I love movies. I love TV. I generally do not love reading. Now I read the newspaper everyday and the occasional magazine, but as a general rule of thumb I do not read books. I know everyone always states after watching a movie that has been scripted from a book, "well, it's not as good as the book" and I understand. Not that I'm going to start reading a bunch of books, I'll leave that to JM. I originally read The Outsiders, by S. E. Hinton, as much of the rest of you probably did, in high school. I had to do a book report for English class. Emphasis on HAD. My general rule of not reading books started before high school. The English teacher had a list of books that we were required to choose from. As is my nature I waited till the last possible day to choose a book. To no one's surprise the list of "available" books was limited. I scanned the list reluctantly, closed my eyes and picked...The Outsiders. Now this was long before Hall/Nash and NWO, but somehow I knew this was the right pick. I knew that I would remember this book "4 life."
After reading the book, I sought out to find if someone had transformed it into a movie. Sure enough someone had. Not just any someone, but Francis Ford Coppola. I had to see it. I rented it from the local video store. Yes, back then it was strictly videos. I raced home to watch it. After watching I knew what people were talking about. The movie was good, but not what I had hoped for. I did enjoy it though and it certainly helped create a visual image for me, but it wasn't as full as the book.
Francis agreed and just released The Outsiders: The Complete Novel. Mr. Coppola didn't like the original version either, but relented to studio pressure. He was simply out numbered. But now he has released a version that more closely follows the book. Thank you.
For those that haven't read the book or seen the movie The Outsiders is a classic study in social tension. The "socs" vs the greasers. Told mostly from the greasers perspective, this movie is a veritable who's who of 80's Teen Beat pinups, from a very young Tom Cruise to a pre-karate kid Ralph Macchio and who can forget C. Thomas Howell as "Ponyboy Curtis." I'm kidding. I know his been busy, mostly with TV movies, but his career sure didn't take off as much as say Rob Lowe. The "socs" are you guessed it, the elite. Those from the right side of the tracks. The ones with everything, although they don't see it that way. The have problems to don't you know. Like what? Should they wear their sweater around their neck or tied around their waist today? The greasers are the ones from the wrong side of the tracks and way too much grease in their hair. Honestly, I have never understood the reason for that look. Can someone please help me out with that?
This classic battle over "turf" turns over "Cherry" played by Diane Lane. Girls screw everything up! Although I've been there myself. One thing leads to another and before you know it one soc is dead, two greasers are on the run and it all leads up to a battle royal to complete the wrestling angle. I will spare the ending for you, because it really needs to be seen to be appreciated. Who gets the girl? I have my opinion, but I will let you watch before I say.
If you like the movie, this new DVD is for you. It has been recut as I stated earlier, which let's you see more of the character development found in the book. It also has superb extras, which includes a commentary track from the director and one from the stars minus Tom and Emilio Estevez. I understand Cruise is busy with his new romance, but Emilio? What is he doing? D8: The Mighty Ducks Come Out of Retirement. It also includes outtakes and screen tests.
Reading The Outsiders allowed me to see what enjoyment literature could bring and opened my eyes to look at problems from all sides. I often wonder what my life would have been like without ever having read The Outsiders. I'm glad I'll never know. Thanks Mrs. T. I never had a chance to tell you.
That's nice...MH
Originally posted 10/11/2005
