10 Worst Movies By The Best Directors

4. The 15:17 To Paris – Clint Eastwood

Steven Spielberg 1941
Warner Bros.

For the last half a century, Clint Eastwood has proven to be among the most consistent directors to ever live. He may have churned out some clunkers, but the good definitely outweighs the bad overall.

Having said that, one of Eastwood's most recent features, 15:17 to Paris, might very well be the worst thing he's ever directed.

The film tells the true story of a trio of Americans who stopped a terrorist attack on a train in France. Saving the lives of over 500 passengers, these men were instantly hailed as heroes.

When you phrase it like that, this biographical drama sounds like the type of feel-good flick guaranteed to win Oscars. So, why did it turn out so badly?

Simply put - the lead performers. Instead of hiring professionals, Eastwood thought the story would feel more authentic if the main characters were played by their real-life counterparts - Anthony Sadler, Alek Skarlatos, and Spencer Stone.

Although this is an interesting approach, it doesn't work. Sadler, Skarlatos, and Stone are such bad actors, you never believe they could stop a terrorist attack... even though they did!

Contributor

James Egan has been with Whatculture for five years and prominently works on Horror, Film, and Video Games. He's written over 80 books including 1000 Facts about Horror Movies Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about The Greatest Films Ever Made Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about Video Games Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts About James Bond 1000 Facts About TV Shows