Cut Throat City
RZA’s “Cut Throat City” is a genre film with some purpose. It uses the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina to illuminate the inequities Black people face in America, and sets it within the framework of a heist film. On the surface, it reminds me a bit of F. Gary Gray’s “Set It Off,” also where ordinary Black people went into a life of crime when the system failed them. I can see “Cut Throat City” inspiring the same devotion among its fans.
The film begins with the words of Blink (Shameik Moore), as he sets the stage for Katrina, and also gets ready for his wedding to Demyra (Kat Graham). Not long after, Katrina hits, and we all remember the devastation in New Orleans, the images of a city underwater. Life only gets harder; Blink is a talented artist, but his attempts to find work don’t go well. About the only work that is constant is criminal, and his friends (Denzel Whitaker, Keean Johnson and Demetrius Shipp Jr.) are struggling there, as well. When he and Demyra are unable to get FEMA housing replacement assistance, there are not a lot of options, and the local crime lord (played by Tip T.I. Harris) has some opportunity for them to get some money. Unfortunately, when it goes sideways, they find themselves caught in the crosshairs of criminals and law enforcement alike.
There’s not much in “Cut Throat City” you have not seen in a heist film before- the screenplay by P.G. Cuschieri is fairly standard in that manner- but RZA’s direction, and the performances, elevate the film beyond its material; not much, but enough to make it a compelling watch. RZA’s appreciation for genre and style is evident from the animated opening credits, which show us our first real glimpse of Blink’s artistic talents, and set the tone the director wants to have the film at. Blink is a compelling lead which Moore imbues with a lot of sympathy and hope, even when it looks like life might take him away from his true purpose. As the main cop on the case, Eiza González is as determined as any movie detective we’ve seen, but she also wants to make sure this is handled in a way where the right people get arrested, and for the right reasons. One of the people helping her in that cause is Ethan Hawke’s Jackson Symms, who wants to see justice for the 9th Ward during this difficult time. And it’s great seeing Wesley Snipes pop up in a small role as Blink’s father when he needs a place to hide. The characters keep us interested in this story when the narrative seems to slow down, and sometimes, it moves at a crawl. If you’re a fan of the genre, though, it’s worth a look.
