🪶 Story & Synopsis
In the movie “Cut Bank,” directed by Matt Shakman and written by Roberto Patino, the story unfolds in a small town in Montana where things take a dark turn when a young man named Dwayne McLaren, played by Liam Hemsworth, witnesses a murder. Dwayne sees an opportunity to turn this unfortunate event into a get-rich-quick scheme, but his plan quickly spirals out of control.
The film delves into the complexities of small-town life and the consequences of greed and desperation. As Dwayne tries to manipulate the situation for his benefit, he finds himself entangled in a dangerous web of deceit and violence. The all-star cast includes Teresa Palmer as Cassandra, Billy Bob Thornton, Bruce Dern, and John Malkovich, each adding depth to the characters they portray.
Throughout the movie, suspense and tension build as Dwayne’s schemes unravel, leading to unexpected twists and turns. The cinematography by Ben Richardson captures the stark beauty of the Montana landscape, enhancing the eerie atmosphere of the unfolding events.
As the story reaches its climax, Dwayne’s plans backfire, and he finds himself in a life-threatening situation. The film’s conclusion is gripping, with a mix of betrayal, redemption, and justice. The character dynamics and the intricate plot keep viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
“Cut Bank” is a thrilling crime drama that explores the dark side of human nature and the consequences of greed. With stellar performances, a gripping storyline, and stunning visuals, the movie immerses the audience in a tale of deception and survival in a small town where nothing is as it seems.
🧑 Cast & Crew
Liam Hemsworth, Teresa Palmer, Billy Bob Thornton, Bruce Dern, John Malkovich, Michael Stuhlbarg, Oliver Platt
Actor | Role |
---|---|
Liam Hemsworth | Dwayne McLaren |
Billy Bob Thornton | Stan Steeley |
John Malkovich | Sheriff Vogel |
Teresa Palmer | Cassandra |
Michael Stuhlbarg | Derby Milton |
💬 Reviews and feedback
Are you ready to dive into the world of small-town crime and mystery with “Cut Bank”? Picture this: you find yourself in a remote Montana town where everyone knows each other’s business, and secrets are as abundant as the vast skies above. It’s like being in a game of Clue, only the stakes are real and the consequences dire.
Now, let’s unravel the plot of “Cut Bank.” Our protagonist, Dwayne (played by Liam Hemsworth), is itching to escape the confines of Cut Bank, seeking a life beyond the limitations of his hometown. However, fate has other plans as he gets entangled in a web of deceit while working for his girlfriend’s father and caring for his ailing dad. The story takes a dark turn when a seemingly simple plan goes awry, leading to unexpected twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.
Despite its lack of complexity compared to other cinematic masterpieces, “Cut Bank” manages to deliver an engaging adventure with genuine surprises. The cast ensemble including Liam Hemsworth, Teresa Palmer, Billy Bob Thornton, Bruce Dern, and John Malkovich brings their A-game to breathe life into their characters.
Acting and Characters:
- Liam Hemsworth shines as Dwayne, portraying the internal conflict of a young man torn between loyalty and ambition.
- Billy Bob Thornton adds depth to his character with his nuanced performance as a pivotal figure in Dwayne’s life.
- Bruce Dern and John Malkovich bring their seasoned expertise to enrich the narrative with layers of intrigue and suspense.
The chemistry among the cast members enhances the storytelling experience, immersing you deeper into the murky waters of Cut Bank’s secrets. Each character contributes uniquely to the overall atmosphere of suspense and unpredictability.
Direction and Cinematography:
- The direction by Matt Shakman infuses the film with a neo-noir vibe that keeps you guessing till the very end.
- The cinematography captures the essence of small-town America, painting a vivid picture of both its beauty and darkness.
Shakman’s vision combined with stunning visuals creates an immersive experience that transports you to Cut Bank itself, making you feel like a resident caught up in its gripping saga.
