The Outsiders (1983)

The Outsiders

• Boy, I have some great memories with this film. Even though I obviously wasn’t alive when it came out, it’s very nostalgic for me, and I’ll tell you why. The first (and only) time I had watched this was in eighth grade, after we had finished reading the book. I remember liking it, as well as the book. My high school also did this as a theater production, and many of my friends were in it, so that’s also a nice memory. Anyways, I feel very connected to this film, and not just because of the school flashbacks. I’ve been on a recent Tom Cruise run (in between MCU rewatches), and even though he has minimal screentime in this, he’s still in it nonetheless. There’s also Rob Lower, whose shower scene did CRAZY things to me back when I was fourteen. And of course, this film is the handiwork of Francis Ford Coppola, one of the greatest filmmakers to ever live. His adaptation of the book is pretty solid, though this specific version of the film definitely leaves out some key scenes. I’m gonna get around to the director’s cut one of these days. But the story is mostly faithful to the source, and the cast does a great job of bringing each person to life. There’s not really a performance that stands out above the others, other than maybe Ralph Macchio and Matt Dillon. The biggest emotional moments really hinder on them, and it pays off. The visuals are also good, with simplicity and griminess that helps with the “greaser” aspect, while still having some truly beautiful shots and fades (in the way that Coppola does). Perhaps my favorite part of the whole film is Carmine Coppola’s score. I don’t remember it much from my first watch, but it’s emerged as one of my favorites scores in cinema history. The strings are so powerful and pull at your heart, which compliments the male sensitivity and male bonds that you see. Because of the crime and rough and tumble, the score offers a gorgeous contrast that connects you to the brotherhood of the greasers. Overall, this is a solid film that I have fond memories of watching, and despite not being up to par with other pieces of Coppola’s filmography, and it’s a fun, quick, and sentimental watch. I would recommend it to most crime/drama/coming-of-age fans. This film is officially Berry Approved, so go watch it now!