This is a very satisfying western.It is set in the 19th century American West, but some elements would fit in a more modern genre. "Witness" comes to mind. There are also similarities to "Shane". A badly wounded gunfighter is nursed back to health by a young widow with a son, who happens to be a member of an Amish-like sect. The script is good with a mixture of romance, sexual tension, and enough gun play for any western fan. Of course it has its bad guys, and good guys, and a not so good guy,the gunfighter, Johnny Gualt. He is played by the talented Tim Daly who does an excellent and believable job, as does Naomi Watts. The supporting cast includes both David and Keith Carradine. The movie is currently popping up on Hallmark Channel. Its so good, it deserves a wider release, but it started on HBO, and is not likely to challenge the record for a cable western belonging to Tom Selleck and "Crossfire Trail". But, "Try it, you'll like it"
62 Reviews
Conventional but entertaining
MOscarbradley21 October 2017
We've been down this road before and to better effect but "The Outsider", a made-for-television variation on both "Shane" and "Witness", isn't at all bad. Naomi Watts, (excellent), is the Mennonite widow who takes in a wounded gunfighter, (Timothy Daly), who in turn helps her in her battle with the men who murdered her husband and naturally they fall in love, much to the displeasure of her family and community. It's fairly conventional but it's well acted and it's entertaining. The director was Randa Haines, who made "Children of a Lesser God", and a good supporting cast includes the Carradine brothers, David and Keith.
Good romantic entertainment
beckyj4030 June 2005
I found this movie to be very entertaining. Fans of Tim Daly do not want to miss this one. Although there are inconsistencies and unanswered questions in this film, i.e., they never explained how Johnny became wounded and in the area... But overall, the movie touched on a variety of issues, centering around Rebecca's religious beliefs. Rebecca was torn between her love for God and family and her unexpected yet forbidden love for Johnny. Her religion taught her that she couldn't have both. Johnny didn't alienate her...he didn't even try to win her over...their love just happened. Johnny was attracted to Rebecca's quiet beauty, both outward and inward. He was also enthralled by Benjo and the "idea" of a great family life. Johnny presented himself the way he was - faults and all. Rebecca found Johnny oddly entrancing despite his faults and lack of religious conviction. The movie was action-packed when necessary and dealt with Rebecca's religious beliefs in a compassionate and moving way. It was a bit unbelievable toward the end (I won't spoil it for you), but given that, I loved the movie and plan to watch it again.
Better than average conversion from a romance novel
MoonShdo25 January 2005
Nope, it ain't a Clint Eastwood western. No deeply wrought moral tales or stoic heroes herein.
But it is a better than average take on the dime-a-dozen romance novel genre. First of all, gone are the distracting subplots that dot the novel written by Penelope Williamson. Second, this version is long on visual poetry. A lot can be conveyed by simply letting the camera stay on the principle characters as they convey the emotional content of the story. Third, the director takes advantage of a much better than expected cast. Naomi Watts has emerged as a powerhouse of an actress in the last few years and she does not disappoint in this role. Tim Daly is restrained and manages to convey more than a touch of humor to what could be a well-worn stereotype of the world weary gunfighter.
If you're in the mood for a simple story, well acted and pretty to look at, this one will serve you well.
But it is a better than average take on the dime-a-dozen romance novel genre. First of all, gone are the distracting subplots that dot the novel written by Penelope Williamson. Second, this version is long on visual poetry. A lot can be conveyed by simply letting the camera stay on the principle characters as they convey the emotional content of the story. Third, the director takes advantage of a much better than expected cast. Naomi Watts has emerged as a powerhouse of an actress in the last few years and she does not disappoint in this role. Tim Daly is restrained and manages to convey more than a touch of humor to what could be a well-worn stereotype of the world weary gunfighter.
If you're in the mood for a simple story, well acted and pretty to look at, this one will serve you well.
Yes predictable, but interesting.
damejoybean6 May 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Like the user who commented before me I agree that the story is predictable. When the movie came on my TV (gotta love The Hallmark Channel) I though, "Oh Naomi Watts playing an Amish woman, that's interesting". So I had to watch. In the movie Naomi Watts doesn't call herself Amish, she calls herself "plain". While watching this movie I was getting a "Witness" (Harrison Ford movie) vibe from it, until near the end. The "plain" widow who befriends and eventually falls for an outsider. Now she must choose between love, or her faith. I figured that Naomi Watts' character would choose her faith, but she doesn't. She chooses love, and eventually gets banished from her family and friends. I liked the movie because of the choice she made, and how she stood up to her family about her feelings, saying that they were not bad. Or maybe I liked this movie because it hit close to home. I had to choose between love and my faith. Like Naomi Watts' character, I chose love. This movie is worth watching, and I was surprised to find that it is available on DVD.