Tone and Themes:
- The film strikes a balance between dark humor and suspense, offering moments of levity amidst tense situations.
- Themes of loyalty, deception, and redemption weave through the narrative, adding depth to each character’s journey.
“Cut Bank” explores moral ambiguity in a setting where right and wrong blur into shades of gray. It challenges viewers to question motives and actions while keeping them hooked with its enigmatic storyline.
Score and Production Design:
- The score complements the tension-filled scenes, heightening emotions at crucial moments throughout the film.
- The production design captures the essence of rural Montana authentically, enhancing the overall atmosphere of isolation and mystery.
The seamless integration of music and visuals elevates key scenes, intensifying your connection to the unfolding drama within Cut Bank’s confines. Every detail in production design adds layers to both characters’ personalities and town dynamics.
Special Effects and Editing:
- The special effects enhance pivotal moments without overshadowing character-driven narratives.
- The editing keeps pacing tight, ensuring that suspense builds steadily towards a climactic resolution.
From intense confrontations to quiet contemplative moments, special effects subtly accentuate crucial plot points while skilled editing maintains momentum throughout “Cut Bank.” The result is an engaging viewing experience that leaves you craving more twists in this rural noir tale.
Binge-watching Tips:
If you’re looking for an intriguing blend of crime thriller with small-town drama laced with mystery,
“Cut Bank” is your ticket for an immersive cinematic journey.
Keep an eye out for subtle clues peppered throughout
that add layers to each character’s motivations.
Grab some popcorn,
settle into your favorite spot on
your couch,
but be prepared for some unexpected turns along
Cut Bank’s winding roads!
In conclusion,
“Cut Bank” may not reinvent cinematic conventions,
but it delivers an entertaining ride through
moral dilemmas
in rural America.
So grab some snacks,
settle in,
and let yourself be captivated by
the allure
of Cut Bank’s secrets.
I give “Cut
Bank”
a solid
7/10!
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Serviceable adventure | Plot moves somewhat predictably |
Genuine surprises | Slow-paced at times |
Strong supporting cast | Misses theaters, goes straight to DVD |
Interesting rural crime thriller | Shocking dull affair |
Entertaining with odd characters | Almost disappointing due to wasted talent |
Feedback
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Cut Bank (film) - Wikipedia
Hell Town) is a 2014 American thriller film directed by Matt Shakman and written by Roberto Patino. Starring Liam Hemsworth, Billy Bob Thornton, John Malkovich, Teresa Palmer, and Michael Stuhlbarg, the film was selected to be screened in the Contemporary World Cinema section at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival. The film follows a witness to a murder who wants to get rich off of what he saw. It was released in the United States on April 3, 2015, in a limited release and through video on demand by A24.
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Cut Bank (2014) - IMDb
A young man’s life is unraveled after witnessing a murder that he filmed in his rural town of Cut Bank.A young man’s life is unraveled after witnessing a murder that he filmed in his rural town of Cut Bank.A young man’s life is unraveled after witnessing a murder that he filmed in his rural town of Cut Bank.
