http://filmschoolrejects.com/features/payback-directors-cut-vs-theatrical-cut.php
I personally like both as the theatrical cut is a Mel Gibson movie with some of his humor while the directors cut playes on the darker & edgier tone that this movie is about.
When life gives you lemons? Don't make lemonade. Make life take the lemons back!
In the April 1999 issue (#79) of a French magazine called Impact, Mel said: "What happened is actually quite simple. Brian Helgeland showed us his edit of Payback. It was interesting but not finished. In any case, personally, I didn't think it was finished. Brian did. So I asked him, rather vaguely, if he could finish it or try something else. Brian had his principles and felt that he had done his job. But I have principles too as well as responsibilities to the studios. So Brian chose to leave and I had to do without him. He still left his name in the credits as screenwriter and director. This must mean that he approves the new edit. In any case, I didn't hear from him again after that. I have a little advice - if you want to get the final cut of your film, insist that it be written into your contract."
shareThis is interesting and news to me. I loved the movie Payback. I also loved Point Blank - the first adaptation. But I had no idea there were essentially two versions of Payback. Where have I been. So, I am going to have to see the original cut. I like that they say it is “too dark.” 15 minutes added. I am a great admirer of both Helgeland and Gibson. I am also critical - so I can’t wait.
shareBoth versions are currently on Tubi. I watched them recently.
shareI didn't care for the Director's Cut and didn't like Sally Kellerman over Kris Kristoferson. PAYBACK > PAYBACK DIRECTOR'S CUT
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