The Dead Pool

Although the weak screenplay by Sharon would have trouble filling out a TV series episode, the fascination of the film lies not in its thriller mechanics but in the character played by Eastwood. Because everyone in the audience knows exactly what to expect from Dirty Harry in every situation, Eastwood has streamlined his portrayal. All he has to do is hint at the familiar sneer to get a reaction. His supremely controlled performance is a wonder to watch--some have called it bored and lazy, but it is really an engrossing experiment in minimalism. Eastwood has replaced all the timeworn elements of the series with a sardonic sense of humor that pokes fun at the genre, his image, and his audience. The highlight of the film in this regard is a clever parody of the famous car chase in BULLITT, in which Eastwood and his partner are pursued through the streets of San Francisco by a 12-inch, radio-controlled toy Corvette loaded with dynamite.