The next morning they take a motor boat back to the reserve where several mounties are waiting for them and arrest them. The film closes with Maguire being taken to the police car and shows Polly with Maguire's briefcase, wearing Arthur's necklace. There are many important aspects that viewers should keep in mind when watching this film. Clearcut is a film that is loaded with themes, issues, cultural concepts, and layers of images that each operate on many different levels. The above list should help viewers separate out some of the more salient themes from the bulk of the movie.
Water is an omnipresent theme in the movie.
Water also possesses cleansing properties. While Peter is washing his face on the dock after his sweat with Wilf he meets Arthur formally for the first time. Arthur has a special relationship with the water, which will become more apparent as the movie goes on. Also, towards the end of the movie when Peter finally overcomes his anger and fear in order to beat Arthur by attempting to kill him, Arthur calmly vanishes into the water, in a manner representational of the crucifix, without expelling any bubbles as he makes his descent. Also, water is always being used as a mode of transportation.