Clearcut

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!

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.

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!

Arthur is the spirit-guide Peter McGuire finds during his sweat-lodge vision; a water-spirit who becomes the personification of McGuire's own anger. If you don't believe me on this, pay attention to the water shots (starting with the opening shot of the movie), the sweat-lodge sequence, and listen carefully to almost everything Wilf says. Once you understand what Arthur is, you can see that the primary themes explored are (1) talk vs. action, and (2) if you cannot control your anger, your anger will control you. I found Ron Lea a bit too wimpy to carry off the final scene, but overall, this is a very thought-provoking movie, which I recommend to anyone who likes to think.

At the start of this film, it seems to be expressing anger about encroaching on native lands and environmental destruction. Soon it is evident it is about the outrage itself - and at what stave that it becomes unacceptable as it ventures into violence. This film is even more relevant now than when it was released, given the violence in the WTO protests.

You are never sure if Arthur is human, a god, or some vengeful spirit. The way he enters and exits the film keeps this a mystery.

Although it has its faults, a very provocative film.