Although he is most oftenassociated with western films,Clint Eastwoodhas worked within a wide variety of genres, including biopics, crime thrillers, historical epics, and even a musical. While Eastwood seems to be interested in stories that are either real or based in reality, he did make an exception to experiment with the science fiction genre when he directed and starred inSpace Cowboys, a speculative sci-fi adventure film that allowed Eastwood to execute a premise similar toMichael Bay’sArmageddon. Eastwood’s project, however, was much more scientifically-based and grounded in realism compared to Bay’s movie. Nonetheless,Space Cowboysis one of Eastwood’s most gleefully uncomplicated crowd-pleasers, as it is an entertaining celebration of heroism, science, and the American spirit.
What Is ‘Space Cowboys’ About?
Space Cowboysexplores an alternate version of historythat aligns with real events within the “Space Race” between the United States and the Soviet Union during the 1950s. Eastwood stars as Colonel Frank Corvin, an Air Force pilot who developed early NASA experiments alongside his lifelong friends William Hawkins (Tommy Lee Jones), Jerry O’Neill (Donald Sutherland), and Tank Sullivan (James Garner). Despite showing that he has the potential to be the first American ever sent to space, Frank is snubbed of the opportunity by his superior, Bob Gerson (James Cromwell), who feels that he makes too many erratic choices to be trusted. Although Frank ultimately retires without ever earning any prestigious honors, he is sought out by NASA after an unforeseen crisis is unearthed; a Soviet Union satellitefrom the Cold War has begun malfunctioning, and could crash on Earth in a devastating event. Since progress in NASA’s space program has stalled, Frank and his friends are sent on a mission to fix the satellite and save the world.
Space Cowboyscreates a plausible reason to send its characters to space. WhileArmageddonhas been endlessly made fun of because of how illogical it would be to send drillers to space, the characters played by Eastwood, Jones, Sutherland, and Garner are all accomplished military veterans with experience doing all sorts of experimental piloting missions. Since the United States has steadily invested less in space missions as NASA’s funding has dwindled, it would make sense that they would need to seek out older characters who had already worked at the program when they were in their prime, and were still familiar with the technology. On a character level, having Frank finally get the chance to go to spacemakes his hero’s journey more compelling; although he was denied the opportunity to do so when he was in his prime, he is finally able to prove that he was worthy by performing a mission that no one else on Earth is better-equipped to do.
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Imagine the Man with No Name ordering a martini, “Shaken, not stirred.”
‘Space Cowboys’ Is One of Clint Eastwood’s Most Fun Movies
Space Cowboyshas much more heart and humor than a typical Eastwood film, as it is very entertaining to see the chemistry between the four leads. While it’s clear that these are all professional, serious men who have sworn oaths of duty to their country, it is interesting to see them work together as they did not anticipate that they would ever have to reunite on a new mission, and certainly not one that sent them to space. Eastwood is as reliable as ever as an older, grizzled veteran who has a strong detestment for authority, but the film’s real scene-stealer is Jones,who gives a fun, comedic performancethat feels closer in tone to whatArmageddonended up being.
Eastwood is a filmmaker known for his methodical, logical approach, andSpace Cowboysdoes a great job at breaking down the science and procedures involved with an outer space mission. Although the film is mostly centered on the ways that the characters are affected by their journey, the final set piece is among the most exciting moments in any Eastwood endeavor. Released in 2000,Space Cowboyswas one of the last Eastwood films before he began making much darker, more intense films likeMystic River, Million Dollar Baby, Letters from Iwo Jima,andAmerican Sniperamong others. While it is certainly not “fluff,”Space Cowboysdid show that Eastwood was capable of makinga commercially viable summer blockbuster.
Space Cowboys
