Clint Eastwood has starred in numerous films since his iconic role in Unforgiven, but many believe that his Oscar-winning directorial masterpiece serves as a poignant farewell to the Western genre that shaped his early career. Among his most beloved performances is that of Will Munny, a weary gunslinger making a final stand, which many consider one of the finest in cinematic history. However, for his co-star Morgan Freeman, there exists an earlier Eastwood performance that prevails over even this acclaimed role.
In a 2023 interview, Freeman shared insights regarding his favorite films, revealing that one of them is Eastwood’s gritty 1976 Western, The Outlaw Josey Wales. In the film, Eastwood takes on the role of the titular character, a battle-hardened gunslinger with a bounty on his head. Freeman expressed a particular fondness for this film, admitting, “I enjoy all of Clint’s movies, but The Outlaw Josey Wales is one I can never resist. If I happen to find it while scrolling through channels, I have to watch it.”
Imagining the legendary Morgan Freeman sitting down to enjoy Eastwood’s striking portrayal as Josey Wales is an easy scenario to visualize, and understandably so. Freeman’s favorites do not stop there; he also mentioned his admiration for Fred Zinneman’s 1952 Western classic High Noon, as well as the 1956 adaptation of Moby Dick directed by John Huston. Reflecting on Moby Dick, Freeman stated, “I couldn’t have pictured it any differently than how it played out when I read the book. It was all there. Gregory Peck was phenomenal.”
Freeman’s additional film selections might raise eyebrows. Alongside The Outlaw Josey Wales, he highlighted Ang Lee’s Life of Pi, praising the director as “one of the best in the business.” The final unexpected choice from Freeman’s collection was Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge!, an Oscar-winning film that redefined the musical genre. Freeman commented on this film, stating, “Moulin Rouge! is arguably one of the best-conceived and executed films. It features incredible cinematography, acting, singing, and dancing. It’s a true feast for the eyes and ears.”
Next time you find yourself emotional while watching Ewan McGregor serenade Nicole Kidman with “Your Song,” remember that Morgan Freeman might be sharing that moment with you.