🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Rospo Pallenberg
- Genre: Crime, Horror, Mystery, Thriller, Comedy, Slasher
- Release year: 1989
- Runtime (length): 1h 31min
- IMDb rating: 4.6/10 (6.5K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 0%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A high school girl juggles dating a hothead jock and a recently released mental patient while someone is bumping off teachers with power tools and pottery kilns, probably to improve test scores.
🍿 Cutting Class: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction of Characters and Setting
The film introduces Paula Carson, a high school student caught between the affections of Dwight Ingalls, a rebellious athlete, and Brian Woods, a recently released mental patient. Brian’s past includes the suspicious death of his father, adding to the intrigue and unease surrounding his return. The setting is a typical American high school, complete with familiar stereotypes and social dynamics.

Rising Tension and Murders
As Brian attempts to reintegrate into school life, a series of murders begins, heightening the suspicion around him. Dwight, fueled by jealousy and suspicion, actively tries to implicate Brian. The film uses red herrings and misdirection to keep the audience guessing about the killer’s identity. The tension escalates as more students and faculty become victims.

Paula’s Investigation and Confrontation
Paula finds herself torn between her loyalty to Dwight and her growing concern about Brian’s possible involvement. She begins her own investigation, uncovering clues that challenge her initial assumptions. The climax involves a confrontation in the school’s metal shop, where the killer’s true identity is revealed and a final battle ensues.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Paula Carson (Jill Schoelen): A high school student caught in a love triangle, finding herself amidst a series of murders.
- Brian Woods (Donovan Leitch Jr.): A disturbed young man, recently released from a mental hospital, becomes a suspect in the high school murders.
- Dwight Ingalls (Brad Pitt): Paula’s aggressive and jealous boyfriend, who is also a suspect in the murders.
- Mr. Dante (Roddy McDowall): The lecherous high school principal who is suspected to be involved in the high school murders.
- William Carson III (Martin Mull): Paula’s father, the district attorney, becomes a target of the high school killer.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Dwight Ingalls: “You know, Your fathers a lot bigger than I am. Of course, I bigger where it REALLY counts!” – Dwight says this with a cocky attitude, hinting at his physical prowess and confidence.
- Mr. Dante: “Now, Paula, you’re not CUTTING CLASS, are you?” – The Principal asks Paula in a suggestive manner.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $2,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $2,542,505
- Worldwide Gross: $2,542,505
💥 Cutting Class Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so I watched this mostly because of Brad Pitt, and let’s be honest, he’s a little rough around the edges here, but still cute! The movie itself is pretty cheesy. I did laugh a few times, but mostly at how ridiculous some of the death scenes were. The ending was totally predictable, but I still enjoyed seeing Jill Schoelen kick some serious butt. If you’re into 80s slashers, give it a shot, but don’t expect too much!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of 80s slasher movies”
- “Brad Pitt fans interested in his early work”
- “Viewers who enjoy campy and cheesy horror films”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Violence”
- “Brief Nudity”
- “Suggestive Themes”
- “Language”
Professional Reviews
- MovieBlurbs: “Cutting Class is a mostly forgettable slasher flick notable only for an early Brad Pitt role. The kills are uninspired and the plot struggles to decide if it wants to be scary or funny, ending up doing neither particularly well. Watch it to see Pitt before he was Pitt, but don’t expect much else.
- SlasherUniverse: “While Cutting Class has a certain campy charm typical of late 80s slashers, it doesn’t bring much new to the table. The whodunit aspect is predictable, and the gore is minimal. Jill Schoelen is great as the final girl, but even she can’t save this from being a run-of-the-mill horror film.
Audience Reactions
Brad Pitt’s early role is the main reason to watch this film.: Most agree the film is cheesy, but some find it enjoyable as a campy 80s slasher.
The creative kills, though not gory, are memorable and unique.: While the plot is predictable, the inventive murder scenes add to the entertainment value.
Overall Consensus: Cutting Class is a typical late 80s slasher film known primarily for featuring a young Brad Pitt. While some find it entertainingly campy, most agree it’s predictable and lacks genuine scares.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Cutting Class is one of Brad Pitt’s earliest roles, filmed before he achieved mainstream success.”
- “The film attempts to blend slasher horror with dark comedy, a common trend in late 80s horror films.”
- “Filming took place at Excelsior High School in Norwalk, California, which served as the setting for Furley High.”
🖥️ How to Watch Cutting Class?
As of October 2024, “Cutting Class” is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for potential streaming availability through subscription services. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray may be available through online retailers like Amazon and eBay, providing options for collectors and fans of physical media.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Cutting Class, you might like these similar films:
- Heathers (1988): Shares a dark comedic tone and high school setting with elements of suspense and murder.
- Scream (1996): A meta slasher film that blends horror with self-aware humor and a whodunit mystery.
- Slaughter High (1986): Features a high school setting with a killer seeking revenge, creating a similar suspenseful atmosphere.
- Terror High (1989): A low-budget horror film with a high-school setting and suspense elements.
🛒 Cutting Class Related Products
- 80s Horror Movie T-Shirt – Cutting Class Inspired: Show your love for 80s slashers with this vintage-style tee! Featuring a design inspired by ‘Cutting Class’, it’s a perfect conversation starter for horror fans.
- Ultimate 80s Slasher Movie Collection – Blu-Ray: Relive the glory days of slashers! This collection includes iconic films and some hidden gems, offering hours of nostalgic horror fun.
- High School Horror Game – PC Download: Survive a night in Furley High, stalked by a mysterious killer! Solve puzzles, uncover secrets, and try to escape with your life in this tense horror game.
- 80s Movie Poster Set – Brad Pitt Edition: Own a piece of cinematic history with this limited-edition poster set! Featuring iconic movies from Brad Pitt’s early career, including a ‘Cutting Class’ inspired design.
🎧 Soundtrack
Cutting Class features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Cutting Class was primarily filmed at Excelsior High School in Norwalk, California, which served as the setting for Furley High. Additional filming locations included areas in Malibu Canyon and Calabasas, California.
Cutting Class is a teen slasher film about a high school student, Paula, who is pursued by two classmates: a troubled young man recently released from a mental hospital and the school’s rebellious athlete. A series of murders occur, and Paula must uncover the killer’s identity.
Yes, Brad Pitt stars in Cutting Class as Dwight Ingalls, a rebellious and jealous athlete. It was one of his early roles before achieving mainstream success.
🔥 Bonus Content
La película que Brad Pitt no quiere que veas
Ever wonder what movie Brad Pitt *really* regrets making? This video dives into ‘Cutting Class,’ a film he’d probably rather forget, and uncovers some juicy behind-the-scenes drama. I was surprised to learn about the rocky filming process, definitely worth a watch!
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