"You cannot make something good until you understand who you're making it for", insists Savile Row trained cutter Leonard Burling. Within the first few minutes of 2022's The Outfit it's obvious that the film's makers knew exactly who they were making it for. Perfectly capturing the mix of grit and glamour that dominated the streets of 1950's Chicago the film relates a mystery that is every bit as intricate as a well made suit. For a classic crime drama that contemporary cinephiles will love schedule your appointment with The Outfit.
The story begins in 1956 with mild mannered English cutter Leonard Burling running a tailor shop in Chicago with his secretary, Mabel. The pair form a familial bond with Leonard acting as the stable father that Mabel never had and Mabel filling the void left in the wake of his daughter's death. Unfortunately for the duo, the shop is located in a neighborhood controlled by mob boss Roy Boyle. As a result, the pair are forced to work under the constant threat of violence and extortion. In an effort to ensure his and Mabel's safety and the shop's security Leonard allows Boyle's men to use the shop as a stash house to store their ill gotten gains. When Boyle's son, Richie, arrives at the shop after being shot by a rival gang the stage is set for a battle of wills that will determine the fate of Leonard, Mabel, their shop, and the ultimately the neighborhood.
At one point in the film Leonard acknowledges the impossibility of perfection, but maintains that "If you don't aim for perfection you cannot make anything great", and The Outfit does just that. The film deftly blends beloved elements of the gangster genre to relate a tale of family, rivalry, and betrayal that any wise guy would appreciate. The film's attention to historical detail is nothing short of mesmerizing as its use of period costumes, sets, and dialogue transports viewers into the heart of 1950's Chicago. Rather than resigning itself to acting as an homage to past works, however, the film offers something unexpected. By telling its story from Leonard's perspective the film highlights the plight of everyday people forced to live in the crosshairs of organized crime. As a result, the drama lies not in the neighborhood gun fights, but within ordinary citizens' ability to maneuver the bullet riddled streets unscathed. Through this approach the film sheds vital light upon the toll of crime upon individuals and entire cities alike, while inviting viewers to contemplate how they would fare in Leonard and Mabel's positions. In this way the film offers a story that is at once invitingly familiar and exhilaratingly unknown. The film also succeeds in its efforts to combine gangland drama with mystery as it manages to weave an intricate maze of plot twists into the mob action without sacrificing the impact of either. While the film might not be perfect, it certainly aims for perfection and in doing so achieves something truly great. For a a night to remember try The Outfit on for size.
The film transports viewers to the gritty streets of 1950's Chicago thanks to the brilliant work of its cast. Dylan O'Brien infuses Richie with roguish charm, recklessness, and menace. Johnny Flynn recalls such mob movie greats as James Cagney and Edward G Robinson as the calculating Francis. Simon Russell Beale expertly blends gentlemanly charisma, paternal concern, and visceral brutality as Roy Boyle. Nikki Amuka-Bird is an alluring mix of sultry and sinister as rival mob boss Violet La Fontaine. Zoey Deutch expertly blends girl next door charm and street smarts in her winning turn as Mabel. Even in the midst of outstanding supporting performances the film belongs to Mark Rylance in his magnetic turn as the enigmatic Leonard.
At once deceptively simple and unexpectedly intricate The Outfit is a film that offers more with every viewing. Through its razor sharp writing the script transports today's viewers to the mean streets of 50's Chicago. The uniformly excellent performances treat viewers to an intimate look at a fascinating array of characters. For a crime drama that is a cut above, join Leonard and Mabel in The Outfit.
Be sure to check out my full length drama People's War published with Off the Wall Plays https://offthewallplays.com/product/peoples-war-drama-about-the-start-of-covid-19-in-wuhan/
No comments:
Post a Comment