Year – 1973
Decade – 1970s
Director – John Flynn (imdb)
Cinematographer – Bruce Surtees (imdb)
Genre – Action; Crime
Keywords – 1970s action; 1970s Crime; Donald Westlake Adaptations; Robert Duvall Movies
Studio – MGM
Shooting Location – California
Aspect Ratio – 1.85
Format – 35mm with spherical lenses

The Movie
After his release from prison, armed robber Robert Duvall embarks on a heist spree targeting the crime syndicate that killed his brother. Though Duvall’s character goes by Earl Macklin in The Outfit, the film is based on the third novel in Donald Westlake’s 24-book Parker series, a character also played on screen by Lee Marvin (Point Blank), Jim Brown (The Split), Mel Gibson (Payback) and Jason Statham (Parker). In one of his last roles (he passed before The Outfit was released), Robert Ryan plays the mob boss at the center of Duvall’s revenge plot. Joe Don Baker co-stars as Duvall’s partner and Karen Black as his girl. The rest of the cast is sprinkled with veterans of classic noirs, including Timothy Carey (The Killing), Marie Windsor (The Narrow Margin and Force of Evil), Jane Greer (Out of the Past) and Elisha Cook Jr. (The Big Sleep and The Maltese Falcon).

The plot is fairly generic, but I love the taciturn, economical style director John Flynn employs here, typified by an opening assassination scene and a prison-set credits sequence almost entirely bereft of dialogue. Though the film’s reputation has grown over the years, the initial reviews were mixed. Here’s New York Times critic Vincent Canby:

“The Outfit, one of the last films to be produced during James Aubrey’s administration at M-G-M, stands as an explanation of what happened to drive that once-great company from the ranks of the major studios. The Outfit is not really a bad movie. It doesn’t fail in an attempt to do something beyond its means. It doesn’t attempt to do anything except pass the time, which simply isn’t good enough when most of us have access to television. It’s a B movie, made approximately 30 years too late for the market…”

Quentin Tarantino is among those who feel differently about Flynn’s work. He named his 1990s distribution label after Flynn’s Rolling Thunder and dedicated chapters in his book Cinema Speculation to both Thunder and The Outfit. Tarantino even considered adapting the latter in the late 1990s, with Robert De Niro in the Macklin/Parker role, Harvey Keitel stepping in for Joe Don Baker and Pam Grier in place of Karen Black.

There isn’t all that much info out there on Flynn, who passed away in 2007, and what is available mainly comes from Harvey F. Chartrand’s excellent interview with the filmmaker in the Fall 2005 issue of Shock Cinema. Here’s Flynn talking about The Outfit from that piece:

Shock Cinema: Roger Ebert describes The Outfit as a “classy action picture, very well directed and acted.” How are you able to create such convincing underworld milieus in your crime films?

John Flynn: I’ve always been fascinated by the criminal demimonde. I’m a big fan of the Parker novels by Donald E. Westlake, writing as Richard Stark. We had a great B-movie cast in The Outfit (Elisha Cook, Jr., Richard Jaeckel, Marie Windsor, Timothy Carey and Jane Greer), but contrary to some reports, it never started out as a film noir period piece set in the 1940s. Robert Duvall really nailed the Parker character (renamed Earl Macklin for The Outfit). Parker is an armed robbery technician who doesn’t crack jokes. Duvall was more like the character in the book than Mel Gibson was in Payback. I’m very proud of The Outfit. Donald Westlake told me he loved it, even though we had to change the ending. (MGM studio boss) James Aubrey wanted us to make it more upbeat. But Westlake told me The Outfit was one of his favorites of all the films based on his novels.


