The genre was suited to display Eastwood’s chop behind the camera.
1971 was a noteworthy year for Clint Eastwood. He portrayed the iconic Harry Callahan on screen for the first time, and made his assured directorial debut, to the likes of which are not expected for actors. Under the guidance of his mentor and Dirty Harry director, Don Siegel, Eastwood split duties as the star and filmmaker of Play Misty for Me. In surprising fashion, he did not begin his illustrious directing career with a western or cop film, but instead, pivoted into the direction of a psychological thriller. The genre was suited to display Eastwood’s chop behind the camera.