The Bottom Line
Ignored by Oscar voters, "The Woodsman" is packed with award-worthy performances.
Pros
- Kevin Bacon gives an outstanding performance - maybe the best of his long career
- First time director Nicole Kassell sets just the right tone
- Courageous attempt at sparking dialogue about a topic people don't like to discuss
Cons
- If ever a DVD cried out for a commentary track by the lead actor, it's this one
Description
- One deleted scene and two extended scenes
- 'Getting It Made' - Producer Lee Daniels talks about financing and casting "The Woodsman"
- Commentary by director Nicole Kassell
- Theatrical trailer
- DVD RELEASE DATE: April 12, 2005
Guide Review - "The Woodsman" DVD Review
Kevin Bacon stars as Walter, a sex offender released onto the streets after serving 12 years in prison. Struggling to deal with what he's done, Walter finds work in a saw mill, a friend in a damaged co-worker (played by Bacon's wife, actress Kyra Sedgwick), and an apartment across the street from an elementary school. He spends his free time looking at his living room window and battling his inner demons.First time feature film director Nicole Kassell takes on a topic most director's wouldn't touch with a 10' pole, and does it without interjecting any of the standard cinematic cliches. A film that's unflinching in its approach, "The Woodsman" is difficult to sit through while at the same time impossible to look away from.
As for the cast, Kevin Bacon's at the top of his game, delivering a simply amazing performance. The same can also be said for the supporting cast of Sedgwick, Mos Def, and Benjamin Bratt.
DVD BONUS FEATURES:
"The Woodsman" DVD lacks any substantial bonus features. There is a commentary track by the director, but this DVD would have earned a higher rating had Kevin Bacon provided commentary - even selected scene commentary. It would have been far more interesting to hear Bacon discuss how he got into the character and why he played certain scenes the way he did, than to have first-time director Kassell talk about shooting the film (that's not a knock on Kassell who does a good job of handling her commentary).
