This movie is very much a product of the time and place from which it originates. Released in 1981, the original novel ("Cutter and Bone") was published in the Seventies and the film version positively oozes the cynicism and self-absorption that permeated America in the aftermath of Vietnam and Watergate.
The plot is centered around crippled Vietnam vet Alex Cutter (John Heard), his best friend Richard Bone (Jeff Bridges), and Cutter's wife Mo (Lisa Eichman) who live in sunny Santa Barbara. Cutter is drink-sodden, embittered, and cynical due to his war injuries and his conviction that life is meaningless. Mo is also lost in alcoholism and terminal disconnection from her husband, Bone is a low-rent pretty boy hustler who unintentionally witnesses the body of a cheerleader being dumped in a back-alley trash can. This dysfunctional trio team up with the victim's sister to expose the oil tycoon whom they believe is the killer.
All three lead actors offer strong portrayals of people who deeply care for each other but are too wounded to really connect. They are thrust into a situation where each one of them is forced to take a stand and fight for justice, friendship, or love. The dialogue is absolutely razor-sharp and the myth of America as a a classless land of equal opportunity is torn to shreds. All in all, a gripping, blackly funny, and heartbreaking gem.
The plot is centered around crippled Vietnam vet Alex Cutter (John Heard), his best friend Richard Bone (Jeff Bridges), and Cutter's wife Mo (Lisa Eichman) who live in sunny Santa Barbara. Cutter is drink-sodden, embittered, and cynical due to his war injuries and his conviction that life is meaningless. Mo is also lost in alcoholism and terminal disconnection from her husband, Bone is a low-rent pretty boy hustler who unintentionally witnesses the body of a cheerleader being dumped in a back-alley trash can. This dysfunctional trio team up with the victim's sister to expose the oil tycoon whom they believe is the killer.
All three lead actors offer strong portrayals of people who deeply care for each other but are too wounded to really connect. They are thrust into a situation where each one of them is forced to take a stand and fight for justice, friendship, or love. The dialogue is absolutely razor-sharp and the myth of America as a a classless land of equal opportunity is torn to shreds. All in all, a gripping, blackly funny, and heartbreaking gem.