Tweet
Released by: Olive Films
Released on: July 19th, 2016.
Director: Tony Luraschi
Cast: Sterling Hayden, Craig Wasson, Patricia Quinn
Year: 1990
Purchase From Amazon
The Movie:
Based on the novel The Heritage Of Michael Flaherty by Colin Leinster and both written and directed by Tony Luraschi in 1990, The Outsider tells the story of Michael Flaherty (Craig Wasson). He's an American Vietnam veteran of Irish descent who is less than impressed with the state of affairs after returning home from the war. Disillusioned with what America has become and passionate about his roots thanks to his relationship with his grandfather Seamus (Sterling Hayden), he takes an interest in the Irish Republican Army. Seamus, a former member of the I.R.A., inspires some patriotism in the younger man and soon enough, Michael has left Detroit for Belfast.
Upon his arrival he's picked up by some I.R.A. soldiers and squirreled away to the country where some higher ups meet with him and discuss his role in their operations. After much discussion as to whether or not an American should even be involved in this in the first place, they hide him out at a safe house. He waits there for his orders, until an innocent boy is killed by British troops, at which one, he decides to act - only to find out he's being used.
This is a well thought out and very intelligent thriller that deals in some very grey areas of morality. Michael's ambitions, like those of the I.R.A. itself, will seem noble to some and horrifying to others. It makes sense - particularly in this day and age of global terrorism with the seemingly constant radicalization that it inspires - that a young man upset with 'his' America would do what Michael does here. He served his country, he did his part, and he came home to not applause, but indifference, if not disdain. As Seamus tells him of his younger days fighting for an Ireland free from British rule, Michael sees in the I.R.A. an opportunity to find himself and to commit to a cause. Of course, once he gets there he finds out that there are good people and bad people on both sides of the conflict. It seems, however, that the bad people hold most of the cards.
Shot mostly on location in Northern Ireland (with the scenes that take place in The United States shot in Detroit, and making for an interesting visual contrast in that regard), The Outsider has to it a rough around the edges quality. This gives the movie a more realistic look and feel, passing over the typical gloss and sheen associated with Hollywood pictures in favor of something akin to a documentary. It looks real because it is real, the locations help immensely in that regard. The score is also very good, causing more than a few emotional stirrings as the story plays out.
The performances really sell it. Craig Wasson is rock solid as Michael, he carries the film admirably and winds up creating a fairly tragic character, but one that we can all relate to. Sterling Hayden is impressive as the grandfather, you can see why he'd inspire the younger man the way that he does. We also get some great supporting players here in smaller but important roles. Ray MacAnally plays a British intelligence officer willing to do whatever it takes to whoever he needs to do it to if it means getting the information he wants. He's eerie here. Niall Toibin as an I.R.A. soldier referred to as the farmer is also impressive in how cold and calculating he makes his character seem. Patricia Quinn as an Irish woman named Siobhan is also very good here and a young Gabriel Byrne shows up in a brief role too, though he isn't given all that much to do.
This is an unflinching, violent and grim film - but it's very well made and never less than completely engaging.
Video/Audio/Extras:
Olive Films presents The Outsider on Blu-ray in 1.78.1 widescreen in AVC encoded 1080p high definition. For the most part, the movie looks quite good on Blu-ray. The opening credits might make you think otherwise and there are some spots where grain gets heavier than average but by and large things look alright here. Detail is pretty solid throughout, close ups in particular, though some scenes show inferior depth and softness. Black levels are good but not quite reference quality. Skin tones look nice and natural, there are no signs of edge enhancement or noise reduction and although the disc is single layered compression artifacts are never an issue. Not the most amazing transfer in the world but a more than respectable presentation.
The only audio option for the feature is an English language DTS-HD Mono mix, there are no alternate language options offered although optional English subtitles are provided. Clarity of the audio is fine. The levels are nicely balanced and there are problems with any hiss or distortion and the film's quirky score has some decent presence to it in spots. Not a fancy mix, but it suits the movie and gets the job done without any issues.
Aside from static menus and chapter selection the disc contains no extra features.
The Final Word:
The Outsider is, in a word, excellent. This is a tense dramatic thriller well played by a talented cast that hits all the right notes at just the right moments. For whatever reason, this unjustly ignored film never got a domestic DVD release. Olive Films' Blu-ray presentation might be light on extras, but it gives the film a proper home video release in good quality. Don't miss out of this one.
Click on the images below for full sized Blu-ray screen caps!
