Friday, Dec. 17, 2004
The Woodsman
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.