The Clearing (2004)

Synopsis: Wayne and Eileen Hayes (Robert Redford, Helen Mirren) appear to be living the American dream, until that dream becomes a living nightmare. A self-made tycoon, Wayne is seemingly invincible. But all illusions are shattered when he is kidnapped in broad daylight from their peaceful... Wayne and Eileen Hayes (Robert Redford, Helen Mirren) appear to be living the American dream, until that dream becomes a living nightmare. A self-made tycoon, Wayne is seemingly invincible. But all illusions are shattered when he is kidnapped in broad daylight from their peaceful Pittsburgh estate. Under the microscope of a probing FBI investigation and her own painstaking introspection, Eileen too is a victim. Meanwhile, Wayne, with his fate resting in the hands of a kidnapper (Willem Dafoe) who has nothing to lose and everything to gain, finds himself in the most important negotiation ever - for his life.... The film marks the directorial debut for Academy Award®-nominated producer Pieter Jan Brugge (THE INSIDER). The original story was conceived by Brugge and first-time screenwriter Justin Haythe, who wrote the screenplay. Palmer West and Jonah Smith (THE UNITED STATES OF LELAND, REQUIEM FOR A DREAM) produced through their company Thousand Words, along with Brugge. Redford most recently starred in SPY GAME and THE LAST CASTLE and received an honorary Academy Award in 2002 for his work with the Sundance Institute. He was nominated for an Oscar® as Best Actor in a Leading Role for THE STING, and won two BAFTAs for Best Actor in BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID and THE DOWNHILL RACER. He won the Academy Award, the Directors Guild Award and the Golden Globe® as Best Director for ORDINARY PEOPLE; and was Oscar-nominated as Best Director for QUIZ SHOW, which also earned Golden Globe, DGA and BAFTA nominations. Additionally, he received Golden Globe directing nominations for THE HORSE WHISPERER and A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT. Mirren received Oscar nominations as Best Supporting Actress for GOSFORD PARK and THE MADNESS OF KING GEORGE. Among her many additional accolades in both film and television are seven BAFTA nominations with three wins for Best Actress (PRIME SUSPECT, and PRIME SUSPECT 2 and 3). She recently completed the cable TV remake of THE ROMAN SPRING OF MRS. STONE. Dafoe portrayed the Green Goblin in the 2002 summer hit SPIDER-MAN. He received a 2001 Academy Award nomination as Best Supporting Actor for SHADOW OF THE VAMPIRE, and won the Independent Spirit Award, the LAFCA Award and Saturn Award for his unique performance as the vampire/actor. Additionally he was nominated for an Academy Award as Best Supporting Actor in PLATOON. He will next be seen in ONCE UPON A TIME IN MEXICO and AUTOFOCUS. -- © Fox Searchlight [More]