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.

Quick Facts

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

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.

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.