The Final Cut (2004)

[Mr_Vindictive]

Finally got around to watching this last night:





The Final Cut 8/10

Summary
In the future parents have the option to install a computer chip in their unborn children. The chip will record every second of the person's life and when they die a "cutter" is hired to splice together the good memories for a "rememory" at the person's

Review
First of all, let me say that I'm a big fan of Robin Williams in dramas. I'm not talking Patch Adams drama, I'm talking World According To Garp and One Hour Photo drama. The Final Cut falls in with the latter two.

This is a superb film that really surprised me. I knew the budget for it was low, but I never even remotely expected it to be as good as it was.

The story takes place in what by my estimations is 2045 or so. What I loved about the film was that it didn't go all IRobot on me. It kept the future simple - passive progressive even. Most of the vehicles in the film are regular vehicles that you'd see on the road today, the weapons are the same yet everyone has these "Zoe" chips and there are holographs everywhere. Think of a toned down Gattaca and you'd have the right idea.

Not only was the story in the film strong and engaging, so was the acting throughout. Robin Williams stays pretty emotionless throughout, which fit his character perfectly. It great to see Mia Sorvino in something recent; I've really missed the hell out of her. It was also good to see James Caviezel in something where he's not nailed to a cross or chasing down invalids in a hot rod.

The only problem that I had with the film is that it will work it's way to something and build it up as much as possible and then it would fall flat. But, if you really watch the movie you can see how that mimick's real life. You find something you believe will change your life only to find out it wasn't as important as what you thought it was.

Overall though, I give the movie a high recommendation. It's beautifully shot, has great acting and is a good way to waste an hour and a half. See it if you liked Gattaca, Equilibrium, Blade Runner, etc. It also reminded me quite a bit of Godsend, which I loathed, but it seemed to work here.

[Zombie]

I've heard of this film.

[Ash]

I saw this film a few weeks ago and I agree, it is very good.

Robin Williams has that unique ability to play comedy and then to turn around in a different film and show us the darker side of his acting abilities.

Skaboi forgot to mention one other thing that makes this film good and that's "The Cutter's Code." which is the first thing we as viewers are introduced to in the film.

I can only remember the 1st two...they are:

1.) A Cutter may not buy or sell footage from a Zoe implant.

2.) A Cutter can not have a Zoe implant himself.

and....

I forget the 3rd one....anyone remember what it was?

GO HERE to read Ebert's 3 star review of it.

Like Skaboi said, it is a great way to waste an hour and a half.
Thumbs up from me.



Post Edited (04-23-05 23:45)

[Ash]

Ah!
I found the entire Cutters Code.
Here it is.

Cutter's Code:
1.) A Cutter cannot give away or sell memories entrusted to their care.

2.) A Cutter cannot mix two peoples' memories or combine Zoe chips.

3.) A Cutter cannot be implanted with a Zoe chip.



Post Edited (04-23-05 23:50)

[Neville]

This one passed quite unnoticed, but it's sure worth a viewing or two. Although it looks as placid and as preciosist as a BBC series, in its heart it is really a hardcore cyberpunk film like "Strage Days" or "Gattaca". It just comes in a different wrapping, but it is as good and as thought-provoking as those.

Just don't expect the usual degradated urban settings or breakneck-paced action. It's not one of those, but more like a drama.

[Mr_Vindictive]

Yeah, I'm with you Neville.  It's definently in the same vein as Strange Days.  Also reminded me quite a bit of Johnny Mnemonic as well.  Certainly has cyberpunk qualities to it, I.E. the tattooed Zoe groups.

[Neville]

It's not only that. It has a near future setting, and it depicts a world were technology has altered human relationships (there's people who won't do anything inconvenient for fear of it being recorded) and society, which is divided in those who would accept the chip and those who won't. It might be played from a completely different angle, but it is as cyberpunk as all the titles you've mentioned.

[AndyC]

What impressed me was that it was a science fiction movie that contained real science fiction. The story was basically about the Zoe chip, a fictional piece of technology, and how it affects people as individuals, in relationships, and as a society. In exploring this future society, it also provides some interesting insights into our own present-day world.

Nice change from the usual sci-fi, which is just action movies dressed up with lots of gadgets.