As in most of the movie adaptations of Donald Westlake/Richard Stark's Parker novels (POINT BLANK, PAYBACK, PARKER) the central character is after a payoff from the mob or syndicate or outfit. Here, Robert Duvall's Earl Macklin, recently released from prison, figures he's owed compensation for the assassination of his brother and a contract hanging over his own head. His plan is to keep hitting and robbing the organisation, in partnership with his colleague Cody (Joe Don Baker), until they cough up $250.000.
THE OUTFIT hails from a period in movie history that was golden for premium quality crime cinema and it's a stone cold, clinically violent and meticulous little beast. Director John Flynn (who later helmed the exploitation classic ROLLING THUNDER) delivers a stylish piece of work, trimmed of frippery and unnecessary clutter. Sharp and no-nonsense, businesslike, but with a solid grip.
Both script and performances are pitch-perfect - the cast of character actors (Duvall, Baker, Black, Ryan, Greer, North, Cassidy, Jaeckal) don't miss a beat and keep everything real. This is up there with Peckinpah's THE GETAWAY and Siegel's CHARLEY VARRICK.
Duvall is a standout as the principled hard-nut with enough confidence and icy cool to stride into the mob heartland and take what he wants, taking out whoever gets in his way. Joe Don Baker, perhaps one of the most undervalued American movie character actors of his generation, isn't far behind as Cody. And Robert Ryan in one of his last roles gives a masterclass in ruthless contempt as the beleaguered syndicate kingpin Mailer.
For an experience of the expert execution of cynical 70's neo noir with grit, pace and exciting verve then this is as good a place as any. Oh, and I'd be surprised if the ending doesn't raise at least the ghost of a satisfied smile to the most jaded viewer.
THE OUTFIT hails from a period in movie history that was golden for premium quality crime cinema and it's a stone cold, clinically violent and meticulous little beast. Director John Flynn (who later helmed the exploitation classic ROLLING THUNDER) delivers a stylish piece of work, trimmed of frippery and unnecessary clutter. Sharp and no-nonsense, businesslike, but with a solid grip.
Both script and performances are pitch-perfect - the cast of character actors (Duvall, Baker, Black, Ryan, Greer, North, Cassidy, Jaeckal) don't miss a beat and keep everything real. This is up there with Peckinpah's THE GETAWAY and Siegel's CHARLEY VARRICK.
Duvall is a standout as the principled hard-nut with enough confidence and icy cool to stride into the mob heartland and take what he wants, taking out whoever gets in his way. Joe Don Baker, perhaps one of the most undervalued American movie character actors of his generation, isn't far behind as Cody. And Robert Ryan in one of his last roles gives a masterclass in ruthless contempt as the beleaguered syndicate kingpin Mailer.
For an experience of the expert execution of cynical 70's neo noir with grit, pace and exciting verve then this is as good a place as any. Oh, and I'd be surprised if the ending doesn't raise at least the ghost of a satisfied smile to the most jaded viewer.