Release Date: 16th January The Talent: Clint Eastwood (Director); Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Kyle Gallner The Story: Based on the autobiography of Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle, whose pinpoint accuracy saves countless lives and turns him into a legend. However, upon returning home after four tours of duty, he struggles to leave the war behind. Why You Should Be Excited: American Sniper has been generally hailed as a return to form for Clint Eastwood as a director, after a string of misfires (Jersey Boys, J. Edgar and Hereafter). Impressive though it is that Eastwood is still working consistently at 84 years young, these last few offerings were definitely some of his worst as director, so the fact that American Sniper has been so positively received is something of a relief. Bradley Cooper's performance has gained praise, with the film being described as his 'show'. He is said to bring confidence, intelligence, intensity and vulnerability to Chris Kyle as the film explores the physical and psychological toll inflicted on him during his tours on the front lines. A harrowing and intimate character study, could this lead to Cooper's third Academy Award nomination, following his work in Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle?
