“Cutter’s Way” (1981)

Drama

Running Time: 109 minutes

Written by: Jeffrey Alan Fiskin based on Cutter and Bone by Newton Thornburg

Directed by: Ivan Passer

Featuring: Jeff Bridges, John Heard, Lisa Eichhorn and Ann Dusenberry

Alex Cutter: “I watched the war on TV like everybody else. Thought the same damn things. You know what you thought when you saw a picture of a young woman with a baby lying face down in a dictch, two gooks. You had three reactions, Rich, same as everybody else. The first one was real easy: ‘I hate the United States of America’. Yeah. You see the same damn thing the next day and you move up a notch. ‘There is no God’. But you know what you finally say, what everybody finally says, no matter what? ‘I’m hungry.’”

Critical Commentary

“Cutter’s Way” is a 1981 drama film directed by Ivan Passer, starring Jeff Bridges, John Heard, and Lisa Eichhorn. The movie follows the story of two friends, Cutter and Bone, who become involved in a murder investigation. The film is a slow-burn character study that explores themes of trauma, class struggle, and political corruption. Jeff Bridges gives an outstanding performance as Richard Bone, a man trying to make sense of the world around him while dealing with his own inner demons. John Heard also shines as Alex Cutter, a disabled Vietnam veteran who is bitter and cynical about the state of the world.

The cinematography is excellent, with the film’s bleak and moody atmosphere capturing the mood of the characters and the setting perfectly. The score, composed by Jack Nitzsche, is haunting and melancholic, adding to the film’s overall sense of foreboding.

The film’s pacing can be slow at times, but it ultimately pays off in the film’s final act, which is both tense and emotionally impactful. “Cutter’s Way” is a powerful and thought-provoking film that has become a cult classic over the years. It is definitely worth watching for anyone interested in character-driven dramas and socially relevant themes.

One of the standout aspects of “Cutter’s Way” is its exploration of the aftermath of the Vietnam War on its characters. Alex Cutter, played by John Heard, is a disabled veteran who is disillusioned with the government and the state of society. He is bitter, angry, and alcoholic, which makes him difficult to deal with, but his pain is palpable, and Heard’s performance is captivating.

The film also explores the themes of class struggle and political corruption. The murder investigation that Cutter and Bone become involved in leads them to confront the wealthy elite of Santa Barbara, California. The film shows how the rich and powerful can manipulate the justice system and get away with murder while the working class and the poor suffer the consequences. The film’s ending is particularly powerful and emotionally impactful. Without giving away any spoilers, it delivers a gut-punch that leaves the viewer with a lot to think about. It is a fitting conclusion to a film that tackles weighty themes and complex characters.

“Cutter’s Way” is a well-crafted, thought-provoking film that is still relevant today. It is a slow-burn drama that rewards patient viewers with a tense and emotionally impactful finale. The performances, cinematography, and score all contribute to the film’s overall mood and atmosphere, making it a must-see for fans of character-driven dramas and socially relevant themes.

Another strength of “Cutter’s Way” is the complex relationship between the two main characters, Alex Cutter and Richard Bone. Cutter, a bitter Vietnam veteran, is suspicious of everyone, including Bone, who he sees as a privileged member of society. Bone, on the other hand, is struggling with his own demons and is trying to find his place in the world. The tension between the two characters is palpable and provides a great deal of the film’s dramatic tension.

The film’s themes of trauma and redemption are also well-handled. Both Cutter and Bone are dealing with trauma from their past, and the murder investigation they become involved in forces them to confront their demons. Their journey towards redemption is a difficult one, and the film does not offer any easy answers. It is a testament to the film’s power that it leaves the viewer with a lot to think about after the credits have rolled.

“Cutter’s Way” is also notable for its excellent supporting cast. Lisa Eichhorn delivers a strong performance as Mo, a woman caught between the two main characters. Stephen Elliott is also memorable as J.J. Cord, a wealthy businessman who may be involved in the murder investigation.

“Cutter’s Way” is a well-crafted film that deserves to be better known. Its themes of trauma, redemption, class struggle, and political corruption are still relevant today, and the film’s excellent performances, cinematography, and score all contribute to its overall power. It is a slow-burn drama that rewards patient viewers with a tense and emotionally impactful finale, making it a must-see for fans of character-driven dramas and socially relevant themes.

Another strength of “Cutter’s Way” is the complex relationship between the two main characters, Alex Cutter and Richard Bone. Cutter, a bitter Vietnam veteran, is suspicious of everyone, including Bone, who he sees as a privileged member of society. Bone, on the other hand, is struggling with his own demons and is trying to find his place in the world. The tension between the two characters is palpable and provides a great deal of the film’s dramatic tension.

The film’s themes of trauma and redemption are also well-handled. Both Cutter and Bone are dealing with trauma from their past, and the murder investigation they become involved in forces them to confront their demons. Their journey towards redemption is a difficult one, and the film does not offer any easy answers. It is a testament to the film’s power that it leaves the viewer with a lot to think about after the credits have rolled.

“Cutter’s Way” is also notable for its excellent supporting cast. Lisa Eichhorn delivers a strong performance as Mo, a woman caught between the two main characters. Stephen Elliott is also memorable as J.J. Cord, a wealthy businessman who may be involved in the murder investigation. “Cutter’s Way” is a well-crafted film that deserves to be better known. Its themes of trauma, redemption, class struggle, and political corruption are still relevant today, and the film’s excellent performances, cinematography, and score all contribute to its overall power. It is a slow-burn drama that rewards patient viewers with a tense and emotionally impactful finale, making it a must-see for fans of character-driven dramas and socially relevant themes.

Technical Commentary

Video

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is sourced from a 35mm interpositive. The viewing experience is softer, but detail remains appreciable, exploring creased facial particulars and hair. 

Audio

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix delivers clear dialogue exchanges, balancing hushed encounters and argumentative moments. Scoring supports with a gentle sound at times, preserving delicate instrumentation and more aggressive acts of suspense. Sound effects are appreciable, along with crowd atmospherics. 

Special Features

• Audio commentary by film historians Julie Kirgo and Nick Redman
• Audio commentary by assistant director Larry Franco and unit production manager Barrie Osborne (2022)
• Introduction video by Jeff Bridges (2022)
• Two Plus One – screenwriter Jeffrey Alan Fiskin on Cutter’s Way (2022)
• Gurian’s Way: The Road to Cutter and Bone – featurette (2022)
• Cut to the Bone: Inside the Score – featurette (2022)
• Isolated Score Audio track
• Theatrical Trailer