Frame Group #1

Metro Goldwyn Mayer logo featuring a roaring lion surrounded by decorative elements and the motto 'Ars Gratia Artis' on a black background.
A view of a road stretching into the distance with a vehicle approaching, flanked by green hills and blue sky.
A vintage cab labeled 'Sierra Cab Co.' parked at a small gas station with red fuel pumps in a rural setting. Nearby, there is a stone building with a sign for a rock store.
A vintage taxi cab with 'Sierra Cab Co' written on the side, parked at a gas station with mountains in the background. A person wearing a hat is sitting in the driver's seat.
View from inside a vehicle showing a person's foot resting casually on the seat, with two figures visible outside at a gas station.
A man in a priest outfit, holding a gun and a cigar, seated inside a car, with a blurred forest view outside the window.
A vintage white taxi parked on a dirt road with utility poles and blue sky in the background
A white car driving through a rocky, grassy landscape with mountains in the background and a clear sky.
Two figures walking along a dirt path towards a house surrounded by trees and greenery.
A person standing in a porch area, holding a firearm, with a white refrigerator in the foreground and a wooden table beside them.
A dog stands in a grassy yard while a person crouches near a low brick wall, surrounded by trees and hills in the background.
A man in a green jacket working on a brick wall construction outdoors, with a metal tower and trees in the background.
A man in a black outfit and hat stands in a rural outdoor setting, holding a tool while surrounded by trees and clothes hanging on a line.
A tense standoff in a rustic outdoor setting, featuring a woman on the left and two men in front of her, one holding a weapon. The background includes a tree, a brick wall, and distant mountains.
Two men in a rural setting are aiming handguns at each other, with a scenic background featuring trees and mountains.
A rural outdoor scene featuring a grassy area with a brick wall, a tree, and various objects like a bucket and some rubble in the background. Several small structures are visible in the distance against a mountainous backdrop.
An abandoned house with a porch surrounded by bare trees and an empty dirt driveway under a cloudy sky.
Scene from 'The Outfit' featuring characters in an industrial setting with machinery and pipes.
Scene with a man working at a sink, featuring the text 'Starring Robert Duvall' in bold, white font.
A dimly lit prison corridor with barred cells on either side and two figures walking in the distance.
A dimly lit prison cell featuring metal bars, with a figure sitting in the corner.
A scene depicting three figures in a dimly lit room, with a man in a suit facing away from the camera and two women seated on a bench, one wearing a light-colored coat and hat, and the other in dark clothing, separated by metal bars.
A woman wearing a beret and a light pink outfit smiles while sitting in the driver's seat of a car, facing a man who looks at her.
A motel at night with neon lights displaying 'VACANCY' and an illuminated office sign. The scene captures the entrance and part of the building, highlighting a retro ambiance.
A scene depicting three individuals in an indoor setting, with two men and one woman engaged in conversation around a table, illuminated by a lamp. One man is writing while the other observes, and the woman stands between them, looking on.
A woman in a maroon robe stands over a seated man, both engaged in a serious conversation in a cozy, dimly lit room with simple furniture.
A man sitting in an armchair in a dimly lit room, dressed in a light blue jacket over a beige shirt, with a serious expression on his face. A bottle on a table nearby suggests a casual, lived-in environment.
A dark scene featuring a partially obscured figure holding something, with a illuminated house in the background surrounded by trees.
A man walking at night in a gravel area with small motel cabins and parked cars in the background.
A tense scene depicting a man seated in a chair with a gun pointed at him by another man leaning over him. The seated man has blood on his face and appears distressed, while the other man seems determined.
A man in a sleeveless shirt leans over, looking intensely focused and contemplative in a dimly lit room.
A woman with disheveled hair sits in a dimly lit room, wearing a dark robe, looking apprehensive or distressed.
A tense scene featuring a man in a tank top pointing a gun at another man seated on a couch, while a woman stands in the background.
A man in a tank top holding a handgun, looking intently at the weapon.
A man with a mustache is talking on the phone inside a phone booth, showing signs of distress, while another person stands outside the booth, partially visible.
A man driving a car with a serious expression, while a woman sits beside him, looking troubled and arms crossed.
A close-up of a man driving at night, showing a serious expression and focused demeanor, with dim lighting and headlights visible in the background.
A car with its headlights on driving down a dimly lit street at night, with a billboard advertising 'Kimchuka' in the background.
A car driving down a dark street illuminated by streetlights at night.
A street scene featuring vintage cars parked along the roadside and a city sidewalk. Buildings line both sides of the street, with a visible slope and a mix of architecture. People can be seen walking in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.
View from inside a building through glass doors, showing a man walking outside towards a classic white car parked on the street.
A man in a suit stands in a hotel corridor with patterned wallpaper and red carpeting, partially illuminated by overhead lights.
A dimly lit hotel corridor with patterned wallpaper and red carpeting, featuring several closed doors and a person sitting in the distance.
A man wearing sunglasses looks anxious as a gun is pointed at his face by a person's hand.
Two men are seen from below, looking up at a building while holding onto a railing. One man is wearing a brown jacket and the other is in a dark coat, creating a tense moment with a sense of urgency.
Close-up of a flying object above a series of metal grates against a textured wall at dusk.
A group of men sitting around a table in a meeting room, with one man standing and speaking to them. The walls are adorned with a mural, and the men appear to be engaged in a serious discussion.
A group of seven men seated around a table, looking directly at the camera. The men are dressed in various colorful shirts and ties, with an array of coffee cups and playing cards scattered on the table.
Three men seated at a table covered with stacks of money and drinks, discussing a serious matter.
Two men sitting at a table, deep in conversation, one wearing a pink shirt and the other in a blue shirt.
A group of men seated around a table in a dimly lit room, with one man standing and speaking, holding a gun. The men are dressed in formal attire, and the table has drinks and food.
A man in a brown suit holding a gun in a well-lit room with a lamp and a doorway in the background.
A tense scene featuring a man sitting in a striped shirt with a serious expression, while another man in a suit points a gun at him.
A group of men gathered around a yellow table, engaging in animated conversation with laughter, food, and drinks in a restaurant setting.

