Clint Eastwood says American Sniper is an anti-war movie

Clint Eastwood, as we all learned during the infamous chair conversation at the Republican National Convention a few years ago, is a staunch Conservative. But, just because the Hollywood legend is a Republican doesn’t mean he is in favor of the wars in Afghanistam or Iraq. In fact, Eastwood claims to be anti-war and says AMERICAN SNIPER carries that same sentiment.

In an interview at Loyola Marymount University School of Film & TV, Eastwood discussed his latest film, which now ranks as the top grossing film of 2014.

“I think it’s nice for veterans, because it shows what they go through, and that life — and the wives and families of veterans. It has a great indication of the stresses they are under. And I think that all adds up to kind of an anti-war [message].”

Eastwood’s film has come under fire from all sides of the political spectrum for either glorifying war or not showing enough of the repercussions of it. Still, despite not winning any significant awards at this year’s Oscars, AMERICAN SNIPER has maintained an incredible run at the box office three months after it premiered.

The director was also asked if he himself is anti-war, to which he said yes and offered this insight.

“I’ve done war movies because they’re always loaded with drama and conflict. But as far as actual participation … it’s one of those things that should be done with a lot of thought, if it needs to be done. Self-protection is a very important thing for nations, but I just don’t like to see it.”

Clint Eastwood is a divisive personality, both politically and as a filmmaker. But, it looks like he is going to take a break for a little while as filming JERSEY BOYS and AMERICAN SNIPER back to back took its toll on the 84-year-old. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t have plans as he also indicated his long in development remake of A STAR IS BORN is still chugging along as is another film he declined to discuss. Maybe the sabbatical will give Eastwood some time to rethink the baby doll in AMERICAN SNIPER.

AMERICAN SNIPER is now playing.