As powerfully commanding as he is in front of the camera, Clint Eastwood may be even more talented behind it. But when it comes to his 24th feature as a director, Eastwood's less-is-more approach wasn't the only thing that spoke loudly. The late film critic Roger Ebert lauded Eastwood's restraint in his piercing direction of Mystic River, allowing the supremely skilled actors to shine in what became a multi-Oscar-winning crime story. Based on Dennis Lehane's celebrated novel, every fan of Clint Eastwood, Sean Penn, and Tim Robbins needs to wade through Mystic River at least once. 'Mystic River' is a Masterclass in Directing That Avoids ConventionsThe police in Mystic River hold back Jimmy Warner Bros.