Pretty good TV western around a prohibited romance between a widow and a gunfighter
ma-cortes24 March 2019
Decent western in which a wounded pistolero shows up at an Amish community, when the gunslinger, Johnny Gault : Tim Daly, is healed by a young widow, Rebecca : Naomi Watts , he then falls in love with her . Along the way they are caught in the middle of a violent range war between cattlemen and sheep-men . Meanwhile, they are harassed by a dangerous gang led by a nasty land baron : John Noble.
This is an agreeable and romantic western, being well paced in good sense and sensibility . This acceptable , meaty Western contains interesting plot , thrills , shootouts , range war , religious conflicts , and turns to be quite entertaining , though slow-moving . A Western love story about the forbidden romance between a widow who takes at home a strange outsider after he is injured. This is a lively , beautifully filmed , well paced and hugely enjoyable western .The attractive tale is enhanced for interesting moments developed among main characters and especially on the relationship between the prim religious Naomi Watts and the brave gunman Tim Daly . The picture takes part of prestigious films as ¨Witness¨ 1985 by Peter Weir with Harrison Ford, Kelly McGillis, ¨Pale Rider¨ with Clint Eastwood, Michael Moriarty , and the classy ¨Shane¨ by George Stevens with Alan Ladd, Jean Arthur, Jack Palance and taking parts here and there from all of them. Naomi Watts gives a nice acting as the young widow from a Mennonita-like religious group and Tim Daly is very well as the tough and cold-blooded gunfighter. Support cast is frankly well, such as : David Carradine as a doctor, Keith Carradine, John Noble, Brett Tucker and brief appearance by Jason Clarke as a henchman , in one of his first films .
It displays a colorful and glimmering cinematography by Ben Nott, being shot on location in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia . And emotive and sensitive musical score by Toad Boekelheide . Including marvelous musical background based on Norwegian Folk songs . The motion picture was well directed by Randa Haines . She is a good artisan who has directed a few films as TV as cinema . Randa directed ¨The Doctor¨, ¨Wrestling Ernest Hemingway¨, and ¨Dance with me¨. Her greatest hit was the Oscarized ¨Children of a lesser God¨. She has directed various TV episodes from know series as Alfred Hitchcock presents, Hill street Blues, Tales from crypt, among others. Rating 7/10. Better than average . Well worth watching .
This is an agreeable and romantic western, being well paced in good sense and sensibility . This acceptable , meaty Western contains interesting plot , thrills , shootouts , range war , religious conflicts , and turns to be quite entertaining , though slow-moving . A Western love story about the forbidden romance between a widow who takes at home a strange outsider after he is injured. This is a lively , beautifully filmed , well paced and hugely enjoyable western .The attractive tale is enhanced for interesting moments developed among main characters and especially on the relationship between the prim religious Naomi Watts and the brave gunman Tim Daly . The picture takes part of prestigious films as ¨Witness¨ 1985 by Peter Weir with Harrison Ford, Kelly McGillis, ¨Pale Rider¨ with Clint Eastwood, Michael Moriarty , and the classy ¨Shane¨ by George Stevens with Alan Ladd, Jean Arthur, Jack Palance and taking parts here and there from all of them. Naomi Watts gives a nice acting as the young widow from a Mennonita-like religious group and Tim Daly is very well as the tough and cold-blooded gunfighter. Support cast is frankly well, such as : David Carradine as a doctor, Keith Carradine, John Noble, Brett Tucker and brief appearance by Jason Clarke as a henchman , in one of his first films .
It displays a colorful and glimmering cinematography by Ben Nott, being shot on location in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia . And emotive and sensitive musical score by Toad Boekelheide . Including marvelous musical background based on Norwegian Folk songs . The motion picture was well directed by Randa Haines . She is a good artisan who has directed a few films as TV as cinema . Randa directed ¨The Doctor¨, ¨Wrestling Ernest Hemingway¨, and ¨Dance with me¨. Her greatest hit was the Oscarized ¨Children of a lesser God¨. She has directed various TV episodes from know series as Alfred Hitchcock presents, Hill street Blues, Tales from crypt, among others. Rating 7/10. Better than average . Well worth watching .
