Rent The Woodsman (2004)

Controversial and immensely powerful - The Woodsman review by CP Customer

One of the most underrated films of 2004, this subtle but powerful independent film stars Kevin Bacon as Walter, a convicted paedophile out of jail after serving 12 years for the molestation of two young girls. The movie perfectly captures the mind and troubled existence of this man. His life is impossible. He can't look another human being in the eye. Only one person from his life before his crime will even talk to him. The police are watching him, and a police officer stops by to check on him at regular intervals just to let Walter know his every move is being watched. And since his criminal record is easily available over the internet, it's only a matter of time before everyone knows his hidden secret. After starting work at a timber yard, he finds love with Vicki,(Kyra Sedgwick), a strong outgoing woman, though damaged in her own way. This painful romantic relationship that the two co-workers develop, and how Vicki deals with Watler's past history is exceptionally well done. The films main focus though is on Walter's own internal struggle, and director Nicole Kassell cleverly shows us what it must feel like to be Walter, besieged by the past, your own shame, and also by your own desires. The Woodsman also handles an unpleasant and upsetting subject in an incredibly even handed, thought provoking, non-gratuitous, and non-manipulative way. Bacon does not play the character of Walter looking for the audience's sympathy. You're able to decide for yourself how to feel about him. The soundtrack never swells up to cue the audience to feel a certain way. It doesn't preach. It doesn't blatantly tug at your heartstrings, or try to evoke your anger. One of the most impressive things about The Woodsman is that it credits the viewer with the intelligence to decide. Kevin Bacon, always a competent actor, gives a career best performance. Kira Sedgwick is also impressive. And director, Nicole Kassell, delivers a masterpiece in her first outing in feature length cinema. An absolutely flawless film.

A very heavyweight topic - The Woodsman review by JD

It is difficult to think of a more heavyweight topic than the rehabilitation of a paedophile. This subject is seen from the angle of the paedophile, the angle of a sympathetic friend, an unsympathetic work colleague, a gang and finally a child. The paedophile's attitude to another paedophile was the most explosive moment, but the scene with the child was brilliantly acted by both. The direction is very neutral and unbiased and deserves greatest praise.

Well thought out but not engaging - The Woodsman review by CP Customer

I am not sure quite what to make of this film, it tackles a very difficult subject very well but I didn't find the story particularly engaging.

The film centres on Walter's (Kevin Bacon)constant struggle against his past and largely leaves you to draw your own conclusions. It trys to deal with the real emotions and does this very well but overall I didn't find it powerful enough to have much impact.