Date Released: 08/09/2002
Rated: R (for violence and language)
Length: 111 minutes
Produced by: Clint Eastwood
Directed by: Clint Eastwood
Cast: Clint Eastwood, Jeff Daniels, Anjelica Huston, Wanda De Jesus, Paul Rodriguez, Dylan Walsh, Tina Lifford
Distributor: Warner Bros.
But there's a twist to the ready-made formula that one would expect out of no nonsense big screen veteran. Eastwood goes so far as to make himself vulnerable when his alter ego, FBI profiler Terry McCaleb, is humbled by a heart attack that ultimately leads to his forced retirement. But if we know good ol' durable Clint, he'll be around to create havoc for the bad guys like the seasoned anti-hero he is.
BLOOD WORK is based upon the Michael Connelly mystery novel. The screenplay, courtesy of Brian Helgeland, does weave in some notable tingling elements that are typical of a haughty cop-crime drama. But despite Eastwood's capable direction and his way with manipulating the intrigue within his excitable thrillers, BLOOD WORK occasionally feels like some precarious puzzle that tries hard to force its compelling pieces in place. More often than not this film begs for some kind of distinction to take it away from the usual hackneyed platitudes of this kind of genre. Thankfully, Eastwood's approach to helming this otherwise rudimentary crime fable elevates the film to a serviceable edge-of-your-seat actioner.
Eastwood's McCaleb is convincingly conflicted because there are so many issues floating about in this rugged pro's mind. As if being slowed down by a critical heart condition wasn't humiliating and haunting enough, McCaleb must also face the reality of his advanced age seeing as though he's not the hotshot spring chicken he once was. But things become quite interesting when Graciela (Wanda De Jesus) meets up with McCaleb and reveals a shocking revelation. You see, Graciela wants to have McCaleb solve the mystery of her sister's murder. And for an encore, here's another tidbit: the transplanted heart that's embedded in McCaleb's chest is the same organ that once belonged to Graciela's slain sister. So now the consensus is that maybe the grisled McCaleb can somehow connect to this unsolved homicide since the victim's "heart and soul" ironically beats within the detective's withering body.
Naturally, McCaleb is determined to focus on this case as it's a legitimate excuse for him to feel more useful and vital while allowing him to engage in what he does best. Of course, McCaleb extends himself a tad bit without consideration to his delicate health. His concerned cardiologist (Anjelica Huston) is not too thrilled with McCaleb's obstinate persistence in the way he's pushing himself to the limit.
Nevertheless, McCaleb's resilience is in full force and he does the simple things to get him around his sandy Southern California surroundings. There's nothing flashy about this hard-nosed guy at all. Heck, the lethargic law enforcer even befriended a beach bum named Buddy (Jeff Daniels) who conveniently caters to his needs via the use of transportation and other favors.
It goes without saying that McCaleb rubs everyone the wrong way in his pursuit for the truth behind his relentless chase for unwanted "blood work". His tireless efforts may be the cause of this aging warrior's livelihood but the crimefighting urge is something that this man simply cannot resist.
BLOOD WORK surprisingly doesn't embrace itself in the tradition of the "macho old-man-seeks-revenge-on-the-world" routine a.k.a Charlie Bronson in the silly vigilante DEATH WISH movie series. If anything, Eastwood is savvy enough to realize that this scenario would divert from what he really wanted to showcase--a half way decent character study of a flawed protagonist facing his worst fears...the notion of a fragile concept of manhood caught up in an uncontrollable hostile world. Perhaps Eastwood's look at his moviemaking mortality is earnest as he continues to get wise (and mature) with his film choices.
At 72, the Oscar-winning filmmaker realizes that his desirable Dirty Harry days of yesteryear are over unless he insists on risking an inevitable lambasting should he return in his famous persona's shoes. But one shouldn't fret because Eastwood does incorporate some of those Harry Callahanisms in the form of wounded Terry McCaleb. It's just that Clint is smart to realize that there's more depth behind portraying a colorful has been that ultimately feels more genuinely real and acceptable. In fact, it's pure genius that Eastwood plays down his potent image because in essence he's mocking (if not quieting down) the very same capable gun-toting rogue he has played so effortlessly in countless shoot em' up films.
BLOOD WORK has its moments of lapses that are quite evident (just how does a retired FBI agent go back to the scene of the crime without legal permission to do so--and after heart surgery to boot?). But if one is willing to suspend all logical inquiries, this well-intentioned albeit uneven thriller can diligently work on your nerves. As a production, the film is handsomely shot and the glossy look adds to the stylized intensity in some of the key scenes. The players in this torrid tale of mayhem seem to fit their roles like a cozy glove takes to a willing cold hand.
There's an enticing atmospheric quality about BLOOD WORK and the film doesn't disappoint when indirectly examining the American psyche regarding the unflattering yet brave look at influencial cinema heroes and their telling feet of clay. As a showcase for Clint Eastwood to take himself down a few notches and play a redemptive patched-up soul tackling his demons, it's a fun observation to witness. But as an overall effective thriller, this BLOOD should be much more thicker than water.
Frank rates this film: ** 1/2 stars (out of 4 stars)