Outside Man

The movie Outside Man from 1972 is a French crime thriller that follows Lucien Bellon (played by Jean-Louis Trintignant), a professional hitman who travels from Paris to Los Angeles to carry out a contract killing. The film begins with a tense and well-executed opening sequence in which Bellon is shown going about his high-pressure job with clinical efficiency. But he is not just another gun-for-hire; Bellon is a complex character with a unique set of skills that sets him apart from his fellow hitmen. He is meticulous, calculating, and methodical, taking his time to understand his target and their environment before moving in for the kill.

Bellon's mission takes an unexpected turn when he discovers that the man he has been hired to kill is an influential businessman named Léonard Michalon (played by Umberto Orsini), who has connections to the French underworld. Michalon's associates, led by a ruthless mobster named Lino (played by Roy Scheider), quickly become aware of Bellon's presence in Los Angeles and start hunting him down.

As Bellon struggles to evade his pursuers and complete his mission, he begins to develop a relationship with a woman named Nancy (played by Ann-Margret), who owns the hotel where he is staying. Nancy is intrigued by Bellon's mysterious demeanor and begins to dig into his past, uncovering secrets about his life in Paris that he would rather keep hidden.

The film's plot is fast-paced, with plenty of action and suspense to keep the audience engaged. But what sets Outside Man apart from other crime thrillers of its era is its emphasis on character development. Bellon is not just a one-dimensional hitman; he is a complex, flawed, and ultimately sympathetic protagonist who is struggling to survive in a brutal world. Trintignant delivers a powerful performance as Bellon, bringing a sense of quiet intensity to the role that makes the audience root for him despite his violent profession.

Ann-Margret is also excellent as Nancy, bringing a sense of warmth and empathy to her role that provides a counterbalance to the film's darker elements. Her scenes with Trintignant are some of the film's most memorable, as the two actors create a chemistry that is both believable and engaging.

The film's Los Angeles setting is also noteworthy, as it provides a unique backdrop for the story's action. The city's sprawling metropolis, with its vast networks of highways and interconnected neighborhoods, gives the film a sense of scale and grandeur that adds to its overall impact.

Overall, Outside Man is a gripping crime thriller with strong performances, a fast-paced plot, and a unique sense of style. While some of its scenes may feel dated to modern audiences, the film's strengths as a character-driven drama make it worth watching for anyone looking for an intelligent and engaging crime movie.