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The Woodsman

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The Woodsman (2004)

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Reviews Counted:127

Fresh:110

Rotten:17

Average Rating:7.3/10

Consensus: Kevin Bacon’s performance as a pedophile who is trying to start fresh has drawn raves from critics, who have praised the Woodsman as compelling, creepy, complex and well-crafted.

Runtime: 87 mins

Genre: Dramas

Synopsis: With a 12-year prison stretch reaching an end, convicted pedophile Walter (Kevin Bacon) faces an uncertain walk back into the free world in THE WOODSMAN. Attempting to keep his previous... With a 12-year prison stretch reaching an end, convicted pedophile Walter (Kevin Bacon) faces an uncertain walk back into the free world in THE WOODSMAN. Attempting to keep his previous indiscretions sheltered from prying eyes, Walter tries to piece together his shattered life by finding a job and an apartment. The first task is relatively simple, with the ex-con finding employment at a lumberyard thanks to his natural talent for woodcraft. An apartment comes less easily, but Walter manages to secure a roof over his head in a building, which--in a cruel twist of irony--is located opposite an elementary school. Walter's brother-in-law Carlos (Benjamin Bratt) remains the only member of his family willing to keep in contact with him; his sister refuses all communication. Meanwhile, Sgt. Lucas (Mos Def) keeps a watchful eye over Walter's activities, while Walter makes faltering strides towards romance with his tough-as-nails co-worker, Vickie (Kyra Sedgwick). But as wary neighbors steel worried glances and make small-town gossip about him, Walter finds it inordinately difficult to keep his past life a secret. For this reformed character, the path to redemption comes strewn with cracked paving stones, which need to be carefully navigated with every tentative step he takes. The sensitivity with which the material in THE WOODSMAN is executed derives from a potent mix of intelligently written source material, wonderful performances (with Bacon in particular putting in a career-defining turn), and an authoritative vision from director Nicole Kassell (THE GREEN HOUR). At the heart of the movie lies a desolate character, guilty of a crime shrouded in taboo, but hoping against all reason that society will accord him a modicum of absolution. A fascinating portrait of a life caught in a state of perpetual turmoil, this is an audacious second feature from Kassell. [More]

Starring: Kevin Bacon, Kyra Sedgwick, Eve, Mos Def

Starring: Kevin Bacon, Kyra Sedgwick, Eve, Mos Def, David Alan Grier, Benjamin Bratt

Director: Nicole Kassell

Director: Nicole Kassell
Screenwriter: Steven Fechter, Nicole Kassell
Producer: Lee Daniels
Composer: Nathan Larson
Studio: Newmarket Films

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Reviews for The Woodsman

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1 - 20 (sorted by date; UK critics are listed first)
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N/R

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Full Review Source: Sight and Sound | comment Comment
09/28/06
Sight and Sound
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

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Full Review Source: Empire Magazine | comment Comment
04/01/06
Empire Magazine
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N/R

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Full Review Source: Time Out | comment Comment
01/26/06
Time Out
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Full Review Source: Independent | comment Comment
03/06/05
Independent
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

A courageous and often moving drama.

Full Review Source: BBC | comment Comment
01/26/05
Jamie Russell
Jamie Russell
BBC
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Bacon delivers a startlingly edgy performance that bristles with controlled energy and subdued emotions.

Full Review Source: Shadows on the Wall | comment Comment
11/08/04
Rich Cline
Rich Cline
Shadows on the Wall

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: ViewLondon | comment Comment
11/06/04
Matthew Turner
Matthew Turner
ViewLondon
N/R

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Full Review Source: Cinema Crazed | comment Comment
04/29/09
Felix Vasquez Jr.
Felix Vasquez Jr.
Cinema Crazed

Debut director Nicole Kassell compassionately explores the troubled psyche of a former pedophile struggling with inner demons and external obstacles to lead a normal life.

Full Review Source: ColeSmithey.com | comment Comment
04/16/09
Cole Smithey
Cole Smithey
ColeSmithey.com
N/R

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Full Review Source: Urban Cinefile | comment Comment
10/18/08
Urban Cinefile Critics
Urban Cinefile Critics
Urban Cinefile

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Full Review Source: Sacramento News & Review | comment Comment
08/07/08
Mark Halverson
Mark Halverson
Sacramento News & Review

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Full Review Source: Big Picture Big Sound | comment Comment
12/27/07
Joe Lozito
Joe Lozito
Big Picture Big Sound

A bold and poignantly told tale, nestling into its characters to draw out raw and candidly revealing performances.

Full Review Source: Long Island Press | comment Comment
05/26/07
Prairie Miller
Prairie Miller
Long Island Press

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Full Review Source: Film Threat | comment Comment
12/06/05
Film Threat
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

(...) Aún con su intensidad a medio camino, The Woodsman es un drama maduro, desafiante y revelador de lo que estamos dispuestos a tolerar y/o a perdonar (nos) los seres humanos.

Full Review Source: Uruguay Total | comment Comment
11/14/05
Enrique Buchichio
Enrique Buchichio
Uruguay Total

deals with one disturbing phenomenon in an honest and humane way

Full Review Source: Draxblog Movie Reviews | comment Comment
10/22/05
Dragan Antulov
Dragan Antulov
Draxblog Movie Reviews

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Full Review Source: Three Movie Buffs | comment Comment
09/30/05
Scott Nash
Scott Nash
Three Movie Buffs
N/R

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Full Review Source: AV Club | comment Comment
09/26/05
AV Club
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

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Full Review Source: MovieWeb | comment Comment
05/16/05
Rick Kisonak
Rick Kisonak
MovieWeb
N/R

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Full Review Source: Sydney Morning Herald | comment Comment
05/13/05
Sydney Morning Herald
Top Critic Icon Top Critic
 
 
1 - 20 (sorted by date; UK critics are listed first)
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Latest News for The Woodsman

February 03, 2006: Better Late Than Never: The Slamdance '06 Awards!
What with all the busy, crazy, and hectic rigamarole that follows any high-end film festival, I forgot to spread a little love in the Slamdance direction! Read on to discover... More...

December 16, 2004: Free Screening of The Woodsman in L.A.
You and one guest are invited to a special advance screening of The Woodsman. Please print out the attached flier and bring it with you for admission. Please arrive early as... More...

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