Clearcut

Like most Canadians, I tend to shy away from viewing Canadian-made movies, especially if they deal with First People's issues. ("Oh no! Not another one of those".) But CLEARCUT came highly recommended by a friend who is really into intensely horrific stories.

It starts off looking like something we've all seen before with a band of Native North Americans squaring off against the "cruel white logging company". It then takes a neat turn about twenty minutes in when our main protagonist sits in on a sauna session-ritual with some Native elders in a teepee. It is his bloody fever dream within the dark steamy enclosure that begins to set the tone for the rest of the film. And what a film! Righteous "psycho" Native, Arthur (effectively played by Graham Greene) kidnaps our main hero who is a lawyer representing the protesters along with the nasty head of the logging company. Arthur then forces the two on a grueling journey through the forests with the sole aim of vengefully torturing them into seeing things from the native perspective. Relentlessly paced, full of twists and turns and its share of bloody gore, the film pulls no punches.

It is smartly adapted by screenwriter Rob Forsyth, nicely shot by Francois Protat and well acted by Ron Lea with moody music by Shane Harvey. Although purely a dramatic work, it plays out like an old Indian legend and a sick stalker flick. Let me finally state that you don't have to be into Native issues to like this film. It works on many levels and is simply a really excellent entertaining movie!

There are a lot of themes at play in this movie, many of which are still as relevant as ever, as I *think* it's primarily examining the different aspects of being an "ally" and the implications of how an ally can inherently always choose to side with the oppressor and retreat into their own privilege.

That being said, I'm not entirely sure that I'm right about that - I imagine a lot of the meaning here's in the eye of the beholder, which characters they find themselves identifying and/or sympathizing with, etc.

Point being that the strongest thing about this film is it tells a super engaging story that deals with really complex, important issues (capitalism, racism, imperialism, alienation, allyship, what retribution might really look like, etc.) without dumbing it down to the point that it's spoon-feeding you things like "who is the good guy?" or "what should I take away from this?" or "how should I feel about anything that happens to any of these characters?" And I mean that in a good way - I'm not confused because of indifference, but because there are challenging things about every character and nearly every choice each character makes.

I don't know if I'd even consider it a horror movie. I mean, I don't know what else I'd call it, but - and I'm saying this as a major lover of horror and a deep believer in all of the different ways it can be used - I feel like it's a bit reductionist to label it as horror. I was never scared, any violence and gore is visually underplayed (deliberately). I guess I'd consider it folk horror, but in the same way I'd say the original Wicker Man and Deliverance are folk horror - like Wicker Man is also a musical comedy, Deliverance is also a survival thriller, and for whatever reason those are the two movies of which I was most reminded by this. For context, the original Wicker Man is my favorite movie, so I don't use the comparison lightly.

But yeah, suffice it to say - great movie that you should definitely watch.

I recently watched Clearcut (1991) on Shudder. The storyline centers around an activist lawyer who is passionate about protecting Native American lands and forests from logging companies. After losing a case, his Native American client takes matters into his own hands, involving the lawyer in actions that push ethical boundaries, including torture. The lawyer must grapple with the question of how far is too far.

This movie is directed by Ryszard Bugajski (Interrogation) and stars Graham Greene (The Green Mile), Ron Lea (Punisher: War Zone), Michael J. Reynolds (The Descent Part 2) and Michael Hogan (Red Riding Hood).

This film is highly engaging and Graham Greene delivers a tremendous performance. His dialogue, mannerisms, actions, and reactions are remarkable. The overall acting is solid, and while the horror elements are more focused on the circumstances and threats, there is a torture scene that's a standout moment. The storyline and premise are excellent, and the ending is brilliant, providing a perfect conclusion.

In summary, Clearcut is a unique addition to the horror genre, well-written, and expertly put together. I would rate this a 7.5/10 and strongly recommend it.

Yes, I give this movie a 10, and it's definitely worth it. This film should be required viewing, not only for film students, but for anyone dealing with the current social problems affecting the native population. This is a film you want to watch... I mean WATCH with every fiber of your being... it is food for the brain to be sure. In the end, I think you take away what you put into this one, and will come away with a new found respect for the acting talents of Graham Greene. The writing, while perhaps a bit obtuse for some viewers goes a long way to getting the point across... but I won't tell you what that is, you must see this one yourself. Perhaps all I can say is it puts into perspective the spiritual force that lies just below the surface in us all. Wrong will never be right, and no matter what mask it wears, in the end Kharma will win out. Ya gotta see this one... really!

Istvan Kolnhofer is quite correct when he says this is "One of the most important "lost" independent films ever".

I have little to add to the other reviewers other than this film is right on my top shelf next to _Fight Club_ and _Aguirre_ and there it stays.

This can be called a horror flick in its truest form - gnawing dread permeates throughout. But don't expect a splatter-fest - it's not. This is low budget indie at its absolute best. Lack of budget is more than compensated by superb scripting and performance. This is what really sets it head and shoulders above the "stream of consciousness" indie crap that continually oozes out of the film festivals.

Despite it's age, it is as pertinent as ever and stands up to regular repeat viewing. If you ever get a chance to see it, do so - but also note, the less you actually know about this film, the greater your experience will be. Definite keeper.