The Woodsman asks this question: Can a man convicted of that most heinous of crimes, child molestation, pay his debt to society and resume a normal life? Director (and co-writer) Nicole Kessell doesn't make it easy for Kevin Bacon's Walter, who continues to fight his old temptation. But Bacon, a splendidly unfancy actor, gives a great, austere and ultimately winning performance. Kyra Sedgwick is equally good as the tough-minded woman who comes to believe in him. And this tight, tense, minimalist movie constitutes an impressive debut for first time director Kessell.
Come fly with us, and Leo, through the best (and worst) of 2004. Tops in the cinema this year include Scorsese's Howard Hughes biopic The Aviator. Elsewhere, Deadwood was good TV, and a Strange tale fascinated readers.