode of "Conversations on Clint," hosts Jesse Nussman, Jay Ledbetter, and Trace Sauveur discuss Eastwood's biggest hit of the 1980s, the military drama "Heartbreak Ridge." The guys tie the movie into the pro-military pictures of the Reagan era, laugh over Eastwood's profane and pungent dialogue as a gruff Marine instructor, and wrestle with the movie's tiptoeing into real-world conflicts of the time. Audio clip from Heartbreak Ridge (1986), directed by Clint Eastwood. © Warner Brothers Pictures. Used for commentary purposes. Track: MokkaMusic - Retrosonic ⁠⁠ • Retro Funky Bass and Guitar (No Copyright ... ⁠⁠Music provided by MokkaMusic Youtube channel and ⁠⁠https://inaudio.org
#11
June 25 · 1 hr 23 min
Pale Rider (1985) | Clint's Classical Western Myth
Clint Eastwood returns to the western genre 10 years after 'Josey. Whales,' as a ghostly preacher protecting a group of minors from a corrupt landman. We talk about Eastwood's burgeoning perception as one of Hollywood's great icons, why the western genre was dormant in the 80s, and more!
#10
June 18 · 1 hr 18 min
Sudden Impact (1983) with Zach Nix | Dirty Harry's Return, and '80s Vigilante Justice
Go ahead, make our day... This week, we're not only talking about 1983's "Sudden Impact" but the entire "Dirty Harry" series. We'll discuss how Clint Eastwood's action franchise changed through the years, and how its fourth installment further complicated its themes of vigilante justice. Audio clip from Sudden Impact (1983), directed by Clint Eastwood. © Warner Brothers Pictures. Used for commentary purposes. Track: MokkaMusic - Retrosonic ⁠⁠ • Retro Funky Bass and Guitar (No Copyright ... ⁠⁠Music provided by MokkaMusic Youtube channel and ⁠⁠https://inaudio.org
#9
June 11 · 1 hr 12 min
Honkytonk Man (1982) | Clint Explores Country Music in Bittersweet Depression Era Drama,
This week, we look at Clint's second movie of 1982, a lighthearted road movie about a dying country music singer and his nephew. We examine why the movie didn't connect with audiences in the early 80s, Clint's earnest love for music, whether he's a good singer, and how we really feel about the country music genre. Audio clip from Honkytonk Man (1982), directed by Clint Eastwood. © Warner Brothers Pictures. Used for commentary purposes. Track: MokkaMusic - Retrosonic ⁠⁠ • Retro Funky Bass and Guitar (No Copyright ... ⁠⁠Music provided by MokkaMusic Youtube channel and ⁠⁠https://inaudio.org
#8
June 4 · 1 hr 11 min
Firefox (1982) | Cold War Tech-Thrillers, Stealth Jets, and High-Flying Suspense
What happens when Clint Eastwood tries to make an early 80s effects blockbuster? You might be surprised. This week, we're looking at how Clint attempted to pivot to a new era of action filmmaking, the film's legacy as Reagan-era propaganda, and much more! Audio clip from Firefox (1982), directed by Clint Eastwood. © Warner Brothers Pictures. Used for commentary purposes. Track: MokkaMusic - Retrosonic ⁠⁠ • Retro Funky Bass and Guitar (No Copyright ... ⁠⁠Music provided by MokkaMusic Youtube channel and ⁠⁠https://inaudio.org
#7
May 28 · 1 hr 22 min
Bronco Billy (1980) | Wild West Shows, Nostalgic Americana, and Eastwood’s Turn to Quirky Comedy
Yee haw! Saddle up, little partners, because on this week's episode, we're discussing Clint Eastwood's early 80s comedy "Bronco Billy," its unique earnestness, reflection on the cowboy myth, and beloved reception in France. Audio clip from Bronco Billy (1980), directed by Clint Eastwood. © Warner Brothers Pictures. Used for commentary purposes. Track: MokkaMusic - Retrosonic ⁠⁠ • Retro Funky Bass and Guitar (No Copyright ... ⁠⁠Music provided by MokkaMusic Youtube channel and ⁠⁠https://inaudio.org
#6
May 21 · 1 hr 14 min
The Gauntlet (1977) | Sondra Locke, Action Cinema, and Endless Gunfire
This week, we're talking bullet-riddled buses, corrupt police, and 70s paranoia in one of the decade's most ludicrous action movies - "The Gauntlet." It's Eastwood's final directorial effort of the 70s, pairing him alongside his then-love interest Sandra Locke for a movie that feels like a preview to the steroided-up action flicks of the 80s. Audio clip from The Gauntlet (1977), directed by Clint Eastwood. © Warner Brothers Pictures. Used for commentary purposes. Track: MokkaMusic - Retrosonic ⁠⁠ • Retro Funky Bass and Guitar (No Copyright ... ⁠⁠Music provided by MokkaMusic Youtube channel and ⁠⁠https://inaudio.org
#5
May 14 · 1 hr 10 min
The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976) | Revisionist Westerns, Post-Civil War America
This week, we tackle one of Eastwood's most iconic works, "The Outlaw Josey Wales," taking a look at the movie's behind-the-scenes drama, its violent vision of America post-Civil War, and one of the more contradictory characters Clint has ever played. Audio clip from The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976), directed by Clint Eastwood. © Warner Brothers Pictures. Used for commentary purposes. Track: MokkaMusic - Retrosonic ⁠⁠ • Retro Funky Bass and Guitar (No Copyright ... ⁠⁠Music provided by MokkaMusic Youtube channel and ⁠⁠https://inaudio.org
#4
May 7 · 1 hr 17 min
The Eiger Sanction (1975) | Mountain Climbing Thrillers, Cold War Spies, and Death-Defying Stunts
Clint Eastwood attempts his own Bond franchise in this outrageous piece of 70s pulp that goes down as one of the strangest - and deadliest - movies in his catalogue. Jesse, Trace, and Jay discuss Clint's handle on the spy genre, its laughably problematic script, and the jaw-dropping mountaineering sequence that nearly saves the movie in its final third! Audio clip from The Eiger Sanction (1975), directed by Clint Eastwood. © Universal Pictures. Used for commentary purposes. Track: MokkaMusic - Retrosonic ⁠⁠ • Retro Funky Bass and Guitar (No Copyright ... ⁠⁠Music provided by MokkaMusic Youtube channel and ⁠⁠https://inaudio.org
#3
April 30 · 1 hr 9 min
Breezy (1973) | May-December Romance and '70s Counterculture,
In this week's episode, Jesse, Jay, and Trace discuss one of Eastwood's most curious titles: 1973's "Breezy." The boys grapple with the film's May-December romance, how well it explores the collision between two drastically different generations, and the long history of hangout movies that capture the vibe of living in Los Angeles. Audio clip from Breezy (1973), directed by Clint Eastwood. © Universal Pictures. Used for commentary purposes. Track: MokkaMusic - Retrosonic ⁠ • Retro Funky Bass and Guitar (No Copyright ... ⁠Music provided by MokkaMusic Youtube channel and ⁠https://inaudio.org

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