Frame Group #2

A vintage diner with a sign reading 'Cody's Diner' featuring the words 'Welcome - Sandwiches - Cold Beer.' Two classic cars are parked outside, surrounded by trees.
Two men sitting at a bar counter, engaged in conversation while a server pours coffee from a carafe. The setting appears rustic with wooden walls and other patrons in the background.
Two men sitting at a bar, one holding a cup while the other gazes intently off to the side. The interior features a retro design with a dark bar and some decor in the background.
A man standing in a dimly lit room with a smile, positioned near a wooden table with a hot dog bun on it.
An elderly man wearing a hat sits at a booth in a diner, holding a newspaper and looking towards the camera. A menu is displayed on the wall behind him, and a person can be seen walking outside the diner.
An older man stands in a dimly lit room, looking surprised or concerned. He is wearing a plaid shirt and appears to be near a cash register and a table with a checkered tablecloth.
An aerial view of a cemetery with several parked cars and a group of people gathered at a gravesite.
A group of people gathered for a funeral service at a grave site, with flowers and a priest officiating.
A grave site with a coffin adorned with various flowers, set in a grassy area with a mound of soil nearby.
A man in a gray suit stands looking down, with a black armband, against a backdrop of telephone poles and a distant hillside.
A woman in tennis attire prepares to hit a tennis ball on a court, while a man stands at the opposite end ready to receive. Surrounding the court are trees and spectators in the background.
A woman in a white tennis dress prepares to swing a racket on a tennis court.
An older man sitting thoughtfully in a cushioned chair outdoors, surrounded by floral-patterned furniture against a dark green backdrop.
Two men sitting outdoors in a patio; one man in a reclining chair appears relaxed, while the other, standing with a bandaged hand, engages in conversation.
A vintage car driving on a winding road with a sign indicating it's closed for the season in the background.
A man with facial hair peering through a partially open wooden door, gazing intently at another person off-camera.
A tense moment at a door, showing a man peering through a partially opened door, while another man's face is visible from the side, suggesting a confrontation.
A man in a white tank top and beige trousers stands at an open door, partially illuminated, with a serious expression on his face and a shadow on the wall behind him.
A man in a brown leather jacket stands under a dimly lit ceiling lamp, looking down with a serious expression.
Two men engaged in a serious conversation at a bar, with beer bottles on the table.
A woman sitting on the floor, wearing a white knitted hat and sweater, resting her chin on her knee while holding a cigarette. She is surrounded by a table with flowers and various objects in a dimly lit room.
A view of a deserted road with power lines on both sides, leading towards a bridge in the background under a clear blue sky with scattered clouds.
A man in a gray suit and hat walks along a desolate road carrying a briefcase, with a concrete wall and a tall structure in the background under a blue sky.
A wide view of an empty lot with a dirt road leading into the foreground, surrounded by a fence and power lines. In the distance, a water tower and a building are visible under a clear sky.
A white car drives along a gravel lot near a large, partially painted building. Power lines and a water reflection are visible in the foreground.
Three men sitting in a car, with the Bay Bridge visible in the background.
Close-up of a person's hand reaching into a brown suitcase, revealing a black object inside, possibly a firearm.
