Spielberg’s Top War Movie Revealed: Eastwood’s ‘Where Eagles Dare’ Thrills!

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Few filmmakers hold a stronger affinity for war themes than Steven Spielberg, a renowned figure in Hollywood. With an impressive tally of nine ventures into this genre (counting television series), he has garnered numerous awards and accolades. Spielberg’s war movies span various global conflicts preceding the 21st century, which also make them among the highest-grossing Hollywood productions ever made. Given his father’s military background, having served as a veteran in battles against Japanese forces during World War II, it comes as little surprise that Spielberg has such a deep connection to this genre. In fact, war stories were a common topic of conversation throughout his childhood since most of his dad’s friends were veterans as well.

Just like many accomplished filmmakers, Spielberg is not only a creator but also an avid viewer who learns from films. He openly acknowledges drawing inspiration from Lubitsch, Hitchcock, Kurosawa, Kubrick, Ford, Wyler, Wilder, and Brown. Surprisingly, his preferred movie doesn’t come from these directors; instead, it’s “Where Eagles Dare,” directed by Brian G. Hutton. This film, featuring Clint Eastwood, was released in the late 60s, a time when Eastwood was primarily known for Westerns, and left an immense impression on Spielberg.

‘Where Eagles Dare’ Was Born Out of a Hollywood Romance

In the gripping backdrop of World War II, Where Eagles Dare unfolds a thrilling narrative where both sides are relentlessly pursuing and capturing key military officers from the opposing side, subjecting them to torture and vanishing without a trace. Two MI6 agents, Colonel Turner and Admiral Rolland, gather an elite squad of commandos for a daring mission: rescuing influential American Brigadier General George Carnaby, who has fallen into the clutches of the Nazis at Schloß Adler – a towering mountain fortress in Bavaria that can only be reached by cable car. Carnaby possesses vital information about the imminent Allied assault on Europe, making his swift extraction imperative.

One of the commandos spearheading the operation is Morris Schaffer, a highly decorated U.S. Army Ranger Lieutenant played by Clint Eastwood. To increase their chances of success, they conceal their identities by donning German military uniforms and jumping out of planes close to the castle. Unbeknownst to them, they’ve landed in a complex and corrupt espionage network that’s more dangerous than it appears. It doesn’t take long before one team member is discovered with a broken neck, fueling speculation about a possible traitor.

It seems there are surprising betrayals taking place, with certain officers from both sides secretly working for the opposing side. This is meant to keep viewers guessing, as intended by Alistair MacLean, the author of the original book that inspired this movie. Brace yourself for a lot of misleading clues. Before these events unfold, we are introduced to several intriguing characters, such as British agent Mary Ellison (played by Mary Ure), who has hidden her affiliation from the commandos. She delivers sharp remarks and cutting insults, making the movie truly captivating. Another character is German agent Heidi Schmidt (portrayed by Ingrid Pitt), who initially appears innocent but can quickly retrieve a weapon from her shoe when threatened. With these two characters involved, things are bound to get exciting!

In 1983, Richard Button (famously recognized for The Spy Who Came in from the Cold) confided to the Los Angeles Times that he took on the film role due to Elizabeth Taylor’s sons expressing their discontent with his previous films they couldn’t watch or in which he perished. They desired him to take out a few lives instead. Having developed feelings for Taylor during the filming of Cleopatra, Button aimed to impress her children, leading him to make the movie.

Although not serving as the director of the film initially, Clint Eastwood significantly influenced its atmosphere upon being brought onboard for a fee of $800,000. He found the script to be overly expository and filled with complications which didn’t appeal to him. To emphasize his strengths, he asked for less dialogue instead.

Clint Eastwood’s legendary characters typically avoid witty, macho banter like John McClane or James Bond when pursuing villains. Instead, they focus on actions and dialogue that are beneficial for both them and their fans. In a smart decision, most of the dialogue was assigned to Burton, as both actors received acclaim for their performances. For much of the film, Burton’s weathered face shows a mix of uncertainty and acceptance that the mission won’t run smoothly. Eastwood serves as an ideal foil; a modern-day commando (from the ’60s) who trusts no one and spares nothing.

