Forget Eastwood in Unforgiven. This film marks the best performance of his career, as an actor and director. Loosely based on events concerning the making of The African Queen, especially the director John Houston, the film takes us for a journey into the wilderness of Africa as well as the mind and the antics of the wild and unpredictable director. Film buffs can catch a hint or two of the original film, but what fascinates is the way Eastwood capture the essence of the role. John Wilson will be the most memorable role in Eastwood's career. Should have titled Hearts of Darkness.

What separates this from most of other films of his, especially the self-directed features, is the central role itself. Eastwood had just directed Bird at that time, a biography about Charlie Parker, a great saxophonist, and a great talent with a penchant for self-destruction. It was played by Forest Whittaker. John Wilson (or Houston) has similarities with Charlie Parker, with a touch of grandeur in himself. His obsession with the killing of elephant is more than filmmakers' dream for symbolism. It was an adventure by itself, when first and foremost, he is supposed to be filming one.

What a character Wilson turned out to be! Consider this dialogue (not exact, but somewhere there), when Peter Viertel (Jeff Fahey) confronts Wilson (Eastwood) about killing the elephant, which he thinks is a crime.

Wilson: Its not a Crime to kill an elephant, kid.... Its a sin! Its the only kind of sin that you can get a license and go out and kill an elephant. And you know why I am doing it?

Viertal doesn't know.

Wilson: It's the wrong thing to do.

Eastwood, his cigar, the mannerism, the slight stammering, the movements of his hands, the gesticulation of his words, are all but the mark of a professional actor. Eastwood excelled himself in this one; something he never did afterwards, even in Unforgiven, which was not a great deal of work for him compared to this.

Though it can be seen as trifle depressing, it is not disappointing in entertainment value. Eastwood delivers. He didn't disappoint the critics, but the audience felt cheated at that time. I plead with the audience to give it another look. It's great.