The Final Cut

In The Final Cut (2004) Robin Williams plays Alan W. Hackman, a “cutter.” In the futuristic world of the film, people who can afford it have implants inserted in their brains at birth. The implants record every moment of their lives. When they die, “cutters” harvest and edit their memories into a video summary of their lives. Friends and family members attend a rememory service and watch the video. Hackman is widely regarded as the best in his profession.

This plot allows for sentimental platitudes about the unique and individual nature of human lives. It also provides the context for a more personal plot focused on Williams’ character.

The heart of this film is Robin Williams’ face. Williams’ character is crippled by his memory of a childhood incident. He believes his failure to act caused a friend’s death. As an adult he lives alone. He immerses himself in the lives of others because he has no life of his own. Despite a brief affair with a woman played by Mia Sorvino, he insulates himself from the world.

Hackman’s self-imposed isolation manifests in the dead, emotionless, expressionless face that he wears throughout the film. It is a mask of despair that conveys the tragedy of his life. It’s a haunting, painful image. It can’t redeem the film, but it is what you take away from the film.