- Awards
- 2 wins & 3 nominations
SPONSORED
- Awards
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Cut Bank (2014) - Full Cast & Crew - IMDb
Cut Bank (2014)Full Cast & CrewDirected by
Matt Shakman Writing Credits (in alphabetical order)
Roberto Patino … (written by) Cast (in credits order)Produced by
Mickey Barold … producer Laurette Bourassa … co-producer (uncredited) Dan Cohen … producer Larry Dorr … executive producer Brad Ferguson … executive producer Corinne Ferguson … executive producer J.M. Logan … associate producer Mark C. Manuel … producer (as Mark Manuel) Matthew Medlin … co-producer Ted O’Neal … producer Vinny Pilegge … executive producer Laura Rister … producer Matthew Therrell … executive producer Edward Zwick … producer Music by
James Newton Howard Cinematography by
Ben Richardson … director of photography Editing by
Craig Wood Carol Littleton … (uncredited) Casting By
Candice Elzinga Rhonda Fisekci Production Design by
Laura Fox Art Direction by
Myron Hyrak Charles Varga Set Decoration by
Karen Jones Jim Murray … key set decorator Craig Shillington Costume Design by
Narda McCarroll Makeup Department
Lynne K. Eagan … head of department: makeup (as Lynne Eagan) Sasha McLaughlin … first assistant hair Matthew W. Mungle … dental applications: for Mr. Stuhlbarg (as Matthew Mungle) Rose Rimmer … head of department hair Samantha J. Rumball … key makeup (as Samantha Rumball) Production Management
Doug Steeden … production manager J.M. Logan … post-production supervisor (uncredited) Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Alex Burnett … second assistant director Cynthia Dryka … trainee assistant director Ehud Ellman … first assistant director Cory Faulkner … first assistant director: splinter unit Johanna Posthuma … third assistant director Eric B. Spoeth … second second assistant director (uncredited) Art Department
Chelsea Barrie … painter Melanie Raevn Brasch … assistant props master (as Melanie ‘Raevn’ Brasch) Torstein Colyer … painter Jim Gray … on-set dresser Ryan Halun … assistant set decorator Perry Harris … lead dresser K.C. Haxton … art: puzzle Josiah Hienstra … carpenter Myron Hyrak … property master Wayne Jeannotte … lead carpenter Jen Jelfs … art department trainee (as Jennifer Jelfs) Chuck Jensen … carpenter Megan Kumpula … props assistant Cody Menard … carpenter Kelly Menard … carpenter Guy Morrison … armourer Dave Oudshoorn … construction coordinator Amy Sanders … painter Megan Seaton … painter Richard Stevens … lead painter (as Richard ‘Buck’ Stevens) Lisa Tsen … art department assistant Melanie Raevn Brasch … graphic designer (uncredited) Karen Jones … dresser (uncredited) Craig Shillington … dresser (uncredited) Sound Department
Garrell Clark … production sound recordist Gerry Clarke … sound mixer: splinter unit Yann Delpuech … re-recording mixer / sound designer John-Thomas Graves … adr mixer (as John T. Graves) Jon Greasley … sound editor Micah Henry … sound trainee Stanley Kastner … re-recording mixer E. Niles Klein … assistant sound editor (as E. Nikes Klein) Mike McKone … sound editor Joel Shryack … supervising sound editor Jessie Anne Spence … assistant sound editor Markus Wade … boom operator Jason Charbonneau … foley assistant (uncredited) Ryan Lukasik … foley editor (uncredited) / foley mixer (uncredited) Kevin Schultz … foley mixer (uncredited) John Sievert … foley artist (uncredited) Special Effects by
Daren Findling … special effects assistant Leo Wieser … special effects coordinator (as Leo Weiser) Brandon Allen … special effects shop assistant (uncredited) Visual Effects by
Emmanuel Bazin … compositor / matte painter Bryan Ferland … lead: concepts Jean Nicolas Fidala … motion tracking (as Nicolas Fidala) Jonathan Foucher … lead modeling / visual effects technical director Emanuelle Gill … artist: 3D / modeler Marc Hall … texture artist / visual effects producer Alan Munro … title design Stunts
Guy Bews … stunt double: Derby Mike Carpenter … stunt double: Dwayne Lauren Gibson … stunt double: Cassandra Jacob Rupp … stunt double: Georgie Greg Schlosser … stunt double: Stan Jodi Stecyk … stunt coordinator Adrian Young … stunt double: Derby Camera and Electrical Department
Chelsea Barrie … grip Cory Budney … first assistant camera: “b” camera Andy Capicik … second assistant camera / steadicam Chris Chow … loader / second assistant camera Torstein Colyer … grip Jeff Connors … dolly grip / key grip Dean Davey … grip Liam Gerrie … lighting technician Zack Hamm … best boy grip Christina Ienna … camera trainee (as Christina Lenna) Cherise Keown … loader / second assistant camera Amir Krameddine … daily grip Dean Morin … first assistant camera: “a” camera Dan Power … stills photographer Doug Radford … electrician Sam Reid … electrician Zenon Sept … best boy electric J
⚠️ Explanation (Spoiler)
In the movie “Cut Bank,” we are transported to the small town of Cut Bank, Montana, known for being the coldest in the United States. The town’s experienced Sheriff Vogel, played by John Malkovich, has never witnessed a murder until a series of events unfold. The story revolves around Dwayne McLaren, portrayed by Liam Hemsworth, who accidentally films a murder of the town mailman, Georgie Wits, played by Bruce Dern. However, things are not as they seem, and the mystery deepens as a missing parcel becomes a central point of interest for various characters.
