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Western Movie Icons: The Unlikely Rivalry of Clint Eastwood and John Wayne
For devotees of Western movies, few figures command the iconic status of Clint Eastwood and John Wayne. Both actors attained legendary fame through their roles in this quintessential American genre. Despite their overlapping careers and shared cinematic landscape, these titans of the silver screen never collaborated on a film, sparking speculation about an apparent rivalry.
John Wayne: A Legacy Forged in the West
John Wayne, a towering figure in Westerns, left behind a remarkable legacy of over 80 heroic portrayals. His filmography includes such enduring classics as The Searchers (1956), Rio Bravo (1959), True Grit (1969), The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962), and Hondo (1953). His career defined a generation before his passing in 1979.
Clint Eastwood: Reinventing the Western Hero
Clint Eastwood, in his own right, is celebrated for his emblematic performances in numerous Western productions. He gained prominence in Sergio Leone’s Dollars Trilogy, and further cemented his status with films like Hang ‘Em High (1968) and Pale Rider (1985). Eastwood later transitioned to directing, helming and starring in acclaimed pictures such as Unforgiven (1992) and Cry Macho (2021), showcasing a sustained engagement with the genre.
A Clash of Generations: Wayne’s Critique of Eastwood’s Vision
Even as their stardom coincided within the same industry and specialized field, Wayne and Eastwood never shared screen time. Theories abound regarding their supposed professional antagonism. By the early 1970s, Eastwood had become a prominent name and ventured into directing. His 1973 directorial effort, High Plains Drifter, where he also starred, drew sharp criticism from the seasoned veteran Wayne.
Following the favorable reception of his initial directorial projects, Eastwood pursued further ventures. He encountered The Hostiles, a screenplay from Larry Cohen, which centered on a gambler and a senior rancher compelled to cooperate against outlaws.
Envisioning a chance to collaborate with an icon of the cinematic West, Eastwood forwarded the script to Wayne, anticipating his consideration for the role of the older rancher. However, the response he received was less than encouraging.
Wayne’s Disapproval: “High Plains Drifter” and Generational Divide
“John Wayne once communicated to me in writing his disapproval of High Plains Drifter,” Eastwood revealed. “He articulated that it did not authentically represent the individuals who pioneered the West. I discerned a divergence between two generations, and recognized his potential inability to grasp my artistic intentions.”
“This Piece of Sh** Again”: Rejection of “The Hostiles” Script
Undeterred, Eastwood proceeded to revise and rework The Hostiles script, seeking Wayne’s endorsement once more. According to Wayne’s son, Michael Wayne, the veteran actor’s reaction was to discard the revised script into the ocean from his boat, exclaiming: “This piece of sh** again.” The project was ultimately realized without Eastwood’s participation.
Diverging Ideologies: Moral Ambiguity vs. Traditional Heroism
Wayne’s dismissal of The Hostiles screenplay was not entirely unexpected, given his well-established perspective on the Western genre. His films frequently portrayed a distinct moral dichotomy, with heroes embodying unwavering virtue and righteousness.
For Wayne, the cowboy archetype transcended mere character; it symbolized honor, justice, and fortitude. In contrast, Eastwood’s High Plains Drifter marked a departure from this conventional approach, embracing a more somber and morally complex depiction of the American West.