Barnes & Noble

Kevin Bacon, a generally underrated actor who has never been afraid to take chances, really goes out on a limb with a nuanced performance as a pedophile in this intense but rewarding drama. He plays Walter, a guilt-ridden ex-con who attempts to make a place for himself in society after spending 12 years in prison. Keeping his background a secret, he takes a job in a lumberyard and even begins dating a co-worker, forklift operator Vickie (Kyra Sedgwick, Bacon's real-life wife). But his past eventually becomes known and he finds himself struggling to stay on the path to redemption. The directorial debut of recent NYU Film School graduate Nicole Kassell, The Woodsman is remarkably assured; there's nothing at all tentative about the material or the way it's handled. Kassell tells a story that rejects any facile, one-dimensional characterization of the pedophile-as-monster. She presents Walter as a tormented soul grappling with his conscience and forcing himself to reject thoughts and behaviors he instinctively knows to be abhorrent. This is a real tour de force for Bacon, who imbues the child molester with genuine emotions. Home viewers, like some of the film's supporting characters, may detest Walter for what he has done, but before the closing credits roll they'll have a better idea of who he is. Kassell wisely avoids anything that smacks of sensationalism or exploitation, and that makes Woodsman palatable for consumption by mature audiences. To the extent that the movie is about understanding and forgiveness, it can be seen as teaching lessons we all need to learn -- or relearn. Ed Hulse

All Movie Guide

Writer/director Nicole Kassell makes her feature film debut with the drama The Woodsman. Co-written by Steven Fechter, the original script won first place at the Slamdance Screenplay Competition in 2001. Kevin Bacon plays Walter, a child molester who gets out of prison after serving a 12-year sentence. He returns to his old town and tries to start over by working at a woodyard. Fortunately, his brother-in-law (Benjamin Bratt) helps him get a place to live. He even strikes up a relationship with local gal Vickie (Bacon's real-life wife, Kyra Sedgwick). However, Walter still struggles with his past and the suspicions of co-worker Mary-Kay (Eve) and Detective Lucas (Mos Def). The Woodsman premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2004 as part of the dramatic competition. Andrea LeVasseur

Product Details

• UPC: 043396110014
• Source: SONY PICTURES
• Region Code: 1
• Aspect Ratio: Theatre Wide-Screen (1.85.1)
• Presentation: Wide Screen
• Sound: DTS 5.1-Channel Surround Sound, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
• Language: English
• Subtitles: English
• Time: 1:27:00
• Sales Rank: 11,722

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