lizawood-82114
Kevin Bacon is a popular journey man actor and the Woodsman might be a very uncomfortable film to sit through but the actor must be lauded for even taking on the role. He plays a pedophile who returns home after many years to start life afresh. It is an uncomfortable role and even as a viewer it can make one squirm but if you like a good story and well-acted parts then this movie should be given a thought.
FountainPen
Definitely a movie that will get you thinking and pondering, as a convicted child moleseter, who has served his prison time, tries to start life anew, suffering the gamut of emotions and sensations. Kevin Bacon turns in a star performance in this very difficult role of a pedophile, a role that calls for many subtle displays of feeling, proper acting talent! Superbly done.
All aspects of this picture click together so well, to produce a solid, valuable film. This is a real cinematic success, rarely seen these days, harks back to the 50s and 60s when sensitive themes were often tackled head-on by the studios, and not always with success. 2004's "The Woodsman" deserves a strong 8/10, almost 9/10.
senditon85
Granted, Mysterious Skin looks at the issue of pedophilia and child abuse from the perspective of the victims, while this film looks at the struggle of the offender, however...This film really lacked the depth that MS goes into in exploring the devastating ramifications of child abuse, and generally in the realness of its characterizations. It felt very Hollywood in imposing a redemption plot - kind of rendering the taboo topic kind of generic and usual.While the film does not in any way apologize for the past deeds of its protagonist, In applying a kind of 'hero's journey' structure, it - by implication - turns the protagonist into a quasi-hero. This is particularly evident in the climactic scene where Walter beats up the other offender, Candy. I just didn't believe this would be something Walter's character would do, and it felt like a contrived attempt to redeem Walter's character and make him more palatable to mainstream audiences.I enjoyed the performances in this film and it was really nice and unexpected watching Kevin Bacon embarking on this kind of challenging role.However, for me it's a 7 at best.
Sindre Kaspersen
American director Nicole Kassell's directorial debut was shot on location in Philadelphia, USA, was written by the director and Steven Fechter and is an adaptation of a play by Steven Fechter. It tells the story about Walter, a convicted child molester who is released from prison after serving thirteen years. In Philadelphia, Walter gets a new apartment near a playground, a new job at a nearby factory and has to see a psychiatrist on a regular basis. Walter's quiet return to society works out fine and at work he comes in contact with a woman named Vicki who he takes a liking to. Walter and Vicki's relationship evolves and takes a romantic turn, but Vicki does not know anything about Walter's history. This subtly and acutely directed psychological drama is a thorough an in-depth study of character about a man in severe conflict with his own consciousness who tries to come to terms with what he has done, possibly find his place in society and reestablish his relationship with his sister. With an austere atmosphere, realistic milieu depictions, straightforward an mindful dialog and a progressive narrative, this quietly paced and character-driven feature film debut conveys an authentic and illuminating portrayal of paedophilia which emphasizes the way other people react towards a paedophile and how that person sees himself and reacts towards his surroundings and the way he is perceived.American actor Kevin Bacon who played a similar role in Barry Levinson's "Sleepers" (1996) has rendered great acting performances in films such as "Murder in the First" (1995), "Digging to China" (1998) and "Mystic River" (2003), but his remarkable acting performance in this multifaceted and against type role where he embodies the character trades of a child molester, is beyond comparison. The chemistry between him and Kyra Sedgwick, who delivers a fine acting performance, is evident in the intimate scenes they share in this overall well-acted, afflicting and challenging independent film.
AD
