A fresh outlook on the complexities of paedophilia (The Woodsman (DVD))

Member Name: shaneo632

Product:	The Woodsman (DVD)
Date:	28/07/09 (6 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Superb performance by Bacon

Disadvantages: Very uncomfortable, but this is the film's genius

note: also appears on The Student Room in part

The Woodsman is among the few films about paedophiles that doesn't jump on a Daily Mail attitude of "burn the child molesters". This is a film that explores the extreme complexities of this extremely delicate dynamic, channelled through a sensitive and impressive performance from Kevin Bacon, who again proves he has Academy clout but simply has never ascended to the next level. The film depicts Walter (Bacon), a paedophile returning from a 12-year stint in prison for just that, where his family don't want to know him, other than his brother Carlos (Benjamin Bratt). He eventually manages to land a job, and even meets an attractive woman more his age, Vicki (Kyra Sedgwick).

Things seem to be going fine for Walter, but of course, his compulsions still arise, and he is forced to contend with them several times in some rather uncomfortable, but effectively so, scenes. The depiction of Walter as an ill man rather than a monster is an extremely clever move by the filmmakers - this is sensitive filmmaking that never escapes from the horrors of Walter's acts, but also depicts him as a deeply troubled man trying desperately to fight the compulsions that consume him, and test the relationship with Vicki.

The Woodsman is an indie film through and through, but deserves a bigger audience because it makes a very important commentary about a severely ill people, who, whilst no doubt heinous in their crime, often perhaps do try to fight their urges, albeit with middling results. This is a complex film that may have you rethinking your morality a little bit.

A standout film thanks to its moral complexity, although it will be too close to the bone for many. Kevin Bacon delivers a storming performance as a reforming paedophile in this sedate but compelling, and frequently uncomfortable drama.

Summary: A clever, complex and emotionally resonant drama