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Kevin Bacon, Kyra Sedgwick, Eve, Mos Def, David Alan Grier ... see more see more... , Benjamin Bratt , Michael Shannon , Hannah Pilkes , Carlos Leon , Gina Philips

Writer/director Nicole Kassell makes her feature film debut with the drama The Woodsman. Co-written by Steven Fechter, the original script won first place at the Slamdance Screenplay Competition in 20... read more read more...01. Kevin Bacon plays Walter, a child molester who gets out of prison after serving a 12-year sentence. He returns to his old town and tries to start over by working at a woodyard. Fortunately, his brother-in-law (Benjamin Bratt) helps him get a place to live. He even strikes up a relationship with local gal Vickie (Bacon's real-life wife, Kyra Sedgwick). However, Walter still struggles with his past and the suspicions of co-worker Mary-Kay (Eve) and Detective Lucas (Mos Def). The Woodsman premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2004 as part of the dramatic competition. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, Rovi

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74% liked it

19,509 ratings

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88% liked it

129 critics

R, 1 hr. 25 min.

Directed by: Nicole Kassell

Release Date: December 24, 2004

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DVD Release Date: April 12, 2005

Stats: 1,245 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (1,245)

  • moonrivers
    January 6, 2012
    moonrivers
    Kevin Bacon, not a name usually dropped in conversations about great actors, delivers a tightfisted, bravura performance in this conventionally unconventional tale about a child molester's attempt at societal rehabilitation. Kyra Sedgwick is more than able support as the woman w... read moreho loves him. It's often difficult to watch, so be warned.
  • itsjustme2004
    November 9, 2010
    itsjustme2004
    Slow and understated, probably to show the struggles of a very troubled soul, this film offers much to contemplate. There are no easy answers in an issue like the sexual abuse of children, and yet who is good and who is evil is not so clear here in this picture. The one thing tha... read moret is clear, however, is Kevin Bacon's performance. He played his role beautifully. DIsturbing, yet eye opening film.
  • ceWEBrity
    October 10, 2010
    ceWEBrity
    The Woodsman asks a lot of its viewers, and I think it grapples with the issue of pedophilia in a much more organic and realistic way than Little Children did. Movies rarely seem willing to engage in this discussion in a mature way, immediately demonizing the assailant or making ... read morehim, at the very best, a tragic hero; this movie doesn't crucify Walter, but by no means does it forgive him. By aligning our perspective with his, the movie brings us as close as we can get to empathetically understanding everything he goes through, which is standard fare for any given film but almost none with a character this taboo. I think that's the hurdle that Nicole Kassell had to overcome with The Woodsman - pedophilia by nature is so utterly vilified that the best you could do with a pedophile protagonist is a "love the sinner, hate the sin" sort of message. Naturally, pedophilia deserves to be hated, but therein lies the challenge with dissecting sexual deviance in a mainstream narrative. A movie that sympathizes 100% with the actions of its molester protagonist is going to fail completely in the eyes of nearly all its viewers, no matter how interesting it may actually be. So I commend Kassell for reconciling commercialism and palatability with challenging subject matter, even if she somewhat misses the mark in her treatment of the character. Kevin Bacon's restrained performance allows us tiny flickers of contrition, confusion and even happiness (and occasional anger, too, in a showy and generally unnecessary scene that Bacon probably thought would be his Oscar clip). He's willing to explore Walter with us, but not give us any answers, which is refreshing. There's an appeal in the character's unwillingness to be liked.

    I really liked this movie when I first finished it, even its easy but no less harrowing ending. I took a little time to let it cool in the recesses of my mind, and I can still recall plenty of really great little moments about it. The performers are committed and thoughtful, with the exception of Mos Def as the overly broad, villainous policeman who harasses Walter. I really enjoyed Kyra Sedgwick. Why don't we see her in more roles? I'm not gonna go out and watch The Closer for her or anything, where she plays a character who I guess is cut from the same cloth as this one, but I'd like to see her in a role that stretches her a little more.
  • 76Majikat
    May 17, 2009
    76Majikat
    Whilst taking on a theme that people usually unite together in hatred against, Kevin Bacon takes on the brave part in possibly his best performance of his career.

    Not an easy subject to tackle, especially when we are seeing it from the flip side of the coin, yet the storyline ... read moreis based on the power of suggestion as opposed to graphic content, yet still manages to create a psychological discomfort for the viewer.

    Interesting Drama that will leave you questioning the moral dilemma throughout and the people?s views envolved.
  • arashxak
    April 18, 2008
    arashxak
    Deals with a difficult subject in a difficult and different way, I don't recommend this to anyone because it's disturbing sometimes, specially the scene in the park when Walter and the little girl talk for the second time is one of the most unsettling scenes that I've ever seen, ... read moreKevin Bacon is great and gives a solid performance in this movie
  • ironclad1609
    December 10, 2007
    ironclad1609
    The very calm, serious and touching movie about a pedophile trying to live a normal life after prison. While there isn't much happening in the course of the 80 minutes as we watch Walter's troubled attempts of a normal life, it is Kevin Bacon's vulnerable and very convincing perf... read moreormance that carries the film. Especially Walter's second meeting with a girl in the park is an extremely strong scene and makes a big point for this being one of Bacon's best performances of his career. While it might be debatable if a pedophile is as aware of his wrong-doings and trying to mend his way as Walter is, the movie at least makes sure to show that they are humans too and sometimes might deserve a second chance. A gloomy movie, but not without hope. Worth seeing.
  • WrenchLT
    June 5, 2007
    WrenchLT
    An interesting film that deals with the troubles of a newly released convicted child molester (Kevin Bacon) as he attempts to rehabilitate his life in society whilst trying to resist his lust for younger girls.

