In the Cut (Unrated Director's Cut) [DVD]

Some kind of murder being solved.

In the Cut may not be the greatest film ever made, but it definitely deserves a higher rating than it received at the time it was released. It is a very clever psychological thriller that it many ways remakes Klute from a feminist perspective. The performances from Meg Ryan and Mark Ruffalo are top-notch, and Jane Campion is of course a master director. The cinematography is especially brilliant. I would rate it as equal or even better than The Power of the Dog.

This movie was gorgeous, A slow burn; full of poetry sadness depth desperation shadows hot sex suspence, true romance, unpredictable human behavior. Perhaps only a woman director is capable of portraying such potent silences, conversations not going the way you expect, poetry in the messiness of life, with help from some incredible actors. I had no idea Meg Ryan was so sexy. Incredible performances by Kevin Bacon, Mark Ruffualo, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and so on. The other detective ( the house mouse) the bouncer at the Baby Doll. It was also, personally fun to see all the sights Im use to in NYC- in the 90's when I lived there a lot of artists hung-out at the Baby Doll, the Red Door on West Broadway next to the fortune teller's sign. Lovely. How come its got such mediocre reviews?I guess because US population can only handle crude heavy handed in your face stimulation- loud laughs and car chases. This is not that.

Film noir

The first time I watched this film, I thought it was just "Okay". But, for some reason, I was compelled to watch it again. I found the movie, at once, mediocre and incredibly good, as if that makes any sense. The actors all did such a superb job, as did director Jane Campion and the rest of the crew. I absolutely HATED Meg Ryan's character, which means she definitely did a good job. Both Ryan and Mark Ruffalo really put themselves out there on this one - I admire their courage for doing that. I have actually purchased the book and hope it will answer some questions for me. Clearly, I'm not a professional film reviewer, but wanted to give my thoughts on this project.

For all the wrong reasons this will be Meg Ryan's most memorable role in one of the most forgettable movies yet. I am not an idiot, well not the biggest one anyway, but perhaps I bought this movie thinking, "Surely Meg Ryan wouldn't make a darn near porno film. Can't be!" I am glad I didn't bet any money. Apparently the ticket to ride in the film industry for the sake of getting your name "out there" or breathing new life into an otherwise diminishing film career, is nudity. You would think in today's age of film, that America is breeding a whole female population of dairy cows. There is enough nipple in this movie and damn-near all movies coming out of Hollywood rated PG-13 and above these days, to feed the infants of the world for an indefinite amount of time. See what I mean? I couldn't tell you one tiny bit about what I remember of the storyline, aside from dismembered bodies, and nudity aplenty. This movie is pivotal in reinforcing the beliefs of many...."Yes,Virginia..." the world IS going to hell in a hand basket. This piece of crap is going on Ebay.It's a sad day. Now that I have seen our quirky but adorable Meg Ryan in a different as well as disturbing role, it's hard to go back to the heart-warming days of "shop-girl". If changing public opinion of her was indeed her goal, I think she may have been successful, unfortunately. If you loved Meg's roles in the romantic comedy genre, a'la I Love Lucy sweetness, and you don't want that image marred, DO NOT watch this movie. You'll be sorry you did. I am.

I read that Meg Ryan's career was derailed after making this film because fans were shocked by the frank sexuality. Well Boo Hoo. I think she was AMAZING. Jennifer Jason Leigh was AMAZING (she also wasn't rail thin which is a win for actresses). The chemistry between Meg Ryan and Mark Ruffalo was INTENSE - I'm not really into sex scenes but I though this movie did an amazing job of capturing the chemistry of this onscreen couple instead of just another boring portrayal of people humping. Great surprise ending as well. Those looking for a Hollywood style movie will not like this - it has a very gritty, indie, arthouse feel which I absolutely loved.

Superb film noir, Meg Ryan is involved in a murder mystery and she seems to be the next victim. This is the first film where I have seen Meg nude and she carries it off with aplomb. This is a whole new genre for her and I think she should do more. She shows that she is a better actress than she is given credit for. The plot is twisted enough to keep you guessing and you are led down several blind alleys before you get to the finale. Good film!

I have not read the book on which this film is based but my overwhelming takeaway from this film was sadness at the plight of the women portrayed who go in for inappropriate relationships with predatory or mixed-up men.Yes there are some sex and raunchy club scenes that all come across as slightly desperate and sleazy, which I guess is the point. Meg Ryan teacher is a bit of a fish out of water - moved by subway poetry, collecting interesting words and teaching Woolf's The Lighthouse - in this landscape of pimps, hookers, lap dancers, blow jobs and assorted wackos.Meg has a 'room of her own'. However it's not a haven for reading, writing and reflection but rather a location for masturbation and sex with her cop buddy who seems just as interested in investigating her body as in his serial killer case.Other than that I thought the cinematography of New York was excellent. The plot was sufficiently twisty to keep your attention all the way to the happy ending (as if) after Meg does her own version of Taxi Driver's Travis Bickle at her own New York lighthouse.Personally, for films of this type, I prefer the old classic: Looking for Mr Goodbar.

I must own up and say that the primary reason for buying this film was to get to see a sight of Ms Ryan's naked body. There, I have admitted it!I was also intrigued as to how she might make the transition from her more 'comedic' roles into ones more serious. She made a bad choice of films in which to bare her all!Suspense? Do me a favour, guv! The end was telegraphed loud and clear to anyone with a semblance of a brain. Like a say, the source material was the problem and Ms Ryan should have run a mile from the script.I wouldn't say that it was a waste of an hour and a half but it comes close.

In The Cut is a “modern psycho-sexual noir thriller."It gives a very raw feel of the people and places in New York and the actors do an exemplary job.Be warned, this film is graphic and certainly not for everyone, but that does in no way detract from it's excellence.I personally think this film is a modern classic.

In my opinion this is a great film with an excellent portrayal of a troubled and insecure main character (Meg Ryan), interwoven with a cleverly built and sustained murder thriller. The characters are all complex and believable so that you care what happens with them, and there are many nuances of the plot and relationships that only add to the film's success. I liked the dotty Meg Ryan in the early stuff but in this film I was very very impressed with her depth of characterisation and clear committment to as honest a performance as the story demanded. All the actors were exceptional and their acting very believable. The erotic scenes add to the story rather than as an end in themselves, and anyone buying the film just for these would miss the whole concept. 5 stars.

Good film, worth a watch.