Cut Snake

"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.

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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.

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.

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.

This is a very dark, tense peak into post prison trauma in 70s Australia. Solid acting and good direction.

Uncomfortable yet riveting.

A good watch.