As a star, Clint Eastwood is one of cinema's most iconic tough guys. However, it's arguably as a director that he's made a bigger impact on the movies. Since his debut in 1971, Eastwood has never been afraid to take chances, to jump genres, or to take a close look at the moral complexities of being human. And it's not unfair to say that Eastwood has made some of the very best pictures of his career in his August years. His latest, Invictus, starring Matt Damon and Morgan Freeman, hits theaters this week, and we thought it would be high time to take a closer look at one of contemporary cinema's most enduring, compelling artists.

For this feature, we're eschewing the Tomatometer; instead, we decided to focus on the films within the context of Eastwood's career. To that end, we're spotlighting some of his most influential, critically lauded, and distinctive pictures. So sit back, put on your favorite Errol Garner record, polish your Magnum .44, and join us for a tour of Clint Eastwood's remarkable career.