Beautifully shot and moving
cleodeo25 January 2006
I really loved this movie and I find it very good for several reasons. First - it's a nice and very moving story about love, passion and prejudice. Next - the actors - the chemistry between Tim Daly and Naomi Watts is great, they make every moment, every word and gesture believable and real. It's a pity Daly doesn't get more roles like that, he is a very intelligent and talented actor with a really strong presence on the screen. And finally - the music and the camera work that make that atmosphere very intense and sensual at one time or serene and dreamy at another.
A must - simple, strong and beautiful.
A must - simple, strong and beautiful.
Pure corn
=G=10 November 2002
"The Outsider" tells of a beautiful Quaker-type pacifist woman (Watts) who's sheep-ranching homsteading husband is murdered by a cattleman's henchmen and is then visited by a wounded gunslinger (Daly) who just happens to quote scripture, play the harmonica, and is, of course, reeking of testosterone. In this eminently predictable, hackneyed story, the woman must nurse the man back to health and then reject the temptation to have him turn his six-shooters on the men who killed her husband and some other temptations which go with a widow living with a virile man in the same house in the boonies...well, you get the picture.
Nothing new in this no-brainer from Hallmark & Showtime. Good old fashioned PG13-type (some sex, nudity, and violence) entertainment worth a look for anyone up for a melodramatic Western. (C+)
Nothing new in this no-brainer from Hallmark & Showtime. Good old fashioned PG13-type (some sex, nudity, and violence) entertainment worth a look for anyone up for a melodramatic Western. (C+)
Very good in evoking time/place/slowly growing relationship
Carolyn-931 January 2003
Very impressed with an unknown movie with mostly unknown actors. Tim Daly - who I had always considered as an actor in light comedy - was extremely impressive as a dark, possibly evil, character. In a movie that could have been just a mixture of Shane/Witness, it brought something new and impelling. It made you care - even if the ending was a little too Hollywood.
A Shane Remake
mhaj-4731514 March 2018
Beautifully shot and well acted cliché'
freemanpatrick719 July 2014
One reviewer noted that it was obvious that this was written and directed by women. I thought the same thing. After all, it is a romance, first and a western second...distant second. The cinematography is brilliant, a bit dark at times, but considering how little electric light there was in the 19th century, it's appropriate. For the most part the acting is right on. The dialog, at times a bit forced, but is well written. But overall the film is predictable, the story line, as others have noted, is all too familiar. There's a scene where Johnny Gault tells Rebecca his life story. In a violation of the classic show, don't tell, rule. All of that would have been much more powerful had it been shown in flashback. Probably the worst part was the final shootout, yes, of course, you knew there had to be one. After Johnny had claimed to be good at killin', that he had "eyes in the back of his head", he doesn't see the old sneaking up behind 'em trick. But all in all, for a romance novel, it wasn't all bad.
Terrific job by Daly/a departure from his usual type-casting
connie barker30 June 2005
Tim Daly looks GORGEOUS as the tough gunslinger with a past. He's rough-edged but with eyes that can be soft. I know its a true western genre flick, but sometimes they're comfortable and comforting. I was amazed to discover that Tim Daly can act ... and that he's strong looking and sexy. Must have been the face-hair and dirty clothes! (He should NEVER go back to the clean-shaven, current-day business clothes look.) The story builds beautifully toward a seemingly breathless relationship between Johnny Gault (Tim's character) and Rebecca (Naomi Watt, who also did a fine job of raising this piece from routine to intriguing). The way their affair (?) is handled, the pacing, the twists along the way - leaving you never sure if they'll actually get together or not (and predictable as I thought the story was seeming, I really didn't know 'til the end) - made this a "cut above" and I very much recommend it. It might seem like a chick-flick at first, but the manly/awkward-yet-tender/sensuous way Tim/Johnny approaches the seemingly foreign nuances of a love affair might give some much needed lessons to modern guys.
