Stay Gold, Ponyboy: The Making of The Outsiders

The Sunset Wasn’t Real

Coppola wanted the closing scene of the film to be painted in a beautiful purple-orange sunset. But because sunsets in Oklahoma don’t last for very long, the scene was done with the help of a large rear screen projection. It created the perfect environment for Ponyboy and Johnny to gaze into the horizon and contemplate.

Back view of Ponyboy and Johnny gazing into an orange horizon in a still from The Outsiders.

Ralph Macchio, C.Thomas Howell. Source: Pinterest

Coppola had to cut out a lot of scenes due to the studio’s demands, but this was one he insisted on keeping. And we’re glad he decided to do so! It was the perfect closure to a film that started out in a similar setting and is arguably one of the greatest sunset scenes of all time.

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