Cut Bank (2014)

A young man's life is unraveled after witnessing a murder that he filmed in his rural town of Cut Bank.

Director:

Matt Shakman

Writer:

Roberto Patino

Stars:

Michael Stuhlbarg, Bruce Dern, John Malkovich

2 wins & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Michael Stuhlbarg	...	Derby Milton
Bruce Dern	...	Georgie Wits
John Malkovich	...	Sheriff Vogel
Joyce Robbins	...	Mrs. Margaret
Christian Distefano	...	Wyatt
Aiden Longworth	...	Mason
Teresa Palmer	...	Cassandra Steeley
Liam Hemsworth	...	Dwayne McLaren
Billy Bob Thornton	...	Big Stan Steeley
Chilton Crane	...	Mrs. Steeley
David Burke	...	Match Tasunke
King Lau	...	Nurse
Stephen Hair	...	Orson McClaren
Len Crowther	...	Mr. Randall
Holly Turner	...	Mimi

Storyline

Dwayne McClaren has been looking for a way out of his small town upbringing of CUT BANK, MT since he graduated high school several years earlier. When he finds himself in the wrong place at the right time, he jumps at a chance to pursue a better life in a bigger city with his girlfriend Cassandra. But luck doesn't exist in Cut Bank, and this perceived good fortune is quickly followed by a flood of bad karma.

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Plot Keywords:

murder | montana | video tape | murder witness | postman | 

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Taglines:

Good Folks. Bad Deeds.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for violence and language

Did You Know?

Trivia

Cut Bank (2014) took two years to film and it was filmed in Edmonton and Innisfree, Alberta, Canada.

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Goofs

Cassandra is practicing her routine in the garage, Stan shows up, tells her to continue, then he talks to Dwayne; a couple minutes later, Stan leaves, and Dwayne shuts the garage to leave. Where did Cassandra go?

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Quotes

[first lines]
Georgie Wits: Mrs. Margaret! Look at that pretty brooch.
Margaret: Aren't you so kind. You have yourself a lovely day, Mr. Georgie Wits.

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Soundtracks

Kickers
Written and performed by Christopher Wray

User Reviews

An engaging noir film in the tradition of the Coen brothers

"Cut Bank" is a moody noir mystery/thriller that deserves much better reviews than the middling critiques it has received. It is evocative of Coen brothers films like "Fargo," "Blood Simple" and "The Ladykillers," but manages to be original and unpredictable. Performances by the top-notch cast are low-key, but credible. The atmosphere is suitably dreary, desolate and depressing. Technical aspects are adequate, if not inspired.

The denouement is emotionally satisfying if one puts ones brain on hold and ignores everything one knows about forensic science. The film offers a flimsy rationale based on the small town setting, but it still tests the limits of the audience's willful suspension of disbelief. However, other events are well-grounded. The motives and capabilities of the villain are a bit over the top, but not so much as to distract.

Overall it is an engaging and original noir film with excellent performances by a talented cast.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

3 April 2015 (USA)

Also Known As:

Cut Bank

Filming Locations:

Innisfree, Alberta, Canada

Box Office

Budget:

$5,000,000 (estimated)

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$288,591

Company Credits

Production Co:

Kilburn Media

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1