A Different Western
januszlvii17 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The Outsider is a different western. Why? It was written and directed by women and told from the perspective of the heroine Rebecca ( Naomi Watts). The best part of the movie is the cinematography and music that is excellent. One thing I do not agree with is the 9 and 10 star reviews here ( 7 is more accurate). In fact, I had seen it years ago, and forgot I did until watching again last night, that is how unimpressed I was with it. The concept is the same as Angel & The Bad Man with John Wayne and the much better looking then Naomi Watts, Gail Russell. For those unfamiliar with that movie it is about a religious woman who finds a wounded gunman ( here Johnny ( Tim Daly)) brings him back to her home and nurses him back to health and they fall in love. There are a couple of differences in the movies. Here Rebecca is a widow with a son who cannot speak because of the traumatic sight of seeing his father hung, and there Gail Russell was never married. The other difference is the family. Gail Russell's family supported her choosing John Wayne ( even know they are very religious Quakers and opposed to violence and sinful people), here Rebecca's family ( also very religious ( they called themselves "Plain People" like The Amish)) and opposed her even caring for Johnny. Rebecca and Johnny fall in love but Rebecca is threatened with expulsion from her family and the Plain People community unless she "Confesses Her Sins" and leaves Johnny. Spoilers ahead: She starts to but admits, she cannot "Lie to you, God, and myself" She runs after Johnny and then they get married. Of course there is another problem: The cattle baron who had her husband hung wants her land and he will stop at nothing to get it. Spoilers ahead: Like in Angel & The Bad Man Rebecca gets injured because of the bad guys trying to kill the hero. Of course, both Rebecca like Gail Russell survive, the bad guys are dealt with, and like John Wayne earlier, Johnny gets rid of his guns forever. Also because his mom lives and because of Johnny, her son can talk again, so obviously she made the right decision. Again a different western 7/10stars.
Eh...
lady_roxana18 August 2003
For a made for TV movie, this wasn't too bad. But Naomi Watts didn't reach her full potential as Rebecca Yoder, a widow belonging to a strict religious group on the nineteenth century American frontier. I also didn't find the love between her character and Daly's too realistic. Though the film didn't immediately fall into a sappy and cliche story line, it got there eventually. I just couldn't quite make myself believe the characters had connected enough to fall in love. The film ended too abruptly, and the subplot with the violent land owners could have been developed more. It would have provided a nice contrast to all those cheesy they-almost-kissed scenes. In short: an OK film, if you're into romances. If not, you might want to pass on this underdeveloped story that's trying too hard to examine the boundaries of love and forgiveness.
Excellent film
mostert228 October 2004
The Outsider (based on a novel by Penelope Williamson) A film review by Joan Mostert
The Outsider, Johnny Gault (Tim Daly), arrives as a wounded stranger in an Amish-like community and is tended by Rebecca Yoder (Naomi Watts) who is a daughter of the 'plain' people. Doc Henry (David Carradine) wonders 'what kind of marks were left on his soul' when he sees the old wounds that were inflicted on Johnny's body. Although Johnny is seen as a 'shootist' and a dark, dangerous man, Rebecca has faith in the good of people.
The 'plain' people are intolerant of strangers and Noah Weaver (Keith Carradine), who is a potential suitor, resents the stranger. It is ironic that the 'plain' people do not realize that they too are Outsiders. Hunter, the cattle baron (John Noble) tells them that his family worked the land for three generations and he will not yield. Noah resents Rebecca's independence of thought. Although she belongs to the community, she does not share their herd instinct.
Rebecca experiences transcendence when she is in harmony with nature, it is then that she hears her inner music. It is pleasant for her to see the sun while Johnny knows how to read eyes because he is a 'shootist'. Because music is forbidden by the 'plain' people, except for the singing of hymns, she does not speak of her inner music to anyone except Johnny.
Johnny is a strong, passionate man and his facial expressions reveal his inner moods of anger, love and hate. He often reveals a sense of humour when, for instance, Rebecca asks him why he is buying a horse he replies, 'because you are the one that promised that I was gonna be gone.'
The preacher and the 'plain' people do not practice what he preaches: 'he who loveth God love his brother.' They see Johnny as the Outsider, not as a 'brother' within their closed community; Johnny sees them as 'kind folk.'
Doc Henry is a perceptive man who, in his quiet, understated way, understands people. The contrast of sun and rain, light and dark during the scenes of emotional intensity underscores the drama. The fine interactions of the ensemble cast all contribute towards the excellent film which is 'truly a pleasant thing to behold.'
The Outsider, Johnny Gault (Tim Daly), arrives as a wounded stranger in an Amish-like community and is tended by Rebecca Yoder (Naomi Watts) who is a daughter of the 'plain' people. Doc Henry (David Carradine) wonders 'what kind of marks were left on his soul' when he sees the old wounds that were inflicted on Johnny's body. Although Johnny is seen as a 'shootist' and a dark, dangerous man, Rebecca has faith in the good of people.
The 'plain' people are intolerant of strangers and Noah Weaver (Keith Carradine), who is a potential suitor, resents the stranger. It is ironic that the 'plain' people do not realize that they too are Outsiders. Hunter, the cattle baron (John Noble) tells them that his family worked the land for three generations and he will not yield. Noah resents Rebecca's independence of thought. Although she belongs to the community, she does not share their herd instinct.
