Sunday 16 October at 5pm The Woodsman
(15)
Dir. Nicole Kassell
USA 2004
87 mins
A remarkably assured first film by Nicole Kassell, The Woodsman
treats a sensational subject in a resolutely unsensational
way, and proves yet again what a fine and subtle actor Kevin
Bacon is. He plays a paedophile trying to build a new life
after being released from prison after 12 years.
He is well supported by Kyra Sedgwick (also Mrs Bacon - here's
a couple whose chemistry shows up on screen) and Mos Def is
outstanding as a cynical parole officer expecting Bacon to
re-offend again. The film makes it clear that this is a possibility,
while also showing us a man who is not a monster but twisted
by sexual urges most of us don't feel. The film, taken from
Stephen Fechter's play, allows Bacon a surprising and controversial
kind of redemption. Overall it's a thoughtful and resonant
piece of work.
