  |
|
|
|
Westerns have just about gone the way of the buffalo these days. Showtime
helps revive the genre though, if only for a little while, with "The
Outsider."
Watts stars as Rebecca Yoder, a member of the "Plain People" in Montana during the late 1800's. "Plain People" are very similar to the Amish and live a very simple but honest life by farming and raising sheep. Watt's character is forced to raise her young son (Thomas Curtis) alone after her husband is killed by cattle ranchers for refusing to sell his land. It is a difficult life, but she manages. Daly plays Johnny Gault, a dying outlaw who Yoder finds roaming the range after being shot. She takes him back to her cabin and helps nurse him back to health. This both annoys and worries the townspeople and the Plain People community. The remaining part of the story dwells on the growing relationship between Gault and Yoder and the impact that is has on the town, the religious community and Yoder's young son Benjo. Daly does an effective job of playing a hardened yet surprisingly vulnerable character who begins to question his lifestyle. Watts' portrayal of the young widow and mother is subdued and has a touch of sweetness that makes you believe her character would choose such a plain and simple lifestyle. The first third of the film is devoted to setting up the characters of the film and their backstories. While the storyline is reminiscent of classic westerns such as "Shane" and "High Noon," this film is not in their league. It is, however, very enjoyable and the story does take a surprising turn or two. Showtime, writer Jenny Wingfield and director Randa Haines are to be commended for taking on the western genre. If you like westerns, chances are that you will like this one too. I know I did. "The Outsider" airs on the Showtime cable network on November 25 at 8 p.m. As can be expected of an adult western, this film contains violence and some mild sex scenes. Running time: 1:58:43. For more information on "The Outsider," please go to http://www.showtime.net. James Coburn is remembered: Veteran actor James Coburn passed away last week. While most people remember his fine film career (I'm partial to his "Flint" films myself), they may not realize that Coburn at one time also Go To Page: 1 2 |
|
|
|
