Un mystérieux étranger

Not just another rehash of Witness or Shane, and in some ways better than either of these classics with the amazing acting talents of Tim Daly and Naomi Watts. Throw David and Keith Carradine into the mix and you have a wonderful, touching film that doesn't rely so much on story as on the characters themselves. From the tearful acceptance of cruel murder at the beginning to the raw emotion carried throughout by the expressive emoting of Tim Daly (when did he get so GOOD?) I thoroughly enjoyed watching and could not tear myself away from the screen. Naomi Watts is a wellspring of sweetness not to be missed, so well does she capture the agony of woman torn between home and heart. David Carradine as the world-weary but caring town doctor is a pleasing surprise. Keith Carradine as the spurned "plain" man also works very well here. If you're a western fan, take the time for this one. If you're a Tim Daly fan or a Naomi Watts fan, make this a must see.

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.'

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.

Hi: My name is Pat D'Spain, and I am from Bandera, Texas. I am posting this message to say that The Outsider is absolutely the best film I have ever seen. I can't describe how wonderfully Tim Daly and Naomi Watts fit their parts. They gave top quality performances, and the whole film was perfectly cast. The beautiful music brought this film to an ultimate level. The story is heartwarming and touching. It is portrayed with such deep feeling, and there is not a dull or boring moment. I have viewed hundreds of films and I have never been so captivated by any movie as I am this one. I have watched this film over and over partly because Naomi Watts was so good in her part, and partly because Tim Daly is absolutely the best actor I have ever seen.

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.