The Outside Man (1972)
Starring: Jean-Louis Trigtignant, Ann Margaret, and Roy Schneider
French hit man Lucien Bellon is sent to America (LA to be exact) to clean up a very disliked individual. Once his job is done with it seems people have taken the precautions to make sure that evidence of his visit is erased this includes his life. This is my first experience from Cultcine.com and I have to tell you this was a good selection. This movie is cool from the first frame to the last. At first there is a disclaimer explaining that this was the re-mastered European Cut (since the film was released here but was Originally for France) So some of the scenes were difficult to match up with English audio and so a few scenes are either in French or are a bit off with the lips of the actor. To be honest I appreciate a company that tells you right off more or less "Hey we did our best, somethings were totally fixable others were not. We're sorry but here is the complete version of the film." As a Kid who grew up watching movies dubbed over in English I seriously thought this was done extremely well. Other than the audio bits I seriously can't tell what is added in and what isn't so chocolate chip kudos to Cultcine for that.
Getting back to the film I gotta tell you that this movie makes me feel Cool. The Leading role of Bellon is played by Legendary French Actor Jean-Louis Trintignant. If you have not seen any of his other work (The Great Silence, The Conformist) do yourself a favor and see them.This man can act not just with his words but with the way he carries himself, his facial expressions, all the elements of a fine actor, this is a clear example of that style he only speaks when it is necessary and does not waste time with snappy dialog, he manages to make the audience fear him to basically sympathizing due to the situation he is stuck in. The Deadly Cat chasing the Frenchman is American acting bad ass Roy Scheider (The Seven-Ups, Romeo Is Bleeding) in a brilliant pre-Seaquest role of Lenny. Although great in The French Connection this movie allows Mr.Scheider to prove that he can do much more damage working alone then with a partner. He does not screw around as soon as he sees Bellon he does not hesitate to open fire upon him. This man is the ultimate hurdle for the Frenchie to find out the truth behind the sudden termination of his employment.This films also stars the Lovely Angie Dickenson and The Smokin Hot Ann-Margret and also includes some cameos from people who will be known later as their careers go on including Talia "Adrian Balboa" Shire, Alex Rocco and Jackie Earle Haley (Bad News Bears, Watchmen, Shutter Island).Combined with a very minimal soundtrack but yet memorable theme song, You will want to put on a suit and pretend to be as cool as either Trintignant or Scheider once all this is through. They don't make 'em like this anymore something that does not need a hug explosion or ridiculously huge guns to put over the characters.
I recommend this movie to anyone who knows that you don't have to say much to get your point across. So make yourself a martini or black cup of coffee sit back and enjoy this great display of COOL.
Where to buy the film:
Amazon: The Outside Man (1972) On VHS
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