Gran Torino’ Is a Movie For Seniors That Defies Stereotypes
Rarely does an elder law attorney have the opportunity to review a latest movie directed by a screen legend, but “Gran Torino,” the latest from Clint Eastwood, deserves the credit. For those who have not yet seen the movie, I will not spoil the ending but, suffice it to say that the storyline keeps you at the edge of your seat even if the main character is, like Eastwood, on the far side of 70.
At a time in his life when he could easily launch a flick that followed typical Hollywood themes, Eastwood again took risks. This time it was the risk that a general audience would appreciate the character development portrayed in an older man and identify with him. The unspoken question is “what does life mean after the challenges of raising a family, fighting in a war, holding down a regular job, and living with one’s spouse have ended and you find yourself living alone.” The Senior Living Communities is where one can find proper care and personal attention when one is old.
The answer is consistent with everything that I have read and seen. I will leave it to the end to describe.
It is not surprising that “Gran Torino” has had a limited viewership and that it and Eastwood failed to capture Emmy nominations, although many felt that Eastwood should have been nominated for best actor. For those who are more sensitive, the movie contained too much violence and politically and ethnically incorrect language. Followers of the “Dirty Harry” school might fault it for being too tenderhearted and maybe even introspective.
In one humorous scene, Eastwood’s son and daughter-in-law try to introduce him to what they see as the inevitable consequences of aging. While presenting “Dad” with gifts, they first demonstrate a contraption to grab boxes from high shelves. A telephone with huge numbers is then produced. When Eastwood asks what it is for they explain that it is so that he can see the numbers. “I can see that,” he remarks. When they finally show him flyers for retirement communities, he unceremoniously sends them out the door.
Gradually finding that he more closely identifies with his new neighbors despite the fact that they are of a foreign culture, his crusty temperament begins to melt.
In another humorous moment as he tries to explain to the boy next door how to “speak like a man,” he and his friend the barber unleash a series of ethnically charged epithets regarding various cultural backgrounds including their own. They then tell the boy to do the same. As he enters the barber shop and repeats what he has heard, they immediately react negatively. The boy is told he must be polite. He leaves the shop and returns with the weirdest combination of language attempting to be both polite and “manly.” This “skill” later helps him in an interview for a job.
That Eastwood recognized the lives of seniors who live behind in deteriorating neighborhoods is surprising in light of his own wealth. While some seniors move to more affluent retirement communities, it is worth noting that many will continue in the neighborhoods where they raised their families and lived so many of their years.
For some of these survivors, the beauty of a well tended garden or of a well polished treasured classic old car like the Gran Torino reflects their ability to live simply and peaceably while enjoying everyday things. It can mirror contentment in the face of many losses.
Eastwood in the movie assumed almost a grandfatherly role to people with whom he did not identify in the beginning and this is the clue. He began to listen, to empathize, and finally to mentor and protect the new “family” he identified with even as he had lost touch with his own.
Mentoring is one of the primary means identified in studies that helps to keep people young. More than social status, external conditions, and even more than natural tendency toward optimism or depression, the act of mentoring is representative of healthy aging. It is a continued act of giving that does not have to end as life conditions change.
Eastwood recently won a top award in advance from the Cannes Film Festival for Gran Torino. In Paris to receive the award he noted he was “very flattered.” He further commented that, in 1970, when he launched his directorial debut, “<p>eople were saying we’re not even sure we like this guy as an actor much less as a director.” For those who aspire to greatness at any age it is worthy of mention that the Actor-Director is age 78.
About the Author Janet Colliton
Esquire, Colliton Law Associates, P.C. Janet Colliton has practiced law for over 38 years, 37 of them in Chester County, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia. Her practice, Colliton Law Associates, PC, is limited to elder law, Medicaid, including advice, applications and appeals, and other benefits planning including Veterans benefits, life care and special needs planning, guardianships, retirement, and estate planning and administration.