Graham Moore's "THE OUTFIT"

Movie review by Dennis, D. McDonald.

This cat-and-mouse caper film is propelled by a mesmerizing performance by Mark Rylance. He plays – – masterfully – an English “cutter“ (not tailor), who has moved to 1950s Chicago and whose sparse shop now serves as a front for money drops by local mobsters.

There’s a rat in the organization who is tipping off the FBI. Somehow the cutter and his secretary are caught in the middle of a gang effort to recover an incriminating tape before the opposing mob or the FBI get their hands on it.

Yes, it’s a contrived plot but script, music (Alexandre Desplat), photography (Dick Pope), editing, and especially Rylance’s evocative performance keep the audience on pins and needles throughout. The ending is a bit Hollywood-ish and contrived but one who stays the course is finally rewarded by seeing Rylance smile.. Recommended.

Review copyright 2022 by Dennis, D. McDonald.

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