The Woodsman
(2004)
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With a 12-year prison stretch reaching an end, convicted paedophile 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 neighbours 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. |
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In the current climate, it's a brave actor who plays a paedophile and attempts to invest the role with some humanity. Kevin Bacon, long one of Hollywood's underappreciated talents, pulls it off magnificently in this sombre, disturbing tale of a convicted child molester trying to make a life for himself after parole. He plays Walter Rossworth, who finds himself living within sight of a primary school, being harassed by a local cop (rapper Mos Def) and falling in love with a co-worker (played by Bacon's wife Kyra Sedgwick) who's unaware of his past. It's never comfortable to watch — sequences in which Walter looks like he's about to commit further crimes are particularly harrowing. But it's also an intelligent, humane film (from first-time director Nicole Kassell) which is only let down by an ending that veers slightly towards dramatic convenience.
Halliwell's Film Guide
Effective study of a damaged man attempting to resolve his problems that finally, and fatally, settles for easy answers.