A dimly lit bar scene with a man in a suit at the counter, a woman in a black dress seated nearby, and a bartender wearing a red shirt and apron attending to them.
A chef wearing a white shirt and hat is preparing food on a wooden counter while a man in a suit stands in the background.
A tense scene featuring three characters in an office setting. One character stands with arms crossed, another sits with a notepad, and a third leans against a shelf, all engaged in conversation.
A man in a suit sits at a desk writing, while two other men stand nearby. One man has curly hair and is wearing a patterned shirt, and the other is dressed in a gray suit. The room is an office setting with a bulletin board in the background.
Two men in a room, one wearing a gray suit with a patterned tie, looking serious, while the other, in a red and white striped shirt with a vest, stands behind him, appearing concerned.
A middle-aged man in a suit sits at a desk, looking thoughtfully to the side with a serious expression. The background features a corkboard with various papers and notices.
Two men taking cover behind a wall during a tense standoff, one holding a gun and the other protecting his face, with an open barred door in the background.
A man in a suit aiming a revolver while another man follows closely behind, set against a backdrop of urban debris.
A driver with a crochet hat looking out the car window while two men outside point guns at each other.
A vintage car parked next to a dumpster, with two people falling out of the car and onto a pile of boxes.
A man in a white shirt and apron stands in an alleyway next to a doorway, looking at a body lying on the ground. In the background, there are dumpsters and a beige building.
View of a street scene through a car windshield, featuring a beige building, a green awning, a tree, and a red wooden fence.
View from inside a car driving along a dirt road, with green fields and a blue sky visible in the distance. A hand is seen on the steering wheel, and there are distant figures walking on the hill.
A rural landscape with a dirt road, two parked cars, and an abandoned building in the background. Rolling hills and trees surround the area under a cloudy sky.
Two figures in dark clothing standing on a dirt path in front of a dilapidated wooden house surrounded by bare trees.
A woman in a black turtleneck leans against a wooden pole under a teal roof, with a rustic setting in the background.
A young man sitting on a chair next to a stone wall, holding a book, with a white dog resting on the wall in front of him. The background features wooden structures and a rustic outdoor setting.
A white dog lying on a stone surface with a rustic background of wooden structures and green foliage.
A man stands outside a run-down house, holding a blue cloth, with a worn door behind him and various debris scattered at his feet.
Two men stand outdoors against a backdrop of trees and hills, one casually dressed and the other in a suit, highlighting a serious moment.
A man stands outside an old, weathered house, looking at two other men who are facing him. The scene includes a bicycle near the house.
A man with medium-length hair wearing a black vest and a blue shirt stands in front of a weathered building with peeling paint and a door.
Two men standing in a barren, outdoor area with sparse vegetation and abandoned vehicles. One man wears a black jacket and the other a suit.
A man in a dirty jumpsuit holding a gun stands on a porch while a woman in a black outfit leans against a post, with a colorful canopy overhead.
A mechanic working on a silver car inside a rustic garage, surrounded by three other men observing. Various tools and car parts are visible in the background, alongside another classic car.

