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Cut Bank
[Blu-ray]
Blu-ray A - America - Lions Gate Home Entertainment Review written by and copyright: Abraham Phillips (7th June 2015). |
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The Film
 "Cut Bank" has a wonderful cast, a cast that brings this thriller to life in many ways mainly through top notch acting and combined with an emotionally appealing story makes for a decent watch. This is equals parts thriller and equals parts drama. Both meld together to create a worthy watch. It was very intense at times set in a small town with a dark underbelly of crime. "Cut Bank" was written by Roberto Patino, this being his first major feature film after writing a bunch of episodes for "Prime Suspect" (2011-2012) and "Sons of Anarchy" (2008-2014) - so he knows a thing of two about the criminal underbelly. The plot is very simple. Dwayne (Liam Hemsworth) is a small town mechanic. His glory days of being a high school football star are behind him. He now wishes to get out of the small town of Cut Bank. This wish to leave town creates a set of actions that would forever change his life and most of all the town’s future. Dwayne witnesses a murder, and so begins the intense unraveling of a small town in a landscape of violence. Matt Shakman directs this tight thriller. Shockingly, like Patino, this is Shakman’s first feature film also having worked in television on a combination of projects from dramas like "Fargo" (2014-Present) to comedies like "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" (2005-Present). Each are really rookies at feature film making but I feel managed to captured a unique story with artful direction creating a mysterious, back woods, small town piece of criminal Americana. Also starring a respectable cast including Academy Award Winner Billy Bob Thornton, John Malkovich, Oliver Platt, Bruce Dern, Ty Olsson and Teresa Palmer. With all this star power, the main star that really stands out in this film is Michael Stuhlbarg, playing the character of Derby Milton. Stuhlbarg did a fantastic job. A performance that truly stands out as being very memorable and is award worthy in my viewpoint. His persona in this film is extraordinary, and leaves a lasting impression. Now the main point that needs to be spoken about is the cinematography by Ben Richardson. Utterly beautiful and fantastic. The landscapes of the small town look amazing. He is able to capture everything in detail. The feel of this town was captured. The behind the scenes crew is what truly made this film what it is, from the art direction, music, lighting, cinematography, set decoration and everything else made this film feel like a story book. Best way to describe this film is a modern crime Noir with violent moments. This film mixes a story that uses all the clichés that a crime thriller uses, but still is still able to create a fascinating film, mainly through the art-form of the behind the scenes crew, and also by the cast of veteran actors. I enjoyed this film and felt it crafted a relatable small town thriller that reminds me of such films like "Fargo" (1996), "At Close Range" (1986), and "Evidence of Blood" (1998). I recommend this film. Amazing acting. Tight story. Beautiful cinematography.
Video
Presented in widescreen 2.40:1 in 1080p 24/fps AVC MPEG-4 High Definition, this video is absolutely stunning. There is no flaw what so ever. It's vibrant in color and looks like you could put your hand into the film.
Audio
Audio is included in English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround. The sound is dynamic and much like the video breathes life into this film. The film also comes with English, English for the hearing impaired or Spanish Subtitles. Both are optional.
Extras
Lionsgate has included an audio commentary, a featurette, deleted scenes, extended scenes, a collection of bonus trailers and a digital copy version of the film. The audio commentary is with director Matt Shakman and screenwriter Roberto Patino. These two provide a serviceable track that details the production process. A featurette entitled "Bad Karma: Life in Cut Bank" (1080p) runs for 18 minutes 52 seconds. This is a behind-the-scenes program with the director, writer and actors talking about the start and production. And also where the idea for the story came from. There are three deleted scenes (1080p): - "Dwayne Outside" with a running time of 45 seconds. - ""Dwayne Sneaks Out" with a running time of 51 seconds. - "Stan and Cass have Words" with a running time 1 minute 59 seconds There are two extended scenes (1080p): - "Dinner" with a running time of 1 minute 5 seconds. - "Whiskey Bottle" with a running time of 58 seconds. Bonus trailers (1080p) are included for: - "A Most Violent Year" with a running time of 2 minutes 23 seconds. - "Ex Machina" with a running time of 1 minute 53 seconds. - "Son of a Gun" with a running time of 2 minutes 13 seconds. - "Beyond the Reach" with a running time 2 minutes 26 seconds. Also comes with an insert for a digital code giving you the option of having the digital version of the film. A bookmarks feature is also included.
Packaging
Packaged in a blu-ray case housed in a cardboard slip-case for first pressings.
Overall
"Cut Bank" is a crime thriller with style and amazing acting. Great Blu-ray experience. I was thoroughly entertained.
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