On C List of Movie Reviews
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Cutter's Way (1981)
Rate:
8
Viewed:
3/14, 4/15
3/14:
Cutter's Way is a brilliantly made picture featuring a veteran cripple who seems unhinged as he takes
a swarthy, handsome-looking guy along with him on a wild goose chase.
This question needs to be settled: did Richard Bone (or rather, did I) buy his conspiracy theory? I had a hard time
deciding but ended up not believing Alex Cutter. Hence, I'll never know for sure given the suspenseful ending.
What's unbelievable is that almost nobody received accolades for their wonderful performances. John Heard is masterful,
Jeff Bridges is at top of his game, Lisa Eichhorn is fantastic, Arthur Rosenberg is a natural, and Ann Dusenberry is
seductive.
There are many elements that make it a terrific neo-noir, and the downward spiral into a man's fantasy is
at once disquieting and real. Richard Bone going ahead with it is a surprise. Perhaps it might explain a lot why
the theory of dominant-submissive relationship makes sense, and charm does go a long way.
All in all, Cutter's Way is one of the best films in the neo-noir genre.
4/15:
I'm downgrading my rating of Cutter's Way from '10' to '8' for being slow in terms of getting to the bottom of the mystery.
John Heard gives a fantastic performance as the idealistic cripple who sees the world in black and white. The
ending leaves me hanging because there's still no concrete evidence to back up his claims.
Looking his best than ever, Jeff Bridges' character is complex yet practical but isn't totally convinced by his friend's
theory. No matter what, he's willing to play along with quiet fascination. His gamble proves to be too much as the people
closest to him die. On the other hand, Lisa Eichhorn is unfortunately melodramatic and theatrical as Mo.
All in all, brilliant in execution, Cutter's Way is a fascinating study of two characters with contrasting
psychological makeups deciding to work together for better or worse.