Clint Eastwood dives into awards season in a big way when American Sniper changes position slightly to be an end of the year contender, having a release date on December 25. The book is an adaptation of Navy SEAL Chris Kyle’s book American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History. The weird thing about him was that he was later killed in some kind of shooting accident. That’s the funny thing about guns. You never know when you’re going to be killed on purpose or by accident.
The Eastwood crew is back together, including cinematographer Tom Stern, editor Joel Cox and Gary Roach, set decorator Gary Fettis, casting by Geoffrey Milcat.
You can mark this one down for consideration in all of the major categories, starting with the ghastly overcrowded Best Actor race for Bradley Cooper and on down through Director, Screenplay, Editing, Sound, Sound Editing.
The Academy, and the industry, prefers Eastwood in this kind of realm – where guns are involved. They like him less when he drifts into unchartered territory, like the vastly underrated Changeling, or the hyped then dismissed Invictus.
Source: Hollywood Reporter
I’m dubious. Eastwood’s stock having fallen off over the past few years, I don’t have a ton of faith in this one. Plus, J. Edgar and Jersey Boys were both trainwrecks, so I’m not banking on this being much better.
Is it possible that Clint Eastwood (Hereafter, Invictus) receives double directorial nominations – one for Jersey Boys and one for American Sniper?? This could be the year America’s Oscars choose a LEADER for their big show.
– Watermelons
Both Al and Ryan were right on the money with the release date of this one. Black hawk down had a December 28th release date and ended up getting 4 oscar nods including best director. Would love to see Clint get nominated again.
@RyanAdams –
Thanks for writing the truth about Eastwood – a posturing right-winger of (very) limited talent…
Who here is a fan of that underrated gem SPACE COWBOYS? Lovely little film that one.
“If I end up admiring American Sniper, I won’t hesitate to say I do.”
Ryan, if that happens, I’ll buy you a beer. 🙂 We can both celebrate. If you don’t like it, I’ll still respect your opinion. That also goes for Craig’s as well. Either way, I’m hoping to toast another great year of film (come the end of the year).
I should add, that the limited release of American Sniper is as of now. It may change to a full rollout on December 25. This seems like a “stay tuned…”.
Ashwin, yes. Both will be entering American theaters on December 25. But, it appears that in the case of American Sniper, they are going to only release it in a limited release, which according to Box Office Mojo is less than 600 theaters. It will get a wider release in January. Unbroken on the other hand, should be pretty much everywhere on December 25.
I totally agree about ‘Changeling’ which was a dark journey being hugely underrated. I put it ahead of ‘The Reader’ which got a best picture nomination that year. It is still hard to believe that story happened in America. If both ‘American Sniper’ and ‘Unbroken’ turn out to be great then it could well be Eastwood versus Jolie during awards season. Are both films opening at the same time?
First Nick said: June 22, 2014 – Under actors Bradley Cooper is listed for American Sniper. According to IMDB that doesnt come out till 2015
Then I said: June 22, 2014 – Nick, Clint Eastwood is known for making films pretty quickly. It’s certainly possible that this one could be the not-yet-scheduled, last minute add on to the end of this year. I doubt it will, but I think it could.
Then Ryan said: June 22, 2014 – That’s all we need. Another Clint Eastwood movie that he squeezes out at breakfast and wraps before lunch. But seriously, American Sniper began shooting in March and should wrap principle photography any day now. Even more seriously, that really is just what this country needs. More glorification of guys with guns shipped off to other countries to kill a record number of people in a criminal war waged by liars, the very same liars Eastwood was paling around with at the Republican National Convention. So Yes, Please get this movie in theaters ASAP while there’s still time to get people excited about Call of Duty: IRAQ 3.0 Just what we need.
Ryan, do you still feel that way, or was that on June 22 just how you were feeling that day?
Well JERSEY BOYS really didn’t work out so this was probably a good move.
“wondering if this will have the classic (in terms of modern) look of his films with Tom Stern doing the cinematography. Will it be bathed in shadows given the subject matter?”
Kane, do you mean to ask, will it be lit?
Whatever happened to Jack Green?
“#RagingSniper”
Speaking of
Should we be wrapping this one up right now my vote would go to wonder-boy Jack O’Connell in STARRED UP. What a performance. Bravo, Bravado!
I’m excited for this! But I’ll say the Academy went for Eastwood with Mystic River and Million Dollar Baby, neither of which involved guns. I’m also wondering if this will have the classic (in terms of modern) look of his films with Tom Stern doing the cinematography. Will it be bathed in shadows given the subject matter?
Why did Cooper have to become so fat for the role? Do you have to be like that to be a sniper? I will inquire.
Something tells me we’re in the mist of Clint’s big comeback to the Oscar race.
#comebackkid
Why did Cooper have to become so fat for the role? Do you have to be like that to be a sniper?
#RagingSniper
I agree this could be great and also that Changeling is underrated. In fact, I thought it was better than Mystic Rivet. Now Gran Torino on the other hand. Complete crap.
Just in case there are those who haven’t heard of the Jesse Ventura Lawsuit, here is an online article after the verdict was read: http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2014/07/30/jesse-ventura-vs-chris-kyle-a-case-where-no-one-won/
It was impossible for me not to know, since I live in Minnesota. The trial was held in St. Paul. Plus, Ventura was my Governor for a few years.
His death was kind of an awful piece of irony.. he was murdered on a shooting range from a fellow soldier he was trying to help work through PTSD.
This could be a major player but I guess there’s no knowing with Clint these days.
First off, does anyone else think that Chris Kyle really looks like Chris Pratt? I’m sure though Bradley Cooper will be great.
I had a sneaking suspicion this one was going to find it’s way into an end of the year release. I’ve very excited about this. I hope Eastwood will get back on track with American Sniper the way he was back between 2003 – 2008, (Mystic River – Gran Torino).
I’m wondering how the Jesse Ventura lawsuit outcome will impact the movie, and I wonder if that scene had even been planned to be included.
I’m very excited about it, too! I love this kind of Eastwood movie. Can’t help myself. Also I think Cooper will be good in the part.