Dirty Harry and the other characters in the Eastwood repertory have dominated the box office for over 25 years. He has made over 40 films and directed 14 of them, invariably starring in them as well. With his new film. Bird, he stayed behind the camera to tell the story of jazz great Charlie Parker - a significant departure in Eastwood's extraordinary career.
Despite the commercial success of his films, critical acclaim has sometimes eluded him, particularly in his own country. Bird, however, has opened to rave reviews from all the American media. The Village Voice called it 'the best jazz movie ever made'.
Arena goes to Nevada to talk to Clint Eastwood about the new film and about his career as a director. He feels no resentment of the critics who are now reassessing his reputation. 'I survived them,' he smiles.