Watch The Outsider - A Film About James Toback

The Outsider - A Film About James Toback is a 2005 documentary that takes an in-depth look at the life and career of director and screenwriter James Toback. The film is directed by Nicholas Jarecki and features interviews with Toback himself, as well as well-known figures in the film industry such as Woody Allen, Robert Downey Jr., and Neve Campbell.

The movie begins by exploring Toback's upbringing as the son of a stockbroker and the influence his father's profession had on his own goals in life. It delves into his years at Harvard, where he became interested in film, as well as his early career in the industry working as a journalist and music critic.

The film then moves on to Toback's success as a Hollywood screenwriter. He wrote the screenplay for the acclaimed 1974 film The Gambler, which was based on his own experiences as a compulsive gambler. Toback's ability to write about his own life in a way that was both cathartic for him and relatable to audiences became a hallmark of his work.

Throughout the movie, the viewer is treated to stories of Toback's interactions with famous celebrities and entertainers, including Warren Beatty, Jim Brown, and Mike Tyson. These anecdotes provide insight into Toback's personality and his working relationships with the people around him.

The Outsider also delves into Toback's more controversial side. The film covers allegations of sexual harassment made against Toback by multiple women, and the impact these allegations had on his career and personal life. The documentary does not shy away from exploring these allegations, as well as Toback's confrontational approach to handling them.

The interviews with Woody Allen, Robert Downey Jr., and Neve Campbell provide a deeper look into Toback's creative process and the impact he had on those around him. Allen speaks about Toback's love of words and his ability to craft dialogue that felt real and genuine. Downey Jr. shares stories of how Toback helped him overcome addiction and get his career back on track. Campbell, who starred in Toback's film Harvard Man, describes his unique approach to directing actors and his focus on the details of each performance.

Overall, The Outsider - A Film About James Toback offers a nuanced and complex look at a man who has had a significant impact on the film industry. The documentary does not shy away from exploring both the positive and negative aspects of Toback's life, providing a well-rounded view of his personality and his work. The interviews with well-known figures in the industry provide a deeper understanding of Toback's approach to filmmaking, making this a must-watch for anyone interested in his work or the inner workings of Hollywood in general.