The plot is set in 1956 and follows a cutter named Leonard (Rylance), who is lovingly nicknamed by the gangsters who use his suit store as a front for their own criminal enterprise as "English." Leonard has a classy suit shop in Chicago that caters to the area's gentlemen, as well as those who utilise it as their personal post office. Due to the latter's being shot in an ambush, johnny Flynn and Dylan O'Brien play two teenage thugs who rush into the business one night. The events of the next several hours, including the disclosure of a cassette with recorded evidence of criminal activities, will push Leonard and his uninvited visitors to the brink.
The Outfit, like many recent films, suffers with a runtime of nearly two hours that detracts from the film's intensity and pace. Although 105 minutes may not seem like a long time, given the film's tempo and how much of it is devoted to Leonard monologues, the film might have been cut down to 90 minutes and still been better. However, the picture is enjoyable to watch on its own terms. director Graham Moore brings each element of The Outfit to life with ease and confidence. The lavish production design and relaxed pace with which the tale unfolds will appeal to fans of alfred Hitchcock and the golden era of 1950s hollywood thrillers.
Mark Rylance is a remarkable talent who excels in this role. Without Rylance's demure and mysterious performance, the Outfit would fail. As his character navigates a risky night with gangsters, the film is created exclusively for him. Only johnny Flynn as Francis, a young lieutenant who is the polar antithesis of the cutter in every way, shape, and form, comes close to matching Rylance's performance. The film's second act is dominated by the fascinating juxtaposition of these personalities.
The Outfit is a well-made, old-fashioned crime thriller that makes effective use of its locale, engaging cast, and strong hero. It's a lot of fun to watch because the main character is a mystery worth delving into. The audience is well aware that there is more to the well-spoken guy than meets the eye, whose prized set of shears are as keen as his wit and tongue, as O'Brien's character dismisses him as just an old tailor.
The Outfit, like many recent films, suffers with a runtime of nearly two hours that detracts from the film's intensity and pace. Although 105 minutes may not seem like a long time, given the film's tempo and how much of it is devoted to Leonard monologues, the film might have been cut down to 90 minutes and still been better. However, the picture is enjoyable to watch on its own terms. director Graham Moore brings each element of The Outfit to life with ease and confidence. The lavish production design and relaxed pace with which the tale unfolds will appeal to fans of alfred Hitchcock and the golden era of 1950s hollywood thrillers.
Mark Rylance is a remarkable talent who excels in this role. Without Rylance's demure and mysterious performance, the Outfit would fail. As his character navigates a risky night with gangsters, the film is created exclusively for him. Only johnny Flynn as Francis, a young lieutenant who is the polar antithesis of the cutter in every way, shape, and form, comes close to matching Rylance's performance. The film's second act is dominated by the fascinating juxtaposition of these personalities.
The Outfit is a well-made, old-fashioned crime thriller that makes effective use of its locale, engaging cast, and strong hero. It's a lot of fun to watch because the main character is a mystery worth delving into. The audience is well aware that there is more to the well-spoken guy than meets the eye, whose prized set of shears are as keen as his wit and tongue, as O'Brien's character dismisses him as just an old tailor.