Rebecca experiences transcendence when she is in harmony with nature, it is then that she hears her inner music. It is pleasant for her to see the sun while Johnny knows how to read eyes because he is a 'shootist'. Because music is forbidden by the 'plain' people, except for the singing of hymns, she does not speak of her inner music to anyone except Johnny.
Johnny is a strong, passionate man and his facial expressions reveal his inner moods of anger, love and hate. He often reveals a sense of humour when, for instance, Rebecca asks him why he is buying a horse he replies, 'because you are the one that promised that I was gonna be gone.'
The preacher and the 'plain' people do not practice what he preaches: 'he who loveth God love his brother.' They see Johnny as the Outsider, not as a 'brother' within their closed community; Johnny sees them as 'kind folk.'
Doc Henry is a perceptive man who, in his quiet, understated way, understands people. The contrast of sun and rain, light and dark during the scenes of emotional intensity underscores the drama. The fine interactions of the ensemble cast all contribute towards the excellent film which is 'truly a pleasant thing to behold.'
no client eastwood stuff,... but ...good romantic western drama.
afterdarkpak14 August 2020
Good movie with good ending. good performance too.
although naomi watts did many " cheating wife" roles, so i thought maybe in this movie she will also do same thing, but it inst.
although i didnt like the last battle, maybe because the movie focused on more serious drama than action sequence
A Amish Western
steiner-sam19 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The basic conflict is ranchers against the sheep farmers who are settling in what was previously open range. The thing that made me want to see this movie was the fact that the settlers were Amish who had moved to Montana from Ohio.
Ben Yoder, an Amish farmer with a lovely Amish wife, Rebecca Yoder, whose bonnet always sits far back on her head, goes off to help some sheep in trouble and runs into conflict with the neighboring rancher who wants to buy his land. When Ben refuses, Fergus Hunter has Ben hung and claims he was stealing cattle. The sheriff is in Hunter's pocket, so nothing is done. Ben's young son, Benjo, witnesses the hanging and is psychologically impacted to the point of no longer being able to speak.
Rebecca continues to operate the farm and is courted by Noah Weaver, a neighboring Amish widower. One day while doing chores an injured man wanders on to Rebecca's property and collapses. Johnny Gault turns out to be a gunfighter with a horrible background. Of course, Rebecca takes him in, and with the help of Doctor Henry nurses him back to health.
Rebecca learns of Gault's difficult past, and Gault learns about the "Plain People" as they are called in the film. Gault also develops a close relationship with Benjo. Gault drives off Hunter and his men when they come to intimidate Rebecca to sell.
Gault goes along to a worship service in a barn, and muses about the strange singing, etc. (These Amish speak English, but their singing matches the pace of Amish singing today.) After the service ends some of Hunter's men drive a cattle herd past the barn, almost killing Benjo. There is another confrontation between Gault and one of the men who hung Ben Yoder.
The relationship between Gault and Rebecca develops where they recognize their love for one another. As they are consummating their love, an Amish neighbor woman walks in on them. Rebecca is then faced with the choice of confessing to the church and having Gault leave immediately, or being shunned. She goes to the meeting, but declares her love for Gault and walks out. Johnny Gault and Rebecca Yoder get married, and Noah Weaver comes to inform her that she is now shunned.
A bit later after another incident with the rancher's thugs, there is a final confrontation between Gault, Hunter, and two of Hunter's men. Rebecca warns Gault about one of the men sneaking up behind him, and is shot herself in the process. Hunter and both men are killed by Gault. While waiting to see if Rebecca will live or die, Gault throws his handgun into the fire. Rebecca lives, and we last see them riding out of town back to their farm.
It was an interesting film, and better quality than I expected. The portrayal of the "Plain People" is stereotyped and not nuanced at all. As usual in such films. Violence is required in order to achieve peace.
Ben Yoder, an Amish farmer with a lovely Amish wife, Rebecca Yoder, whose bonnet always sits far back on her head, goes off to help some sheep in trouble and runs into conflict with the neighboring rancher who wants to buy his land. When Ben refuses, Fergus Hunter has Ben hung and claims he was stealing cattle. The sheriff is in Hunter's pocket, so nothing is done. Ben's young son, Benjo, witnesses the hanging and is psychologically impacted to the point of no longer being able to speak.
Rebecca continues to operate the farm and is courted by Noah Weaver, a neighboring Amish widower. One day while doing chores an injured man wanders on to Rebecca's property and collapses. Johnny Gault turns out to be a gunfighter with a horrible background. Of course, Rebecca takes him in, and with the help of Doctor Henry nurses him back to health.
Rebecca learns of Gault's difficult past, and Gault learns about the "Plain People" as they are called in the film. Gault also develops a close relationship with Benjo. Gault drives off Hunter and his men when they come to intimidate Rebecca to sell.
