Retro Film Review: The Woodsman (2004)

8 months ago

(source: tmdb.org)

In today's world, particularly in the "Western" sphere, the range of accepted sexual activities continues to expand. The sole exception appears to be paedophilia, which has recently become a convenient target for moralists and conservatives to direct their outrage that they cannot express towards other, more "politically correct" forms of sexual behaviour. This trend is reflected in popular culture, where paedophilia is portrayed as a more significant issue than drug abuse, domestic violence, global warming, or terrorism. Hollywood has contributed to this perception with oversimplified depictions of paedophiles. Therefore, it requires considerable courage to challenge the prevailing attitudes and view paedophiles as fellow human beings. The Woodsman, a 2004 drama directed by Nicole Kassell, is a notable example of such a narrative.

The film is adapted from a play by Stephen Fechter, with the script co-written by Kassell. The central character is Walter (played by Kevin Bacon), a convicted child molester who returns to Philadelphia after serving a 12-year prison sentence. Determined to avoid returning to prison, Walter secures a job at a local sawmill, keeps to himself, and attends therapy regularly. Despite his efforts to lead a new life, his past resurfaces through interactions with his compassionate brother-in-law Carlos (played by Benjamin Bratt) and the antagonistic police detective Sergeant Lucas (played by Mos Def), as well as a romantic involvement with his co-worker Vicki (played by Kyra Sedgwick), a woman grappling with her own challenges. His apartment overlooking a school yard becomes a focal point, allowing him to observe another paedophile (played by Kevin Rice) in action. Gradually, Walter succumbs to his old tendencies and fixates on Robin (played by Hannah Pilkes), an 11-year-old girl with a passion for birdwatching in the park.

The Woodsman retains its theatrical roots by prioritizing character study over a complex plot. Many characters, like Carlos, serve primarily to illuminate Walter's character rather than drive the plot forward. Consequently, the film relies heavily on strong performances. Kevin Bacon, who also served as an executive producer, delivers a remarkable portrayal that defies typical Hollywood stereotypes of paedophiles. His nuanced and compelling performance humanizes a character who is not the stereotypical older, affluent predator but rather a seemingly ordinary man struggling with his inner demons. Bacon's portrayal evokes empathy without excusing his character's actions.

Bacon's performance, widely praised and considered unjustly overlooked for an Oscar nomination due to perceived biases within the Academy, is complemented by the ensemble cast, including his wife Kyra Sedgwick as romantic interest and Mos Def as the formidable police officer. Kassell's direction skilfully balances a slow-building plot with attention to detail, resulting in a film that surprises with its depth within a concise runtime.

While The Woodsman is a compelling film, it falls short of achieving classic status at this point. The minimalist plot, relying on a few implausible details, concludes somewhat neatly, leading some to criticize the simplistic approach to the protagonist's redemption. Nonetheless, the film merits recommendation for its candid and humane exploration of a troubling subject matter.

RATING: 7/10 (+++)

(Note: Original version of the review is available here.)