ABSTRACT
This chapter examines how Eastwood has gone beyond the hero myth and how this has contributed to individuation or transformation. It attempts to draw a clear distinction between Eastwood’s on-screen and off-screen personas. A deconstruction of a film looks at the assumptions on which the film is based, particularly in terms of oppositional principles, and within a particular context. An interpretation of the film involves viewing its content subjectively, as reflecting aspects of the viewer or contemporary society, and interpreting what it means in terms of personal or cultural development. Unforgiven had a transformative effect on Eastwood’s career, with some reviews seeing it as his ‘turning point’. Eastwood’s embarrassment might be the first major hint that something visionary and of unconscious significance was occurring. The film also had a significant impact by raising awareness of, and providing support to, certain veterans’ causes.
