The Outfit (1973) ****

"Die someplace else."

Released in the middle of a stretch of excellent crime dramas, The Outfit (1973) is a lean and mean, no frills thriller with economic direction by John Flynn (of Rolling Thunder (1977) [review] fame). Populated by a stellar cast of character actors, the film contains biting dialogue and a funky/jazzy score by the underrated Jerry Fielding. It beautifully captures the tone of Donald E. Westlake's (writing as Richard Stark) Parker character, also adapted in films such as Point Blank (1967) [review] and Payback (1999).

"You send a guy out to kill somebody, maybe his feelings get hurt."

Recommended for fans of The Mechanic (1972) [review], Prime Cut (1972) [review], and Charley Varrick (1973).

John Flynn Films Ranked