Clearcut

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.

Without a doubt, one of the more realistically shocking and provocative films I have ever seen. One of the most important "lost" independent films ever. Definitely ranks in the top 5 best Canadian films ever.

I don't want to describe it too much, because it is best viewed with virgin eyes - no expectations.

The short summary is that a logging company has gone too far with its clear-cutting of the great Canadian woods, now subject to native Indian terror attacks against the loggers. A nebbish Toronto lawyer gets involved in the case, and meets a mysterious Indian (the always wonderful and most talented Graham Greene). What follows is a harrowing and devastating journey not only into the ancient woods of Canada, but into the darkest recesses of the human soul. Anger, rage, revenge, violence, redemption, tolerance, and ECOLOGY - all words to describe the feelings and attitudes of this shocking film. A definite MUST SEE! - unfortunately though, this is one of the rarest films made in the last 20 years. Never shown on TV, and pretty much unavailable on VHS (forget DVD, at least as far as I know it was never released on disc). Best chance is to pick it up in Canada at an art-house vid store. If you do ever see the box, don't miss the chance, rent it! Clearcut is proof that cinema is and always should be, the leading art form of our society. Films like this challenge, provoke, and serve as catharses. They have a purpose, and it is more than just to entertain. I was 16 when I saw it, and it changed my view of the world, in a positive way. It made me aware of issues while helping me explore the human psyche. Probably one of the few R rated films I would recommend that young people view (supervised of course) - it might actually enlighten them on issues of violence and rage in society.

WATCH CLEARCUT BY ALL MEANS!

SUPPORT Canadian CINEMA!! It should be so much better and richer than what it is - what is wrong with Canucks? Egoyan, Arcand, Jewison and Cronenberg cannot be the only popular cinema talents in one of the greatest countries on earth?!

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.

I've known about this movie for a long time Problem was I didn't know the name of it I was beginning to think I had imagined this movie for awhile A lawyer trying to unsuccessfully save some Indians land from a logging mill company Anyway the lawyer in frustration mentions to one of the Indians that they have to make them pay and says something to the effect that they ought to skin him alive One of the Indians takes him seriously and kidnaps one of the people in charge of the logging company Listen I'm sure there's probably much more gruesome torture movies out there I'm not really comfortable with a lot of torture stuff (So I don't dabble much into torture type movies) But this has one of the nastiest torture scenes I've personally seen Caution if you can't handle nasty violence You might want to avoid this movie.

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!