Summary
The cult classic Sean Connery movieOutlandwas the legendary actor’s version of one of thegreatest Western films ever made. Released in 1981,Outlandis a science fiction thriller film written and directed by Peter Hyams, who’s also known for his other sci-fi works such asTimecop(1994),2010(1984), andThe Relic(1997). Connery stars inOutlandalongside Peter Boyle (Everybody Loves Raymond,Taxi Driver), Frances Sternhagen (Misery,The Mist), and Clarke Peters (The Wire,John Wick).
Connery is best known for portraying James Bond in several films such asDr. No(1962),From Russia with Love(1963), andGoldfinger(1964). AlthoughOutlandisn’t often considered one ofSean Connery’s best movies, the film is remembered much more fondly nowadays than it was upon its 1981 release.Outlandearned a Rotten Tomatoes critic and audience score of just 54%, resulting in an overall mixed critical reception.Many have reduced the film to simply beingHigh Noonin outer space.
Outland Was Sean Connery’s Attempt At High Noon
Outland failed to meet the high standard set before it
WhileHigh Noonis celebrated for its gripping story and palpable tension,Outlandfailed to meet the high standard set before it.
AlthoughOutlanddoes not creditHigh Noonas a direct inspiration for its premise, the general consensus of Sean Connery’s outer space thriller is that it essentially follows the narrative of the Western classic with a major change in setting. Released in 1952,High Noonis often considered one of the most significant Western movies ever made. The film stars Gary Cooper, Grace Kelly, and Lloyd Bridges and was directed by Fred Zinnemann.It won 4 Oscars including Best Actor for Cooper.
Connery plays Marshal William T. O’Niel inOutland, who is stationed at a mining colony on the Jupiter moon of Iowhen he uncovers a drug-smuggling conspiracy. He becomes a target of hired assassins who plan to silence him as he goes on an elaborate mission to find the suppliers of an illegal amphetamine. WhileHigh Noonis celebrated for its gripping story and palpable tension,Outlandfailed to meet the high standard set before it, lacking in plot development but also generating innovative special effects for its time.
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Outland Wasn’t Well-Received - But Is Now A Cult Classic
It was also a box office failure in 1981
Outlanddivided critics and audiences when it was released more than four decades ago but it has gained a new status as a cult classic. The film was also a box office dud, earning an estimated $17-20 million against a production budget of $18 million. Even with the star power of Connery and the intriguing premise of “High Noonin space”,Outlandwas mostly forgotten about outside of itsimpressive visual effectsthat in retrospect were largely ahead of their time.Outlandis not currently streaming on any major platforms but is available to rent on Amazon.
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Outland
Cast
Outland is a 1981 science fiction thriller directed by Peter Hyams. Sean Connery stars as Marshal William O’Niel, assigned to a mining colony on Io, Jupiter’s moon, where he uncovers a dangerous drug-smuggling operation. Faced with corruption and violence, O’Niel takes a stand to bring justice to the lawless outpost. The film also features Peter Boyle and Frances Sternhagen in supporting roles.
