The Woodsman
THE WOODSMAN (18)
D: Nicole Kassell
Newmarket (Lee Daniels)
US 2004 (released 2005)
87 mins
Drama
W: Nicole Kassell & Steven Fechter [based on the novel by
Steven Fechter]
DP: Xavier Perez
Ed: Brian A. Kates & Lisa Fruchtman
Mus: Nathan Larson
Kevin Bacon (Walter), Kyra Sedgwick (Vicki), Eve
(Mary Kay), Mos Def (Sgt. Lucas), David Alan Grier (Bob), Benjamin Bratt (Carlos), Michael Shannon (Rosen)
Nicole Kassell handles difficult subject matter very well in
this small independent film. Kevin Bacon plays Walter, a paedophile who is released from prison after 12 years and returns to his home town where he finds it increasingly difficult to settle back
into life, caught in a vicious circle of self-loathing and helplessness. The subject matter doesn't skirt around the issues that it raises, neither sensationalising or even evoking pity for
Bacon's character, who gives an excellent performance in a determinedly focused and low-key role. It's not a pleasant watch, but a very powerful film about a very challenging
subject.
6/10
