Cutting Horse (2002)
Larry Clark's understated Western drama about a horse trainer caught between family loyalty and corporate greed on the American frontier.
Cutting Horse - Movie Information
Cutting Horse - Plot
Writer-director Larry Clark fashions a moving drama about a horse trainer who comes home after years of estrangement, only to find that a corporate entity has made an aggressive play to take over his uncle's ranch.
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Cutting Horse - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Larry Clark
Main Cast
- Albert Harris
- Cesar Flores
- Robert Earl Crudup
- Rufus Norris
- Susan Santiago
Writers
- Larry Clark
Cutting Horse - FAQs
What is Cutting Horse about?
Cutting Horse follows a horse trainer who returns home after years away, only to discover that a powerful corporate entity is aggressively trying to seize his uncle's ranch. The film blends themes of family loyalty, land ownership, and the clash between rural tradition and modern commercial interests.
Who directed Cutting Horse?
Cutting Horse was directed by Larry Clark, who also wrote the screenplay. Clark is best known for his raw, unflinching approach to storytelling, and Cutting Horse marks a notable departure into Western and rural drama territory for the filmmaker.
Who are the main actors in Cutting Horse?
The film stars Albert Harris as Tyler, Cesar Flores as Sanchez, Robert Earl Crudup as Ray, Rufus Norris as Neil Stone, and Susan Santiago as Anna Marie. Together they bring this intimate Western drama to life with a grounded, character-driven ensemble performance.
When was Cutting Horse released?
Cutting Horse was released on July 14, 2002, in the United States. The film had a limited release and has since remained a lesser-known entry in Larry Clark's filmography, appreciated by fans of independent Western and rural American drama.
What genre is Cutting Horse?
Cutting Horse is a Western drama. It combines the classic American Western setting — ranches, open land, and a way of life under threat — with a deeply personal dramatic story about estrangement, family bonds, and the fight to preserve a legacy against corporate pressure.
How long is Cutting Horse?
Cutting Horse has a runtime of 2 hours and 4 minutes (124 minutes). The film takes its time to develop its characters and atmosphere, allowing the tension between the returning protagonist and the forces threatening his uncle's ranch to build steadily throughout.
What movies are similar to Cutting Horse?
If you enjoy Cutting Horse, you might also like Cry Macho (2021), Frontera (2014), Last Shoot Out (2021), Deadwood: The Movie (2019), Terror on the Prairie (2022), Jauja (2014), and Broke (2025) — all films that share a similar spirit of Western drama and rural American storytelling.
Is Cutting Horse based on a true story?
Cutting Horse is not based on a specific true story. It is an original screenplay written by director Larry Clark. However, the film draws on very real themes — corporate land grabs threatening family ranches and the emotional weight of returning home after long estrangement — that resonate with genuine American rural experiences.
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