The Woodsman
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Movie Reviews of The Woodsman
Movie Review: Red Light Zone
Summary: 5 Stars
The most memorable role during 2005 was Bacon's,'Woodsman' for which both director Kassell and Sedgwick deserve massive praise. Pedophilia is hardly box-office credentialed fare, and that Bacon's brilliantly nuanced acting can transcend such an unpalatable condition galvanizes our sympathies. Bacon/'Walter' is rehabilitated in a dowdy flat opposite a schoolyard and so recidivist temptation is at his door from the moment of release into mainstream. His therapist gets him to reluctantly keep a diary. His lover, Sedgwick,a boyish forklift driver at the timber yard where he's been offered work, is a sympathetic, fellow-traveller. And parole cop, the slightly built but cockily perspicacious, Mos Def taunts him with the parable of the woodsman in Red Riding Hood. Mos Def's fondling of the cherrywood table Walter has fashioned, seethes with lethal intent. As his analyst suggests, the merry-go-round Walter feels he's riding, gives him a chance to revisit former behaviour and see something he'd missed on an earlier circuit. Betweeen Sedgwick's coaxing acceptance, Mos Def's simmering loathing, and workplace harassment, Walter hurries back to the woods and a re-encounter with Little Red Riding Hood. It's a few minutes of knock-out cinema, a truly transformative event, bearing the entire weight of the film. The pale weather of the film, not quite bleak but asking for warmth, is perfect. It's a brave, sophisticated film and I'll be looking for Kassell's next venture hoping for equivalent uncompromising material.Movie Review: the past isn't over
Summary: 5 Stars
Not until the final sentence or two of this film does The Woodsman reach anything like dramatic resolution, and even then it is a resolution of the sort befitting the deep complexity and ambiguity of its subject matter. The film begins when Walter is released from serving 12 years in prison for his conviction as a sex offender, and he tries to make a new life for himself. He takes an apartment across the street from an elementary school (yes, a bad choice), and rides the bus to his job at a lumber yard. Except for his therapist, all those outside of and around Walter ostracize him as a monster and a freak. His sister refuses to talk to him or allow him to see his niece, a detective monitors his every move, and when his work colleagues discover his past they "out" him in a most bizarre way. Within himself another war rages. Neither Walter nor the viewer really knows to what extent he has moved beyond his past and is, therefore, safe. Involuntary hallucinations plague him, and poor choices born of habit implicate him. Three important sub-plots, all revolving around child molestation, contribute to Walter's unfolding narrative. Watching this film I was reminded of Faulkner's unnerving observation that "the past isn't gone; it isn't even past." Still, and not to reveal too much, this incredibly tense and powerful film ends on a hopeful note that is nevertheless sobering for all of us who seek redemption this side of eternity.Movie Review: A journey through the deep, dark woods
Summary: 5 Stars
What a difficult subject. Kevin Bacon deserves a lot of credit for his courage in taking this on, and for doing so in a fair and balanced way. His portrayal of a man who would be broadly regarded as the lowest of the low reveals the compulsion that drives the molestor to commit such acts. He also gives the viewer glimpses into the self-disgust and self-hatred that many of these individuals feel. His struggle to control his impulses, and his fear of allowing himself to feel any emotion lest the most hideous one overtake him, is clearly communicated. Dealing with the absolute contempt of all who know his dark secret provides yet another source of deep conflict. The little girl who nearly becomes his next victim turns in a well-controlled, subtle performance. Kyra Sedgwick is also to be admired for her portrayal of a victim who has managed not to let her childhood trauma ruin or run her life. It must have been strange for her to think of her real-life husband as a sex offender and put herself through all the emotions that would accompany such a revelation.
The Woodsman approaches all these conflicts, and many others, in a way that allows the audience to sympathize with the offender without condoning what he did. It is gratifying to watch him tentatively open himself to another and to begin, just begin, to discover his own humanity.
Movie Review: One Uncomfortable Walk through the sexually disturbed park!
Summary: 5 Stars
Some films make me squirm.Here's one-"The Woodsman", a very in-depth look at a most uncomfortable subject,the child molester.Kevin Bacon could not have tackled and been more accomplished as his portrayal of Walter, a convicted pedophile who is mainstreamed back into society after a twelve year incarceration.It is not easy to say the least.What makes this film work so beautifully is that Kyra Sedgwick,Bacon's real life wife, plays Vicki,the woman with which Walter finds solace and sympathy.The chemistry and extreme dedication to make this subject work is obvious between the two actors.Bacon and Sedgwick do it.There will not be one single interpretation of this controversial film.Hopefully this film allows the offender to be viewed in both a sympathetic and still cautionary way.Trust me, Walter is in danger of "slipping up" at any moment.This is what makes this film tense.I saw this one in it's very limited release in the theater, and it is even more enjoyable on DVD.This would be an excellent film for open-minded,thinking people to watch and discuss.There is much to talk about way beyond the fact that this is a well acted and daring film.Do we dare "humanize" a person who is "demonized"? Heavy subject and real movie buff's delight!Beyond highly recommended!Movie Review: Do Child Molesters Deserve Another Chance?
Summary: 5 Stars
Kevin Bacon (Walter) and Kyra Sedwick (Vicki) are superb as the paroled child molester and the woman who is willing to risk her future on him. Only well established stars dare get involved in this sort of project. Walter says he never physically harmed his victims. He conveniently ignores any psychological trauma he may have caused. Does Walter deserve another chance? Shouldn't it be one strike and you're out? Aren't the odds overwhelmingly against him? Will he continue fighting off temptation until the end of his life? What about Walter's fellow blue collar coworkers? Should they know about his criminal past? Isn't it possible that he might molest their own children at a company picnic? Such questions unavoidably pop up during one's viewing of this disturbing film.
The Woodsman, of course, is not escapist entertainment. You may even have to force yourself not to look away from the screen. However, I argue that every adult citizen must address this issue. The safety of our children depends on it. This is easily a five star production. If nothing else, it is an artistic achievement deserving of high praise. There are a number of fine performances. Should kids see this picture? Yes, anyone over twelve should benefit.