The War Action Thriller Has Many of Steven Spielberg’s Favorite Elements

It’s clear why Spielberg is fond of “Where Eagles Dare.” The movie boasts a grand, meticulously crafted storyline reminiscent of Hitchcock, filled with pulse-pounding gunmanship, breathtaking visual design, and all masterfully captured by the skilled lens of Arthur Ibbetson. Above all, it embodies the elements that Spielberg cherishes most.

1. This film is similar to movies like “Saving Private Ryan” or the “Indiana Jones” series, where the protagonists strive towards significant goals and will go to great lengths to make them a reality.
2. Notably, it’s set during World War II, a historical period that Steven Spielberg has shown deep interest in. He has produced four works – two movies (“Saving Private Ryan” and “Schindler’s List”) and two TV shows (“The Pacific” and “Band of Brothers”) – exploring the Allied versus Axis conflict, demonstrating his enduring fascination with this period of history.

Moreover, “Where Eagles Dare” is supported by a framework of espionage elements. Similar to his other films such as “Munich” and “Bridge of Spies,” the director demonstrates a keen interest in the realm of secret agents, although it’s evident that he prefers authentic narratives. Additionally, Spielberg has a predilection for action-packed sequences featuring bold characters who face numerous obstacles but continue to persevere. This preference can be traced back to his initial film, “Duel,” and has remained consistent throughout his career. From the character of Indiana Jones to Captain Miller, we have witnessed many Spielberg protagonists brimming with determination and ready to tackle challenges head-on, often accompanied by a few well-placed punches.

‘Where Eagles Dare’ Is a Major Triumph, from a Filmmaking Perspective

In a different phraseology: Other than Steven Spielberg, the film “Where Eagles Dare” is likely to captivate everyone who watches it due to its meticulously crafted and original structure. Notably, the initial action sequence doesn’t occur until the 60-minute mark, which is when conventional war adventure movie norms are turned upside down. Prior to this point, films in this genre were typically devoid of bloodshed, as demonstrated by “The Dirty Dozen” and its peers.

In this masterpiece, I can’t help but confront the brutal realities, and the tension it creates is palpable. Every bullet to the flesh leaves a trail of gore and viscera. It’s important to mention that some of the practical effects might be too intense for the sensitive viewer, so make sure you’re ready for an unflinching portrayal of the gruesome horrors of World War I.

In this story, there’s a sense of flow, despite its clever and sometimes harsh nature that leaves one’s thoughts in a whirl. A standout scene involves the team using a bus as a weapon to reach an airfield, yet every other moment manages to keep you engaged too.

This action-packed war movie not only delivers an exciting storyline but also serves as a valuable guide for filmmakers on how to transform books into movies. Here, Brian G. Hutton showcases his skill in turning profound literary pieces into gripping films, all while allowing the actors to shine with their performances.

In essence, it’s crucial to take some creative freedom when adapting stories, as seen in the example of Hutton with “Where Eagles Dare.” If he had strictly followed the script, the film might have been less engaging. The original source material, Alistair MacLean’s novel, was filled with events that seemed overly strenuous, jingoistic, and didactic. In contrast to the book’s characters who went out of their way to minimize killing and even saved an unconscious Nazi officer from a burning building, the movie’s characters showed no such restraint, resulting in a total of 107 fatalities.

The screenplay’s stunning verse harmoniously complements a lavish visual masterpiece. Much like 2001: A Space Odyssey, it is one of the initial sound films to incorporate front projection effects – an in-camera visual technique used during film production that merges foreground action with pre-filmed background footage. This method makes the sequences where stars seem to be atop cable cars remarkably lifelike.

If you enjoy a fast-moving World War II adventure mixed with a hint of spy-like intrigue, give the novel “Where Eagles Dare” a try.

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2025-03-03 03:02