Liam Neeson’s involvement in action films stretches back to the 1980s, despite popular belief that his career in the genre began with the 2000s hit Taken. Early in his career, he mainly appeared in dramas and thrillers such as Schindler’s List and Under Suspicion, but he also took on roles in action movies. One notable example is The Dead Pool, the fifth and final installment in Clint Eastwood’s iconic Dirty Harry series, where Neeson played a key supporting role.
Clint Eastwood, who had been an action star since the 1960s, led the film, blending his familiar tough-guy persona with sharp dialogue and tense sequences. The Dead Pool, as the shortest film in the series at 91 minutes, featured memorable one-liners from Eastwood’s character, including the now classic:
Opinions are like a**holes; everybody has one.
Alongside Eastwood and Neeson, the cast included Patricia Clarkson, Evan C. Kim, and a young Jim Carrey. Notably, this film did not include Albert Popwell, who had appeared in varied roles in the earlier four movies.
Intrigue and Misdirection Shape the Thriller’s Narrative
The Dead Pool is set amid the gritty underworld of San Francisco, where crime, greed, and danger intertwine. Clint Eastwood’s character, Inspector Harry Callahan, gains national fame by imprisoning crime boss Lou Janero, but this victory forces him to remain perpetually vigilant. After a deadly shootout where Callahan kills four assailants, the San Francisco Police Department assigns Al Quan, played by Evan C. Kim, as his new partner. However, Quan soon learns the dangerous truth about working alongside Callahan — his previous partners have often met violent ends.
As the story develops, a new case unfolds when rock star Johnny Squares, portrayed by Jim Carrey, is found dead under suspicious circumstances. Initially ruled a heroin overdose, further investigation by Callahan and Quan reveals murder. The situation grows more complex following the murder of a producer connected to Peter Swan, a horror director played by Liam Neeson. Found on the producer’s body is a list of celebrity names, including Callahan’s, linked to a macabre game called the “dead pool,” where participants predict celebrity deaths. When a film critic is also murdered, suspicion immediately turns to Swan due to his dark artistic style and possible financial gain from the game.
The film carefully constructs numerous red herrings, encouraging viewers to question the obvious choices and keeping them engaged until the true perpetrator is revealed. This intricate plotting elevates the film beyond a simple detective story into a clever, suspense-filled thriller.
Reevaluating ‘The Dead Pool’ Beyond Its Initial Reception
The Dead Pool suffered from a lukewarm reception when it premiered, often dismissed as a superficial installment in the Dirty Harry series. It holds a 53% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it the second-lowest scored entry among the five films. Financially, it underperformed by grossing $39 million against a $30 million budget—a stark contrast to the original Dirty Harry’s $36 million on just a $4 million investment. However, critics and fans who revisit the movie find much to appreciate in it as a piece of filmmaking, especially for its blending of drama and law enforcement tension.
Despite widespread criticism, some of the era’s most respected film critics lauded the movie’s strengths. Roger Ebert awarded it three-and-a-half stars out of four, praising it as
smart, quick, and made with real wit
, and stating it was as good as the original Dirty Harry. Gene Siskel echoed this view, calling it
the second best of the series, beaten only by the 1971 original.
He highlighted the film’s unique tone, noting
where the previous sequels have been mostly dour gun blasts, The Dead Pool is a thriller with wit and humor and tension.
The film successfully retained the core attributes that made the Dirty Harry movies popular: a tough, smooth-talking protagonist unafraid of danger, and a vivid portrayal of urban crime. Eastwood’s performance conveyed years of hardened experience, never losing the edge that defined the character.
Eastwood’s charisma extends beyond the character himself — the setting of San Francisco’s dark, rain-soaked streets emerges as a key element of the film’s atmosphere. The audience feels immersed in the city’s shadowy back alleys and precarious environments, emphasizing the constant peril Callahan faces. This balance of grit and subtle storytelling gives the movie a distinct feel compared to typical action fare.
One of the film’s iconic moments includes a thrilling chase where Callahan is pursued by a remote-controlled car rigged with a bomb. At the time, the scene’s unusual nature may have seemed outlandish, but today it can be appreciated as a creative homage to classic car chases like those in Steve McQueen’s Bullitt. Director Buddy Van Horn’s inventive approach, stylish cinematography, and strong performances help maintain suspense and elevate the film despite a sometimes uneven plot inspired by earlier crime movies.
Behind the Scenes: Neeson’s Ambitions and Eastwood’s Influence
Liam Neeson was 35 during the production of The Dead Pool, while Clint Eastwood was 57 and already an established legend known for his roles in westerns and action films. Neeson, still carving out a definitive place in Hollywood, saw working alongside Eastwood as a prime opportunity to learn from a seasoned actor.
Neeson later recounted an encounter on set where he tried to propose alterations to his character’s lines. He had hoped to collaborate with Eastwood to develop his role further, but the veteran actor was less receptive than expected. Neeson shared this story while receiving the Outstanding Contribution to Cinema award from the Irish Film & Television Academy:
“I sat down with him, and he listened to my eager, earnest spiel about changing these lines. So I finished, and he looked at me and said, ‘Interesting’, and kept me waiting. Then he said, ‘Well, the way I see it, Liam, you hit a few marks and say a few lines. What’s the problem?’”
—Liam Neeson, Actor
Although Eastwood’s response was dismissive, Neeson’s willingness to take initiative reflects his drive to play more substantial roles. Furthermore, Neeson revealed that despite being physically the same height as Eastwood, the filmmakers used camera tricks to make him appear shorter, as Eastwood was positioned as the hero:
“They actually put me down a couple of inches shorter than Clint. Where we were filmed side by side, he stood on curbs and the upside slopes of hills. Because he was the hero, I was made shorter.”
—Liam Neeson, Actor
Despite these challenges, Neeson describes the filming experience positively. He admired Eastwood’s quick work ethic, noting that he often required only one or two takes to perfect key scenes. The time spent with Eastwood gave Neeson valuable insights, which influenced his later return to action films in the 2000s. His performances remain shaped by this early exposure to the nuances of the genre.
The Lasting Legacy of ‘The Dead Pool’ and Its Place in Action Cinema
For fans of both Clint Eastwood and Liam Neeson, The Dead Pool stands out as a unique marker in the careers of two major stars. While Neeson was still exploring his identity on screen, this film provided him with important experience acting alongside one of Hollywood’s most revered figures. Eastwood’s involvement ensured the movie maintained the hallmarks of the Dirty Harry series, combining intense action with memorable dialogue and complex characters.
In recent years, the film has gained renewed attention, partially thanks to a 4K re-release that allows contemporary viewers to reassess its qualities. It offers a blend of suspense, sharp wit, and inventive action sequences seldom found in standard crime thrillers. Moreover, it highlights Liam Neeson’s early action work, bridging his transition from dramatic roles to becoming a dominant force in the genre.
As audiences continue to discover or revisit The Dead Pool, the film’s creative storytelling and compelling performances ensure it remains a notable chapter in both Eastwood’s and Neeson’s filmographies, demonstrating the enduring appeal of well-crafted, character-driven thrillers.