The film is filled with a star-studded cast including Billy Bob Thornton, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Oliver Platt, who add layers to the narrative. Despite the impressive lineup of actors, the movie fails to deliver a cohesive tone, leaving viewers feeling disconnected from the characters and the plot. The lack of rhythm, tension, and atmosphere makes the storytelling fall flat, with some performances feeling forced and unnatural.
One of the standout performances in the film comes from John Malkovich, who brings a sense of honesty and sadness to his role as Sheriff Vogel. His portrayal of a small-town lawman grappling with the violence in his town adds depth to the otherwise lackluster storyline. However, Malkovich’s performance stands out amidst a sea of uninspired moments, making “Cut Bank” feel lifeless and devoid of genuine emotion.
The film attempts to blend elements of crime and comedy, reminiscent of the Coen brothers’ style in movies like “Fargo” and “No Country for Old Men,” but falls short in striking the right balance. The interactions between characters like Malkovich and Platt or Stuhlbarg and a Native American add some spark to the narrative, but these moments of personality get lost in the overall dullness of the film.
Ultimately, “Cut Bank” struggles to find its footing, with the talented cast unable to elevate the lackluster script and direction. While there are glimpses of potential in certain scenes and performances, the movie as a whole fails to engage viewers and falls short of delivering a compelling story.
👪 Parents Guide & Age Rating
R
Age Rating:
Cut Bank movie is rated R for strong violence, language, and brief sexuality/nudity.
Parental Guide:
Parents should be aware that Cut Bank contains intense scenes of violence, including murder, as well as strong language throughout the movie. There are also brief moments of sexuality and nudity that may not be suitable for younger viewers. The film’s dark and suspenseful nature, along with its themes of crime and deception, make it more appropriate for mature audiences.
📺 Streaming and where to watch
streaming service | extra information |
---|---|
HBO | Watch Cut Bank on HBO.com |
Prime Video | Watch Cut Bank on Amazon.com |
Hulu | Stream Cut Bank online on Hulu |
Max | Watch Cut Bank on Max, Max Amazon Channel, Showtime Apple TV Channel |
❝ Quotes and Cult
A young man's life is unraveled after witnessing a murder that he filmed in his rural town of Cut Bank.
Cut Bank: Directed by Matt Shakman.
Cut Bank (also known as Hell Town) is a 2014 American thriller film directed by Matt Shakman and written by Roberto Patino.
So what's this secret business you got with Derby Milton? He stopped by Drewry's after hours last night asking about you, worked up on Harvey real good.
There's a Blackfoot Indian. reservation close by. that gives us a rich cultural diversity.
Get down! Dwayne! That, indeed, is the taking. of a human life.. First murder this town has ever seen.. Excuse me just one second. - You all right, Sheriff Vogel? - Dinner ain't sittin' well is all. That was Georgie Wits.. Mailman and beloved town acquaintance.