Gault goes along to a worship service in a barn, and muses about the strange singing, etc. (These Amish speak English, but their singing matches the pace of Amish singing today.) After the service ends some of Hunter's men drive a cattle herd past the barn, almost killing Benjo. There is another confrontation between Gault and one of the men who hung Ben Yoder.
The relationship between Gault and Rebecca develops where they recognize their love for one another. As they are consummating their love, an Amish neighbor woman walks in on them. Rebecca is then faced with the choice of confessing to the church and having Gault leave immediately, or being shunned. She goes to the meeting, but declares her love for Gault and walks out. Johnny Gault and Rebecca Yoder get married, and Noah Weaver comes to inform her that she is now shunned.
A bit later after another incident with the rancher's thugs, there is a final confrontation between Gault, Hunter, and two of Hunter's men. Rebecca warns Gault about one of the men sneaking up behind him, and is shot herself in the process. Hunter and both men are killed by Gault. While waiting to see if Rebecca will live or die, Gault throws his handgun into the fire. Rebecca lives, and we last see them riding out of town back to their farm.
It was an interesting film, and better quality than I expected. The portrayal of the "Plain People" is stereotyped and not nuanced at all. As usual in such films. Violence is required in order to achieve peace.
Finally a breath of fresh air
Roxanna-Hartman27 April 2004
The Outsider is a wonderful movie and a joy to watch due mainly to Tim Daly and Naomi Watts. Tim Daly has never looked better. The baby face and preppy look transformed. He instantly got my attention and I was riveted for the duration. His acting was natural, he was charming, humorous, and, yes, sexy. I couldn't take my eyes off his face when on screen. Naomi Watts was beautiful and believable and the chemistry between the two main characters extraordinary. I would recommend this movie to anyone who would like a different kind of western. One that focuses on the romance, rather than the violence. I purchased this movie which is something I rarely do. I liked it that much. Truly a breath of fresh air.
I liked it as much as I liked it in 1947
elveradell28 March 2024
I'm not familiar with this author that wrote The outsider, but I must say this is exactly, except for the very end, the 1947 movie"Angel in the Badman"starring absolutely stunning Gail Russell and the very young and handsome John Wayne. The only difference was the ending in the 1947 version the bad man tries to straighten out his ways totally opposite of what happened in The Outsider when are heroin decides to throw everything to the wind for love because the bad man isn't going to change. I love Tim Daly that's why I watched it he was gorgeous in it, he was racked out and he's always had a face to die for. I think the author may have been guilty of a little plagiarism here I could be wrong but watch the 1947 version and form your own opinion.
Just like reading a great romance novel
saprater21 March 2005
This movie was fantastic. For anyone that loves reading a good romance novel, this is the movie for you. I always despaired whenever I saw a good romance book turned into a movie because the studio execs could NEVER get it right (Check out all the Danielle Steel stuff on the market...bletch!) This actually DOES get it right. Sexy, intelligent, believable characters, and a smoldering chemistry that actually left me thankful for commercials so that I could catch my breathe.
Tim Daly is fantastic in this film. I had my doubts to whether or not he could pull it off: primarily I was worried that he wouldn't be "masculine" enough to play a rugged gunslinger. Boy was I wrong. Not only that, but his character has a variety of facets which are explored in a realistic way. A must see. If you like Deveraux, McNaught, Medeiros, Blake, Feather, etc...go out and rent this movie. You won't be disappointed.
Tim Daly is fantastic in this film. I had my doubts to whether or not he could pull it off: primarily I was worried that he wouldn't be "masculine" enough to play a rugged gunslinger. Boy was I wrong. Not only that, but his character has a variety of facets which are explored in a realistic way. A must see. If you like Deveraux, McNaught, Medeiros, Blake, Feather, etc...go out and rent this movie. You won't be disappointed.
Terribly disappointing
dmhawkeyeguy2 July 2015
Warning: Spoilers
If you think a woman's path to true love requires her to deny the essence of her being, this is the movie for you. I agree with the other reviewers that this was in all other ways a very well done movie and I love westerns. The cinematography was especially impressive and the actors were fine. The story line pulled me in right away since it had plenty of classic western themes but also mixed in unexpected pleasures like the role of the music. As the film moved to its climax, I had hope for a satisfying resolution but I could feel the pit growing in my guts as I saw where things were heading. If Johnny loved Rebecca, could he really take her away from all that she held dear and defined who she was? If Rebecca was as strong a woman as she was portrayed, would she just give up her life like that? Maybe I have the wrong idea of romance, but I just couldn't get past the underlying message. Sorry.
