Movie Review: Blood Work (2002)

Genre: Crime Thriller

Director: Clint Eastwood

Starring: Clint Eastwood, Jeff Daniels, Anjelica Huston

Running time: 110 minutes

Summary: In Los Angeles, FBI agent Terry McCaleb (Clint Eastwood) suffers a heart attack while chasing a serial killer. After two years, he retired, living on a boat and Dr. Fox (Angelica Huston) receives a new heart in a transplant surgery. A heart donor is shot dead in a corner store holdup, and her sister Graciella (Wanda de Jesus) begs Terry to investigate the death. Still sick but feeling obligated, Terry begins an unsanctioned investigation with the help of his boat neighbor Buddy Noon (Jeff Daniels). They reveal a more complex case than first meets the eye.

What works well: This adaptation of Michael Connelly’s novel has a polished look, efficient pacing and a plot that is sharper than usual for a thriller. Brian Helgeland’s script maintains clarity through a measured mix of good hints and red herrings, and if Clint Eastwood seems too old for the opening scenes as an on-duty FBI agent, he provides a soulful central presence as a jaded post-surgical investigator. McCaleb’s personal connection to the case and the past haunting the present add vivid texture.

What doesn’t work: The climax in a creaky rusting freighter is a bit of a letdown and delving deeper into the mind of the killer can reveal more about the villain’s background.

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