Frame Group #3

A woman with long hair is standing in a dimly lit bathroom, looking at herself in the mirror while adjusting her hair. The walls are painted pink, and there is a vintage portrait of a girl hanging on the wall.
A man sitting in a chair outside a rustic building, looking at a woman standing in a doorway wearing a light-colored robe.
A man sitting on a chair in a rural setting, holding a cigarette and looking towards a woman partially visible in the foreground, with a backdrop of horses and grass hills.
A woman in a light robe stands in a doorway, looking directly at the camera amidst a cluttered interior.
A dirt road winding through lush green hills with mountains in the background and a car driving along the path.
Two men conversing in a dirt yard with an old car parked nearby, surrounded by trees and a vacant building.
Two men sitting in a car at night, one smiling and the other looking serious, with headlights visible in the background.
A close-up of a woman lying down, her face showing concern as she rests her head on a white object in a dark setting.
View from inside a building looking out through a window onto a city street, with two people walking by and a sign visible that reads 'ON COINS AND STAMPS.'
An interior view of a building lobby with a staircase, featuring two security personnel and elevators, with a busy street visible through large windows.
A silhouette of a person in a dark hallway, walking toward a doorway, with window blinds partially closed.
A shadowy figure descending a dimly lit staircase, creating a suspenseful atmosphere.
A dimly lit hallway with two figures walking, one approaching from the background and another slightly ahead, with doors on either side.
A police officer stands in an office filled with colorful inflatable toys, including a pink elephant and various other whimsical characters. A woman at a desk is holding a microphone, engaged in conversation while operating a switchboard.
A tense scene featuring several men in formal and casual attire, engaged in serious conversation in a dimly lit corridor.
A tense scene depicting several men in a room, some with their hands raised, appearing alarmed or surprised. A man in a uniform stands in front of them while others are positioned around the room, including a desk with papers and a phone.
A man in a blue uniform holds a shotgun, standing in a dimly lit room.
A tense scene in an office where three men are seated with their hands raised, while a fourth man, dressed in a military-style outfit, confronts them with a gun.
A tense scene in a dimly lit room featuring a man in military attire holding a firearm, while another man in formal clothing stands nearby. A table with a lamp, documents, and rotary phones is visible.
A tense scene in an office with a group of three men sitting against the wall with their hands raised, while another man stands facing them, holding a weapon. The room is furnished with a desk, a few chairs, and a window with blinds.
Two men in armed standoff inside a building, one wearing a blue uniform and holding a shotgun, the other in military attire with a sidearm.
A line of parked cars on a rural road near a stable, with a horse near the building and green trees in the background.
Silhouetted figures of men and a woman in formal attire entering a building, with bright light in the background.
A diverse group of people seated in an outdoor setting, many wearing hats and dressed in formal attire, attending an event.
Two men in cowboy hats stand at a podium, speaking into microphones, against a backdrop of a red-roofed building and trees.
A group of people seated at an outdoor table. A man in a dark suit and sunglasses sits beside a woman in a white blazer, both looking serious. In the background, two other men stand, one wearing sunglasses and a suit, and a vending machine is visible.
Portrait of an older man wearing dark sunglasses and a suit, sitting outdoors with a neutral expression.
A horse stands near two people in a barn setting, while a group of individuals sits at a table on the porch, engaged in conversation.
Close-up of a man in a suit with a serious expression, standing by a doorway. A horse's head is partially visible in the background.
A man in a gray suit leans against a barn door, with red accents on the door and barn structure.
Close-up of a woman with wavy hair, wearing a light-colored jacket with a blue collar, looking intently towards the camera, with a blurred figure in the background.
A man in a black suit sitting at a round table on a porch, with other people seated nearby and a house in the background.
Two men in business attire walking along a path at a horse racing facility, with a crowd of people in the background and horses visible nearby.
Two men in formal attire engaged in conversation outdoors, with a rural background featuring a white fence and a building.
Two men in formal attire stand by a white fence at a ranch, with horses and a building in the background.
A speaker stands at a podium addressing a large audience seated in a spacious, sparsely decorated room.
A man playing piano at a church service while another man gestures enthusiastically at the podium.
Interior view of a church-like setting with rows of wooden pews filled with people, facing a speaker at the front.
A perspective view of an empty church-like interior with wooden pews, showing a row of seated, elderly men facing the camera. In the distance, a man in a suit walks towards the viewer, illuminated by natural light coming from large windows.
Two men ascending a staircase, with a third figure visible at the top in a dark silhouette.
An empty dining hall with long tables and shelves filled with boxes, featuring a man in a black outfit leaning over a table.
A man standing in a hallway, wearing a brown leather jacket and a black turtleneck, with a surprised or worried expression on his face.
A dimly lit stairwell featuring a man standing at the top and another man walking down the stairs, creating an atmosphere of tension.
A shadowy corridor with two figures hurriedly exiting a door in the background, surrounded by dim lighting.
A view between two buildings showing a fire escape staircase, with figures visible on some balconies.
A scene depicting a chaotic urban street with a crowd of people running towards a car, while police vehicles are chasing them in the foreground.
View from inside a car showing two silhouettes of people in the front seat, with a city street visible through the windshield, featuring pedestrians and buildings in the background.
Close-up of a man in a suit, looking down thoughtfully while holding a cigarette near his mouth.
Three men in a bathroom setting, with one man in a suit appearing to react to another man who is holding a gun.
A man in a suit sits at a desk, using a typewriter, while several people are gathered in the background. The scene is dimly lit, with a warm glow from a desk lamp.
A tense office scene with six men in suits, one seated and the others standing or leaning against the wall, engaged in a serious conversation. A cluttered desk with a telephone, a framed photo, and a birdcage is visible.
A tense scene featuring a man holding a gun, standing close to two other men who have their backs turned against a wall.
A tense scene in an office with four men, two standing and two sitting, as one holds a gun and another appears to be searching for something.
Three men are seen through a small window in a door, appearing to be in a serious discussion.

