The Final Cut (2004) - Film Review
Naim, Williams, & Caviezel Turn a Good Idea into an Average Thriller
Sep 28, 2009
Robin Williams leaves funny aside in The Final Cut, a futuristic film that gives new meaning to "life after death." In theory, the concept behind The Final Cut must have sounded like it would make a provocative film. At the least, it could have Blade Runner or Minority Report-level action, thrills, or suspense. But when placed in the wrong hands, great ideas can quickly turn into lackluster movies. And The Final Cut is a prime example.
The Plot of The Final Cut Is Light on Thrills for a So-Called Thriller
Robin Williams (Mrs. Doubtfire, The Night Listener, Insomnia) leads a cast of misfits as Alan Hakman, a cutter. Cutters are hired to review memory implants that record what implanted individuals see, hear, and do from birth until death. The recording devices are called Zoe implants by their creator, EYE Tech.
Alan's reputation as a cutter is exemplary. He carves out a niche field within his profession, gaining fame (or infamy) for his ability to give even the most detestable villain a tasteful "rememory" (a funeral service in which the cutter creates a montage of scenes from the deceased's life). He is indifferent to the implant's more sinister records and keeps all he sees and hears in confidence.
A defining event has made Alan introverted, withdrawn from all human interaction save for an odd coupling with Delila, played by Mira Sorvino (Mighty Aphrodite, Mimic, Reservation Road). As a child, Alan stood by as a playmate, Louis Hunt, fell to his death. When an adult man whom Alan believes could be Hunt appears in one of his subject's memories, he is obsessed in finding out the truth. Could the man really be the child Alan let die?
Meanwhile, Fletcher, played by Jim Caviezel (The Count of Monte Cristo, The Passion of the Christ, Doctor Strange), is a former cutter seeking to put an end to the controversial implants and their Big Brother effect on those implanted. The subject of Alan's next rememory, a recently deceased attorney for EYE Tech, knew all of EYE Tech's dark secrets, safely recorded onto his implant. Fletcher wants that implant, and he'll stop at nothing, including murder, to get it.
The Cast of The Final Cut and the Characters They Play are Lifeless
The premise behind The Final Cut seems wrought with heightening suspense and nail-biting action. But Naim fails to throw in any suspense at all, with the story playing out more like a drama without anything dramatic. Alan, the supposed protagonist, isn't likable or even necessarily the real "good guy." With little back story to him or any of the other characters, it is impossible to feel or root for any of them.
Alan's relationship with Delila is downright creepy. Sorvino's part in the film is almost entirely useless. She shares scenes with no one but Williams. Every character is flat and baseless. What drives them is a mystery.
The concept behind The Final Cut had tons of potential. Now that it has already been wastefully made into an average, no-thrill thriller, even its originality is lost. In the end, The Final Cut is moderately interesting, but that's about it.
The Final Cut was released in theaters (limited showing) in late 2004 and on DVD in March 2005.
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