Un mystérieux étranger

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.

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.'

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.

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.

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.