Beautiful movie, great chemistry
skoczyfb27 December 2006
This is a superb movie. Men will love Naomi Watts endearing and touching performance as a mennonite-ish widow who has peaceful religious convictions. Women will fall hard for Tim Daly as infamous rugged outlaw Johnny Gault whom the widow takes in when he's injured. Mr. Daly absolutely shines in this film. He is one of our most under-appreciated actors today and I miss seeing him in more movies. Don't miss him also in an older film with Penelope Ann Miller called "HAILEY"S COMET" I believe it was entitled. It was fabulous. This film THE OUTSIDER is reminiscent of "the Angel & the Badman" with John Wayne. However, THE OUTSIDER is a deeper story, with more plot, and a lot more depth to its characterizations. Naomi Watts breaks your heart in one scene where she declares her love for the outlaw to her religious community and is being ostracized for it. It's heartwrenching. And Watts' & Daly's chemistry when they are in each other's arms is undeniable. My husband and I both loved this film. Also recommended "LOVE COMES SOFTLY".
Not for me...
dbryn2 April 2012
I'm currently writing a Western Romance script that involves two lovers from different cultures, thus I watched The Outsider as a study.
It's interesting that fifteen minutes in I wondered if the script was written by a female. Not only was the script written by a female, but the book was also written by a female. I'm not mentioning this as a negative. In fact, perhaps this is more appealing to a female audience than your more gritty Eastwood western. I found the dialogue to be weak, the acting 'soap opera'ish', and several factors that were too unbelievable (8yr old turns into David the Giant killer?). My biggest beef with the movie was that there was absolutely not a thing that was a twist. From start to finish the movie was entirely predictable. The only thing unique about the movie was the exploration of the romance between two different cultures, which in this instance was not enough to carry the movie in my opinion.
If you're into cliché romance novels, this may be an interesting movie for you. For me, this was the second worst Western I've seen in twenty years which is unfortunate because I've seen these actors shine in better written roles.
It's interesting that fifteen minutes in I wondered if the script was written by a female. Not only was the script written by a female, but the book was also written by a female. I'm not mentioning this as a negative. In fact, perhaps this is more appealing to a female audience than your more gritty Eastwood western. I found the dialogue to be weak, the acting 'soap opera'ish', and several factors that were too unbelievable (8yr old turns into David the Giant killer?). My biggest beef with the movie was that there was absolutely not a thing that was a twist. From start to finish the movie was entirely predictable. The only thing unique about the movie was the exploration of the romance between two different cultures, which in this instance was not enough to carry the movie in my opinion.
If you're into cliché romance novels, this may be an interesting movie for you. For me, this was the second worst Western I've seen in twenty years which is unfortunate because I've seen these actors shine in better written roles.
It's the gunman and the widow again- but quite satisfying
noralee1 January 2003
Aw, shucks, so "The Outsider" (a Showtime original so it will eventually show up in video stores) is based on the kind of a romance novel (by Penelope Williamson) that probably has a flower on the cover.
But beautiful Queensland, Australia fills in quite nicely for Montana as the usual isolated farmhouse works romantic wonders on a hardened gunman (Tim Daly, in a surprisingly convincing tough guy undergoing physical and slow psychic rehabilitation turn) and a kind, religious yet horny widow (Naomi Watt with an excellent American accent) threatened by evil cattlemen.
From the opening shots, the twist is that she makes the significant moves and decisions in her relationships, and the two leads have dynamic chemistry together.
Another twist is that we get to see two Carradines not playing brothers, and neither gets the girl.
Credit to director Randa Haines for the combination of emoting, setting, cinematography, and editing to emphasize the characters' conflicts and changes.
But beautiful Queensland, Australia fills in quite nicely for Montana as the usual isolated farmhouse works romantic wonders on a hardened gunman (Tim Daly, in a surprisingly convincing tough guy undergoing physical and slow psychic rehabilitation turn) and a kind, religious yet horny widow (Naomi Watt with an excellent American accent) threatened by evil cattlemen.
From the opening shots, the twist is that she makes the significant moves and decisions in her relationships, and the two leads have dynamic chemistry together.
Another twist is that we get to see two Carradines not playing brothers, and neither gets the girl.
Credit to director Randa Haines for the combination of emoting, setting, cinematography, and editing to emphasize the characters' conflicts and changes.
A terrific date movie.
jeromec-222 July 2004
Warning: Spoilers
There might be a spoiler in this. I'm not sure. One has to refer to the plot to describe accurately what occurs.
