MovieChat Forums > Cutter's Way (1982) Discussion > Not Horrible, just.... different.

Not Horrible, just.... different.

posted 17 years ago by Reality-Bites
6 replies | jump to latest

This movie seems so *different* from today's movies. It's got this weird vibe going on with it, a sort of real-world grittiness about it that you just don't encounter in films today. It's not much of a plot, there's no real mystery (even though it's supposed to be a crime thriller/suspense film), and the ending is a sudden "pop" and it's over. But for film buffs, it is worth a look. There's an atmosphere to this film that's hard to qualify.

(I also had fun playing it with Spanish subtitles turned on. It doesn't have English subtitles, so I opted for Spanish, which gave me a chance to challenge my rusty college-level Spanish.)

[–] jervistetch 17 years ago

It was different all right. I just wish they developed the characters and their backgrounds more. I know Cutter was in the war and was maimed physically and mentally and that's why his character was almost intolerable (did I say almost?). He just drove me crazy. What about his wife? If their relationship had an ounce of backstory it might have helped. And what about Bone? I can only assume that he grew up with Cutter and so felt a loyalty to him but the script doesn't offer one line of explanation. I kept saying to myself, "Merciful Mother of God, why is Bone involved with this guy?" I'm sure the book explained it but the movie should have attempted to. And the dialog was very disjointed. I kept thinking that people just don't talk to and respond to other people this way. I've heard about this movie for years but, after finally seeing it, I can't recommend it to anyone I care for.

[–] asgard-5 14 years ago

This movie was made by people who read that book for people who read that book. Certainly not horrible because it never takes a chance to show anything happening. If it took it and failed then it could've been called that. As it is it's just a slow acting show. John Heard was okay all the way, but it's not the kind of movie one actor can carry on his own.

have a nice life!

[–] rogerscorpion 12 years ago

I saw the film @ the Houston International Film Festival, where it won the Grand Prize.
I've loved it since. The acting is great! John Heard's greatest moment.
I'll agree, though, that it doesn't delve into the main characters' back stories much.

Carpe Noctem!

[–] PenTheater 11 years ago

I think not knowing much back story, or anything else is a major part of the vibe, and wonder (read entertainment) of the movie.
it's the existentialsim, and nihilism, of the chracters
maybe you wonder a little about what their backstory is, or you invent your own, or you subconsciously (existentially even) give the characters your own backstory. You either were there once, knew someone that was, or almost ended up there.
or nihilistically you don't even ask, it doesn't really matter
the only story is what's happening now (as you are watching it).
There is a mystery (the actual story) to upset the quiet desperation.
It's a "vibe" some of us really understand.

[–] westal_sage 12 years ago

Very good way to describe it - different with a weird vibe to it. I enjoyed it. It can be hard to find films that have this different kinda of thing going on, and also be good.

[–] nutsberryfarm 12 years ago

awesome vibe.

A day without sunshine is like, you know, night.