 Poster | The Mule is a 2018 crime and drama film directed by Clint Eastwood. He also stars in the film alongside Bradley Cooper, who has appeared in some of his other films such as American Sniper (2014). Clint Eastwood is really the face of this film, given his legacy in the film industry. Eastwood plays Earl Stone, a 90-year-old World War II veteran who has neglected his family in the past. In 2001, he was thriving as a well respected horticulturist and gardener. He even won awards for his floral arrangements, and dedication to the preservation of day lilies. Perhaps the most significant of these instances of him putting work over family is when he accidentally misses his daughter’s wedding. This essentially destroys their relationship, and leads to a divorce with his wife, Mary. In an attempt to reconcile, he ends up making matters worse. |
17 years go by, and Earl’s business has been stolen by the Internet, causing his house to get evicted. Living out of his truck, Earl visits his granddaughter, who is holding her bridal shower. One of her friends there approaches Earl, and gives him a business card. He states that he knows someone who is hiring drivers for good money. Earl, being naive and innocent looking, seems to be unaware that this is related to drug smuggling.
Clint Eastwood playing Earl Stone
It should be said that this film is based off of the true story of Leo Sharp, who was a real WWII veteran, and engaged in similar actions. People have been critical of this film due to the large amount of racism that Earl exerts on everyone. He constantly makes derogatory remarks towards almost every race other than his own. Some have associated that with Eastwood himself, given his political stances in reality, but it is most likely irrelevant.
Clint Eastwood playing Earl Stone with Dianne Wiest playing his wife Mary
Family is the central theme of this film. Eastwood plays a veteran who becomes a drug mule to make some extra money. This is in an attempt to restore his reputation with his community, and more importantly, his family. There is clear tension between him and his family, especially his ex-wife. This could potentially be correlated to real life as well, giving off the impression that the film could be an apology to his kids for working too much, and not spending enough quality time with them. He actually invited all of his children to the premiere of the film.
It’s interesting to see just how disrespectful people are to Earl simply based off of the fact that he is elderly. Eastwood’s character is also critical of technology, specifically smartphones throughout the film, which is ironic because Eastwood himself holds that same belief in reality.
Clint Eastwood playing Earl Stone
It is truly remarkable to see Eastwood, almost 89, direct and star in yet another film which is both entertaining and touching to watch. This is his second film in the past year, the other being The 15:17 to Paris (2018). It is inspiring to witness Eastwood take on another role, because he has not acted since Gran Torino (2008).
In general, this film touches upon an important note about work ethic and how that relates to family, but it also tells a true story. If you love Eastwood’s many other films, then you sure won’t be disappointed by this one.
Written by: Dylan Delaney
Written by: Dylan Delaney
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