Every so often, a movie comes along with an inspiring cast, a beautiful setting, dialog that sounds like people talking, foreshadow that makes sense and characters that emote deep sympathy.
Though not a great movie, this one is certainly above average and it has all the above qualities present in one form or another.
I think that modern society does not know how to deal with tender emotions. It has a tough time knowing the difference between that which we wish was true and that which really is. Women's novels have been taking it on the chin over this issue for decades. So many novels wind up as women's pornography which means that any sexual contact must be forestalled until the last possible moment when all the conditions of courtship have been met and met again (which takes 3/4 of the average female novel devoted to the subject). Contrast this with men's pornography which has the sexual act moving mountains in the first 20 pages.
One could say, as one reader did, that there likely is a flower on the cover that is, this is typically a woman's story.
I would like to disagree. This is primarily about values. If it was an ordinary movie, it would have ended with their marriage. It did not. He is a man that is reformed. He now knows what love is, something he knew nothing about before he met her.
And because he loves her, he will see that nothing happens to her. Or he will try. He is still very much a man with all of his former values. These values are just better directed.
She on the other hand is not horny. She does not go into heat at the sight of every man or any man. She is attracted to him because he does have values and one of them is to appreciate who she is. He sees worth in her almost as soon as his illness breaks. He appreciates her humor and her humanity. Of course he does not take to being reprimanded over the music, but he is being more playful and teasing than he is outraged and rebellious. He does not want to force her to back down. He just wants her to know that there is more to the world than she knows.
But the discussion of music is just beginning. She reveals that she hears everything around her as a fugue (not her words). He does not seem the least bit surprised.
What we find out is that she is very earthy as well as being spiritual. Her religion consists of everything around her. She would be religious in Helena Montana, New York, or on an ocean liner (none of which are the settings for this movie) because what she feels is all around her and nature creates its own music.
When they finally do make love, it is not lust: it is just another form of music. Her inability to hear is only momentarily covered over by falling into the trap of doing what she thinks she ought to do rather than feeling good about what she knows is best for her.
Naomi Watts is terrific as the lead although one does not think so in the beginning. She does not specialize in soft tender roles.
The male lead and the boy are also good and both are unknown to me as well. But they are both very convincing.
Summary 5 out of 5 if you feel like a romantic drama.
Every so often, a movie comes along with an inspiring cast, a beautiful setting, dialog that sounds like people talking, foreshadow that makes sense and characters that emote deep sympathy.
Though not a great movie, this one is certainly above average and it has all the above qualities present in one form or another.
I think that modern society does not know how to deal with tender emotions. It has a tough time knowing the difference between that which we wish was true and that which really is. Women's novels have been taking it on the chin over this issue for decades. So many novels wind up as women's pornography which means that any sexual contact must be forestalled until the last possible moment when all the conditions of courtship have been met and met again (which takes 3/4 of the average female novel devoted to the subject). Contrast this with men's pornography which has the sexual act moving mountains in the first 20 pages.
One could say, as one reader did, that there likely is a flower on the cover that is, this is typically a woman's story.
I would like to disagree. This is primarily about values. If it was an ordinary movie, it would have ended with their marriage. It did not. He is a man that is reformed. He now knows what love is, something he knew nothing about before he met her.
And because he loves her, he will see that nothing happens to her. Or he will try. He is still very much a man with all of his former values. These values are just better directed.
She on the other hand is not horny. She does not go into heat at the sight of every man or any man. She is attracted to him because he does have values and one of them is to appreciate who she is. He sees worth in her almost as soon as his illness breaks. He appreciates her humor and her humanity. Of course he does not take to being reprimanded over the music, but he is being more playful and teasing than he is outraged and rebellious. He does not want to force her to back down. He just wants her to know that there is more to the world than she knows.
But the discussion of music is just beginning. She reveals that she hears everything around her as a fugue (not her words). He does not seem the least bit surprised.
What we find out is that she is very earthy as well as being spiritual. Her religion consists of everything around her. She would be religious in Helena Montana, New York, or on an ocean liner (none of which are the settings for this movie) because what she feels is all around her and nature creates its own music.
When they finally do make love, it is not lust: it is just another form of music. Her inability to hear is only momentarily covered over by falling into the trap of doing what she thinks she ought to do rather than feeling good about what she knows is best for her.
Naomi Watts is terrific as the lead although one does not think so in the beginning. She does not specialize in soft tender roles.
The male lead and the boy are also good and both are unknown to me as well. But they are both very convincing.
Summary 5 out of 5 if you feel like a romantic drama.
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