Cut Snake

2015
5.9| 1h34m| en| More Info
Released: 24 September 2015 Released
Producted By: MIFF Premiere Fund
Country: Australia
Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
Official Website:
Synopsis

Young, charismatic, and hardworking, Sparra Farrell seems to be sailing into a happy, respectable life. He has a solid job and an adorable fiancée named Paula, and already owns a modest house in the country outside Melbourne. The only odd thing is that Sparra says precious little about his past — but that past is about to catch up with him, and wrest control of his present.

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Reviews

AniInterview Sorry, this movie sucks
Sexyloutak Absolutely the worst movie.
Livestonth I am only giving this movie a 1 for the great cast, though I can't imagine what any of them were thinking. This movie was horrible
Kinley This movie feels like it was made purely to piss off people who want good shows
Peter Pluymers "Good day, Paula. I'm Jim, but you can call me Pommie."My expectations are pretty high strung whenever I encounter an Australian movie again. I was pleasantly surprised already a few times after discovering a film from Down Under. Even though "Cut Snake" put me on the wrong track at a certain moment, the film in general wasn't really surprising. The denouement was even extremely predictable. The two main characters Jim "Pommie" Stewart (Sullivan Stapleton) and Mervyn "Sparra" Farrell (Alex Rusell) shared a grim past. That was kind of obvious. I didn't expect those two former prisoners to have a connection on a whole different level. At first it seemed Pommie had traced his partner in crime just to convince him to pick up the thread on a criminal level. As it becomes clear that Sparra has chosen to walk the right path, this throws a spanner in the works. Sparra has resolutely opted for the ordinary life with his fiancée Paula (Jessica De Gouw). Even a poorly paid job can't convince him to go back to a world of crime. What follows is a complex and tumultuous love triangle.It's safe to say that "Cut Snake" is a melodramatic thriller. What certainly stands above the rest in this film is the acting of Sullivan Stapleton. Pommie is the type of figure who makes you feel a little uneasy instantly. A burly, heavily tattooed and intimidating appearance whose uncontrollable rage suddenly breaks out and then quickly disappears. Unerringly if unwittingly, Sparra is sucked into a destructive spiral of aggression and violence. And he himself will end up in an inner conflict. Even though it appears from the outset it's heading for a typical crime film, the movie makes an unexpected twist, changing it into a very different mood. In contrast to the terrifying face of Stapleton, Alex Rusell has an angelic face. An ordinary guy who appeared out of nowhere in Paula's life and whose dark past remained hidden until Pommie appeared on the scene. The film is set in the 70s and situated in an Australian town near Melbourne. The whole film is made in the outspoken style from the 70's. Clothing, vehicles and used soundtrack fit perfectly. My compliments to the decor department. And if you're wondering what the film title exactly means, then I suggest you look up the Australian statement "mad as a cut snake". "Cut Snake" is an indie with a two-faced character. On the one hand it's a simple crime film. On the other hand it's a rather bold melodramatic love story. The twist incorporated in the film is not without a risk. An experiment where some of the viewers will have second thoughts about. I appreciated the subtlety with regard to how everything was imaged. No overly explicit scenes were being used. Not even during the violent scenes. The highlight for me was the moment the tough and resolute Pommie emotionally crashed and briefly showed how fragile and helpless he was. A strong and persuasive piece. Are you an adventurous movie lover? Then this film is really something for you.More reviews here : http://bit.ly/1KIdQMT
aussiecubs I am an Aussie and I like to support our Australian film industry and so I wanted to like this movie, but unfortunately it turned out to be disappointing.I agree with the points made by the two earlier reviews of "gazferg" and "mattory" In my view, some elements were fine, but other parts were so poor that they dragged the movie down to finish up with something that, in the end, was very poor.Sullivan Stapleton as "Pommie" is excellent; his menacing presence was quite gripping however the other two leads, Alex Russell and Jessica De Gouw did not quite deliver the performances required to make the movie work. Unfortunately, a few of the other bit part players were so poor they were farcical.The technical side of the filmmaking is quite solid.In the end the weaknesses of the script and direction, particularly as the film spirals to its ending, ruins the film, leaving this viewer extremely disappointed.
mnaseef 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.
euroGary In many ways 'Cut Snake' is a wasted opportunity: it could have been a worthy social drama about how young men sent to prison cope with their prison history when they're out. Critical acclaim and award ceremonies would have followed. Instead, it's packed with macho violence, swearing and drag queens. So fewer filmsnob points, but probably more box office success.It's Australia (in the 1970s, judging from the outfits). Ex-con 'Sparra' (the personable Alex Russell) is going straight and working in a broom factory when an old mucker from prison, 'Pommie' (Sullivan Stapleton) turns up. Pommie quickly inveigles his way into the home of Sparra and fiancée Paula, despite the former's reluctance - it is clear there is some prison-based connection between the pair, a connection Pommie is determined will continue. Meanwhile, his violent tendencies come to the fore.Although it is fairly obvious early on what the connection is between Pommie and Sparra, this isn't explicitly stated until late in the film - meaning the viewer cannot be sure s/he fully understands Pommie and Sparra's motivations. But other aspects of the story rattle along at a fair old pace. As for the acting, Russell does well enough in portraying Sparra's confusion, but Stapleton seems so intent on channeling every one-note psycho who has ever featured on screen that by the time his big emotional scene rolls around it is hard to take him seriously. Still, caught as it is between the two genres of social drama and action thriller, 'Cut Snake' is an entertaining film and I would be happy to watch it again.