Cut Snake

Cut Snake is the latest feature from Australian director Tony Ayers. I enjoyed his 2002 feature 'Walking on Water', and thought he was one to watch. Weaving between single dramas, mini series and feature films, Tony's latest Cut Snake is of interest for his name, and secondly for that of leading man Sullivan Stapleton. An actor on the rise, Sullivan has also been carving out a name for himself across different mediums, and he makes the most of his leading status, piercing the lens with his brooding frame and affect. It is at times a bold and shocking performance; one that elevates him, rightfully to leading status in this country. Alex Russell and Jessica De Gouw were both discoveries for me, and the former emerges with the more fleshed out and compelling character. It is beautifully designed and directed and an interesting interplay of genres and characterizations.

Well, this was a very nice surprise! From the moment Pommie (Sullivan Stapleton) makes his appearance in the film, one can feel the tension. A tension that never lights up and - on the contrary - intensifies immensely towards the final act. Interestingly enough, although Pommie is the antagonist, he remains a very likable character - a character I feel and care for, and who's motives I completely understand and actually justifies.

It was also interesting to see Sparra (Alex Russell)'s character develop from an ex-convict now leading a clean existence, to becoming convict again, although unintentionally. This is a very different love story, and also a story of jealousy, and how far one would go for the person you love. Sullivan is really great in this film (and the rest of the cast as well). It is a role I never expected him to do, but he does it so incredibly well that I believed and liked everything about the character.

The film contains drama, action, suspense and romance in equal proportions.

I saw this premier last night and their was discussion on not revealing the twist and I wont for the sake of this review but I think its a bad idea not to reveal the twist. I think it'll make more money by revealing it. If its left as surprise it comes across more as a reflection on the actors ability to quickly change character as opposed to steeping in from the beginning that these characters can and do exist in the way they are despite their difference. It also seems clunky then and without integrity to appear suddenly different to the point that after that twist is established the movie is finished and resolved. The cinematography was very good and it really did have great features. Once scene in the Chinese restaurant didn't quote cut it for me though. Still overall collaboratively it presented round and beautiful to watch.

Australian movies of late have really been on the rise, with some great entries like "The Rover","The Mule", "Son of a Gun" and "Mystery Road", just to name a couple. And now this. Another very entertaining piece of film making with excellent acting all round particularly the powerhouse performance by Sullivan Stapleton. He really is the main attraction, and I still wonder why we don't see a lot more of him in American action-pulp. On the other hand, here he proves once again to be a great actor capable of a lot more than the gung-ho marine beats and shoots bad guys type he plays in the Strike Back series, so maybe a couple more of these great indie productions wouldn't hurt at all. Particularly check the guy out in the amazing "Animal Kingdom" by the director of "The Rover". In which he also plays a charged up volatile character even more perfectly. A highly recommendable movie.

This doesn't reach that class, but definitely is in a class of it's own. I love the fact the movie plays out in the 70's including the perfect soundtrack and meticulous detailing. This combined with some great tension building, pretty shocking twists and confronting bouts of violence makes it a movie that stands out just that bit more than an average comparable US made production. 7/10

The overall rating for this movie is quite bad, so I didn't have much expectations. I was pleasantly surprised because I think it's a movie that opens the door for many conversations like toxic masculinity and the way we think we "possess" those we love. I think that it's true what other user said that this movie's biggest flaw is relying on many cliches - the cops being the worst of them all, but I also think it's the acting on secundary characters, the editing and the music choices that make you roll your eyes the most. It's sad because I think it could really have gone places.