🤖Cut Bank Reddit Talks
Cut Bank: A Fargo-Inspired Crime Caper
The 2014 crime thriller “Cut Bank,” directed by Matt Shakman, has garnered mixed reviews, with a 31% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 1.5-star rating from Ebert. Despite this, the film has found a following among fans of the Coen brothers’ crime comedies, particularly “Fargo.”
Plot Overview
“Cut Bank” follows Dwayne McLaren (Liam Hemsworth), a young man living in the small town of Cut Bank, Montana, who dreams of escaping his mundane existence. When a mysterious package is delivered to his doorstep, he becomes entangled in a dangerous game involving a group of criminals.
Themes and Influences
The film is heavily influenced by the works of the Coen brothers, particularly “Fargo” and “No Country for Old Men.” It shares their dark humor, quirky characters, and exploration of the seedy underbelly of small-town America.
Characters and Performances
Liam Hemsworth delivers a strong performance as Dwayne, capturing the character’s naivety and ambition. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with John Malkovich, Billy Bob Thornton, and Bruce Dern all turning in memorable performances.
Critical Reception
Critics have praised the film’s performances, atmosphere, and Coen-esque sensibilities. However, some have criticized its lack of originality and its reliance on familiar tropes.
Audience Reaction
Audiences have been more receptive to “Cut Bank” than critics, with many praising its entertainment value and suspenseful plot. The film has also been praised for its depiction of small-town life and its exploration of themes such as greed and ambition.
Unanswered Questions
One of the lingering questions surrounding “Cut Bank” is the contents of the mysterious package. The film intentionally leaves this unanswered, adding to the film’s enigmatic and unsettling atmosphere.
Overall Impression
“Cut Bank” is a solid crime thriller that pays homage to the Coen brothers while carving out its unique identity. Its strong performances, suspenseful plot, and Coen-esque sensibilities make it an enjoyable watch for fans of the genre.
Top discussions
- https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/4oiv2b/anyone_see_cut_bank_2014/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/YMS/comments/2ybr9w/cut_bank_and_the_parcel/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/FargoTV/comments/4i0md1/fargoinspired_movie_cut_bank/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/A24/comments/143huz9/a24_retrospective_cut_bank/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/2v115g/cut_bank_2015_trailer/
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cut Bank based on a true story?
“It is possible that the plot is based on an actual case in a different community, but it is not based on actual events that took place in Cut Bank.” The cast of “Cut Bank” includes Liam Hemsworth, Teresa Palmer, Billy Bob Thornton, Bruce Dern, and John Malkovich.
What happens at the end of Cut Bank?
At the end of Cut Bank, Derby leaves Dwayne and Cassandra to suffocate, but Vogel intervenes, kills Derby, and rescues both Cassandra and Dwayne. Vogel then pieces together the whole story with help from Stan.
What was in the lunch box in Cut Bank?
One of the recurring questions has been, “What was in the lunchbox?” The answer is – probably nothing. The lunchbox was needed as part of a larger puzzle on the taxidermist’s wall to complete a specific scene.
Was the movie Cut Bank filmed in Cut Bank, Montana?
No, Cut Bank (2014) was not filmed in Cut Bank, Montana. It took two years to film and was actually filmed in Edmonton and Innisfree, Alberta, Canada.
🔀 Recommended Movie and TV Show
- The Living: A crime thriller following the story of a man whose life takes a dark turn after a traumatic event.
- Dark Places: A mystery drama based on a novel by Gillian Flynn, involving a woman investigating the truth behind her family’s murder.
- The Captive: A thriller about the abduction of a young girl and the long-lasting impact it has on her family.
- The Killing Time (1987): A crime thriller involving a deadly game of cat and mouse between a detective and a serial killer.
- Rushlights (2013): A suspenseful drama about a young couple who get caught up in a dangerous scheme in a small town.
- Blood Crime (2002): A thriller centered around a detective investigating a series of gruesome murders in a rural community.
- Ten ’til Noon (2006): A crime drama following the interconnected lives of several characters leading up to a pivotal moment at 10 AM.