Bill Cutting
The Butcher who ruled Five Points until a Dead Rabbit returned to claim his life.
Bill 'The Butcher' Cutting is a central antagonist in Martin Scorsese's 2002 epic historical drama, Gangs of New York. Portrayed by Daniel Day-Lewis, he leads the Anglo-Protestant Confederation of American Natives in the Five Points slum. The character anchors a story set between 1846 and 1863, with a brief epilogue montage in 1863, depicting a violent feud between native-born Protestants and Irish Catholic immigrants. Scorsese spent two decades developing this project before its release was delayed primarily due to the studio's decision to push it to 2002 for awards consideration. Cutting represents the entrenched power of the Natives against the rising tide of immigration and conscription during the Civil War era.
- character_status
- Fictional character in Gangs of New York
- film_appearances
- Gangs of New York (2002)
- actor_portrayal
- Daniel Day-Lewis
- affiliation
- Confederation of American Natives
- first_appearance
- 1846 turf war in Five Points
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
In 1846, Bill Cutting led the Confederation of American Natives in a final turf war against the Irish Catholic Dead Rabbits outside the Old Brewery. During this battle, he killed the rival leader, 'Priest' Vallon, and left his body on the ground. Cutting kept control of the Five Points for sixteen years, collecting tribute from local clans and employing former enemies like corrupt policeman Happy Jack Mulraney. He once performed a knife-throwing act involving Jenny Everdeane, a pickpocket and former lover of Amsterdam Vallon, at the Bowery Theatre. His rule was absolute until Amsterdam Vallon returned in 1862 to infiltrate his gang. Cutting eventually discovered Amsterdam's true identity when jealous rival Johnny Sirocco revealed it. In retaliation for an assassination attempt by Monk McGinn, Cutting branded Amsterdam's cheek with a hot blade, deeming him unworthy of death by his hand; Amsterdam then left on his own.
In Their Own Story
Amsterdam Vallon returned to Five Points in 1862 seeking revenge, eventually becoming Cutting's protégé while secretly planning murder. After cutting discovered the deception following Johnny Sirocco's betrayal, he spared Amsterdam but humiliated him publicly. Amsterdam later rallied the Dead Rabbits and challenged Cutting to a gang battle in Paradise Square. Just as the rival gangs faced off, Civil War draft riots erupted, and cannon fire from ships struck the square, killing many members of both factions. Amidst this chaos, Cutting fought Amsterdam personally until he was wounded by shrapnel. The Butcher died after being fatally stabbed with his father's knife by Amsterdam, who held his hand as he passed away. This confrontation ended Cutting's long reign over the slums.
Reader's Guide
To understand Bill Cutting, one must look at his role as the head of the Natives and his complex relationship with the Dead Rabbits. He employed former lieutenants like Mulraney and McGloin despite his deep anti-Irish views. His power was maintained through tribute and violence, exemplified when he ordered the eviction of Irish tenants from the Old Brewery. Cutting's character arc is defined by his hubris; he believed himself invincible until Amsterdam returned. A pivotal moment occurs during his knife-throwing act where he deflects an assassination attempt but chooses to banish rather than kill his rival.
Did You Know?
- Bill Cutting's character is based on real historical figures described in Herbert Asbury's 1928 book The Gangs of New York.
- Daniel Day-Lewis's performance as Cutting was highly acclaimed, earning him a Best Actor nomination at the 75th Academy Awards.
- The film marks the start of a collaboration between Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese, though DiCaprio plays Amsterdam Vallon, not Cutting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Bill Cutting?
Bill 'The Butcher' Cutting is the primary antagonist in Martin Scorsese's 2002 film Gangs of New York, portrayed by Daniel Day-Lewis. He serves as the ruthless leader of the Confederate of American Natives, a nativist gang dominating the Five Points slum during the mid-19th century.
What is Bill Cutting's role in the story?
Cutting functions as the embodiment of entrenched Anglo-Protestant power violently resisting Irish Catholic immigration and social change. His reign of terror drives the central conflict between native-born Americans and immigrant communities throughout the film.
How does Bill Cutting's story end?
His reign ends when Amsterdam Vallon, an Irish survivor he believes dead, returns to Five Points to exact revenge for his father's murder. In a final confrontation at the Dead Rabbit tavern, Cutting is killed by Vallon, symbolizing the fall of old nativist authority.
Why is Bill Cutting important to the film?
Cutting anchors the narrative as the personification of historical xenophobia and political corruption in 1840s New York City. His character provides the violent backdrop against which themes of identity, revenge, and assimilation are explored.
Is Bill Cutting based on a real person?
While inspired by the real-life gang leader William 'The Butcher' Poole, the film's version is a fictionalized composite created for dramatic effect. Scorsese adapted historical elements to craft a specific archetype of nativist aggression rather than a strict biographical account.
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