Frame Group #4 (******Spoilers******)

A man in a striped suit sits at a desk with a worried expression, holding a telephone to his ear. In the background, a woman in a long dress reads a book while lounging on a yellow chair, surrounded by decorative items and lamps.
A man in a striped suit sitting at a desk, holding a telephone to his ear with a thoughtful expression. A lamp and decorative items are visible on the desk, along with a patterned vase and a wall with framed art.
A woman with wavy hair sits on a bed, wearing a light-colored robe and holding a magazine. She has a serious expression and is surrounded by yellow pillows.
A woman talking on the phone inside a telephone booth, with a city street visible in the background.
A man in a suit reading a newspaper while sitting on a bus, with another man seated nearby and a worker attending to the bus interior.
A man in a suit and glasses sitting in a booth, holding a pen to his mouth, with a sign displaying prices for shoe dyeing services in the background.
A tense scene in a dimly lit room featuring a man sitting at a table with various items, a woman standing nearby, and another man lounging on a bed in the background.
A man seated at a table in a dimly lit kitchen, holding a firearm and looking over his shoulder. The kitchen features vintage appliances and scattered tools on the table.
A woman with blonde wavy hair is standing in a room with soft lighting. She is wearing a white blouse and a light cardigan, presenting a serious expression.
A man in a light blue shirt cleans a handgun with a white cloth while seated at a table in a domestic setting.
A man and a woman sitting on a bed in a dimly lit room, with the man looking contemplative and the woman engaged in an activity.
A tense moment between a man and a woman, sitting closely on a bed in low light, conveying a sense of unease and emotion.
Two men in a car, one driving while the other looks back nervously, holding a red cup.
Interior view of a car with three people: a man driving, a woman sitting in the middle, and another man in the passenger seat; scenic mountain road visible outside the windshield.
A highway patrol officer stands beside a vintage black and white police car with flashing lights, set against a backdrop of a rugged hillside.
A police officer wearing a helmet and sunglasses holds a firearm while standing outdoors under a clear blue sky.
Close-up of a man with light brown hair and a concerned expression sitting in a car, looking out from the passenger seat.
A police officer in a green uniform and sunglasses interacts with a man sitting in a car, with rocky terrain in the background.
A person falling backwards onto the ground near a roadside, with their legs in the air and a car visible in the foreground.
A close-up view of a man inside a car, holding a gun while interacting with another person in the driver's seat, capturing an intense moment.
A person aiming a handgun from the window of a car with a mountain backdrop.
Burning car overturned near a cliff, with smoke and flames, surrounded by mountains.
A man in a suit stands in a hallway, looking contemplatively at the floor; the walls are painted pink, and there are framed pictures on the walls.
A man sitting in a vintage car parked in front of a teal door with shutters. He appears pensive, looking down, with urban buildings visible in the background.
A man lying on a bed, looking distressed, with his hand on his forehead and wearing a dress shirt and tie. Soft lighting from a nearby lamp and patterned curtains in the background.
Two men in a dimly lit room, one holding a beer bottle and drinking, while the other appears pensive, wearing a dark coat.
Two men in suits standing near black cars in front of a house with palm trees and a dog lying on the lawn.
Two men standing close together in a dimly lit forest setting, with shadows of tree branches cast across their faces.
A woman sitting on a couch reading a magazine, with a lamp illuminating the scene, while a man walks away in a dimly lit room filled with decorative furniture.
A woman sits on a couch, looking intently at a magazine, with a decorative wall and a pillow in the background.
A dimly lit garden at night with two figures walking on a path, surrounded by manicured hedges and faintly illuminated by distant lamps.
A man in a suit sits at a table, looking down as he deals cards, while another man in a grey jacket watches intently. The background features a painted mural with tropical themes.
Two men sitting in a dark car, partially illuminated by the dashboard lights, with a focus on their serious expressions.
Two people sitting inside a car at night, looking ahead toward a house with a gated entrance.
Two Doberman dogs lying on a green lawn at night.
A man in a suit stands near a classic car at night, with shadowy trees in the background.
A man in a black suit inspecting a mechanical device under a wooden table.
A silhouetted figure in a suit stands in a doorway, partially illuminated by light from the room behind, with a staircase and coffee maker visible in the background.
A shadowy figure holding a gun, stealthily approaching a door with glass panels, creating a tense and suspenseful atmosphere.
A man in a dark coat peeks from behind a floral curtain, holding a firearm, in a dimly lit room.
Close-up of a woman with red hair facing a handgun pointed at her face.
A scene showing a man seated, viewed from behind, gazing toward another man standing in a doorway, with soft lighting and a vintage interior design.
A man in a suit sits on a floral couch, holding a gun and appears to be in a tense situation. He has a pained expression and is covered in blood.
A dramatic scene showing a figure at the top of a staircase pointing a gun downwards, with a second figure visible at the bottom, creating a tense confrontation.
A man holding a handgun is pointing it towards the viewer, with a decorative porcelain figure beside him and red splatter marks on the wall.
A close-up scene featuring two men engaged in a serious conversation, with one man smiling slightly while the other looks distressed, set in a dimly lit interior with stairs in the background.
A close-up of a man's profile, featuring a balding head and a focused expression against a blurred background.
A police officer stands on a dark road surrounded by fog, with fire trucks visible in the background.
An ambulance with flashing lights is parked in a driveway at night, while a uniformed officer stands nearby.
A man in a white lab coat smiles while driving a van, with a restrained individual visible in the background, appearing distressed.
The movie title 'THE OUTFIT' displayed on a dark background inside a car, with two characters visible in the front seat.

