Watch The Outsider

The Outsider is a 1979 film directed by Tony Luraschi and starring Craig Wasson, Sterling Hayden, and Patricia Quinn. The movie revolves around the story of a young man named Penrod "Pen" Sloan (Wasson) who is a struggling musician in the 1950s. He is living in Los Angeles and trying to make it big in the music industry without much success.

One day, Pen discovers that his father has died and he returns home to his small hometown in Indiana. Pen is haunted by his memories of his father and the nature of his death, and he attempts to uncover the truth while also reconnecting with his childhood friends.

Pen's father had been a respected member of the community and had been involved in the town's politics, but since his death, it has become apparent that there are deep secrets hiding in the past. As Pen begins to investigate, he discovers that there is corruption in the town and that many people are trying to cover up the truth about his father’s death.

The Outsider is a slow-paced movie that explores the complexity of the human psyche and the impact that secrets can have on an individual and a community. The small-town setting creates a sense of isolation and claustrophobia, and the tension builds as Pen gets closer to the truth.

Craig Wasson delivers a solid performance as Pen, portraying him as a vulnerable and conflicted protagonist, who is trying to make sense of his past and his present. Sterling Hayden's portrayal of Pen's father is hauntingly memorable, adding depth and complexity to the movie's storyline.

Patricia Quinn plays Pen's high-school sweetheart, Johanna. Her character represents the hope and innocence that Pen left behind when he went to pursue his dreams in Los Angeles. Throughout the film, Johanna tries to help Pen unravel the mysteries of his father’s death, and their reunion sparks a renewed sense of hope and longing.

The Outsider also touches on the themes of family, loyalty, and betrayal. Pen's relationship with his family is complicated, and he struggles to come to terms with his father's flaws and the secrets that his family has kept from him. His friendships from childhood have also been impacted by the town's corruption, and he has to question who he can trust.

Visually, The Outsider is a stunning homage to the 50s era, with its carefully crafted set design and period appropriate clothes. The film also features an impressive soundtrack with a mix of old favorites and original compositions.

In conclusion, The Outsider is a compelling drama that will keep viewers on edge until the end. The film's character-driven plot and superb acting make it well worth watching, and the themes it explores are still relevant today.

The Outsider is a 1980 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 8 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 63.