Scene Breakdowns

Opening Scene

A pair of assassins take out Duvall’s brother in a nearly wordless set piece to begin the film.

Length – 4:57
Shots – 44
Avg. Shot Length – 6.8 seconds

A cab driving down a road towards the camera, passing it on the right.
A close-up of a man with a mustache driving a car, showing a tense expression.
A man walking along a path near a building with trees and a dog in the foreground.
A man holding a gun looks out into the distance.
A woman with gray hair sitting in a car.

Credits

The opening credits introduce Duvall as he’s released from prison, with Karen Black waiting for him. There’s only one line of dialogue in the sequence, which arrives in the final shot.

Length – 2:45
Shots – 8
Avg. Shot Length – 20.1 seconds

A guard walks down stairs in a dimly lit prison environment, following the camera.
Scene description of a prison cell with a character standing by the bars.

Roadside Hit
(******This breakdown has SPOILERS******)

A pair of highway patrol cops try to take out Duvall, Black and Baker on an isolated stretch of road.

Length – 2:52
Shots – 53
Avg. Shot Length – 3.2 seconds

A dusty road with two cars, one being chased by the other, a police vehicle.
A police officer stands by a roadside looking back at a car.
"It's a hit!" - Duvall in a car with a passenger.
A close-up of a person aiming a handgun from inside a car.
A man aims a gun while standing next to a vehicle.

Posters

Movie poster for 'The Outfit' featuring several characters in dynamic poses with guns, explosions in the background, and text highlighting the film's tough themes.
Movie poster for 'The Outfit' featuring several men around a table, one aiming a gun while others appear tense. The text includes 'NO MATTER WHAT THIS LOOKS LIKE TO YOU ... TO THE OUTFIT IT'S JUST BUSINESS!'
Movie poster for 'The Outfit', featuring bold text stating 'NOBODY PLAYS ROUGHER THAN THE OUTFIT', with images of main characters holding guns against a red background.
Vintage movie poster for 'Organizzazione Crimini' (The Outfit) featuring illustrated characters in a crime setting, with a focus on money exchange and tension.
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