    Quite a brave role for Kevin Bacon to take on, and he does act solid... read morely throughout. The fact he had his real-life wife, Kyra Sedgwick, acting along side him must have made things more comfortable for him. The movie gives you an idea of what goes through the mind of a paedophile and conveys the frustration and inner demons that torture their lives - you can't help but feel for the character at times. The story is very straight forward, but it's the subject matter that really takes centre stage here. It pulls no punches and there are a couple of quite unsettling scenes to sit through, but it is a fairly short film clocking in under 90 minutes so it's not too much of an assault on your nerves.

    So, overall I'd say it's a film worth your attention, that does make you think and the subject is approached in a mature way. Not a classic, but worth a viewing.
  • michaelneumann
    February 12, 2005
    michaelneumann
    [left][font=Arial][size=2]My co-workers are silly. Thank goodness.

    Recently, one of them was out of town, and left his sea monkeys on his desk "for others to take care of." After a few days of neglect (somebody clearly botched their assignment on sea monkeysitting), t... read morehe little critters had died, or were just extremely sleepy. Ugly green water (full of too much food) is the suspected culprit, creating an asphyxiating environment for the hopeless sea monkeys.

    However, by the magic of science (and green Jell-O and shrimp), the thirst for omnipotence over all things monkey, and the reliability of a good prank, a co-worker & I brought those sea monkeys back to life! *lightning bolt* The co-worker was very 'relieved' when he saw his "little darlings" still alive and kicking.

    Behold! Vivacious, overgrown sea monkeys (and friend)!

    [img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/neumdaddy/RT61.jpg[/img]
    [img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/neumdaddy/RT71.jpg[/img]


    The ensuing scientific analysis and morality debate is documented in this e-mail exchange (beware the work jargon!!)...


    [color=Red][b] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~[/b][/color]

    -----Original Message-----[/size][/font]
    [font=Tahoma][size=2][b]From:[/b] Painted Forehead
    [b]Sent:[/b] Tue 2/8/2005 8:03 PM
    [b]To:[/b] Daddy, Neum; Poe, Edgar Alien; Shiny Wrappers, The Bringer of Things in; Caveman, Captain; Oakley's Ghost, Annie; Stupid, Professor; Vampira; The Flappy Flamingo, Flora
    [b]Subject:[/b] SOS and associated manifestations (i.e. freezing shrimp in jello)
    [/size][/font] [font=Arial][size=2]

    So, looks like the shrimp/green jello concoction is now chilling out in the freezer. [/size][/font] [font=Arial][size=2]

    SOS "Spreadsheet Overload Syndrome" is probably a contributing factor. I empathize, although I never froze stuff in jello to deal with it. A little ten minute break with some good music or a brisk walk/run works better.[/size][/font] [font=Arial][size=2]

    Whomever felt compelled to do this after spending too much uninterrupted time with eyes glued to spreadsheets - I feel your angst and there is help. You don't need to freeze shrimp in jello to deal with this even if this seems like the answer. :-)[/size][/font] [font=Arial][size=2]


    PLEASE get help[/size][/font] [font=Wingdings]J[/font][font=Arial][size=2]

    cheers![/size][/font]
    [font=Arial][size=2]
    -----Original Message-----
    [b]From:[/b] Captain Caveman
    [b]Sent:[/b] Tuesday, February 8, 2005 10:12 PM
    [b]To:[/b]Forehead, Painted; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Daddy, Neum; Poe, Edgar Alien; Shiny Wrappers, The Bringer of Things in; Oakley's Ghost, Annie; Stupid, Professor; Vampira; The Flappy Flamingo, Flora[/size][/font]
    [font=Arial][size=2][b]Subject:[/b] RE: SOS and associated manifestations (i.e. freezing shrimp in jello)


    Actually, I was suffering from ERDOS ([/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]ERD Overload Syndrome). Although it did start making a lot more sense after me and Neum threw it in the freezer. Who would've thought?

    [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]-----Original Message-----
    [b]From:[/b] Neumdaddy
    [b]Sent:[/b] Wednesday, February 9, 2005 9:03 PM
    [b]To:[/b] Caveman, Captain; Forehead, Painted; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Poe, Edgar Alien; Shiny Wrappers, The Bringer of Things in; Oakley's Ghost, Annie; Stupid, Professor; Vampira; The Flappy Flamingo, Flora[/size][/font]
    [font=Tahoma][size=2][b]Subject:[/b] RE: SOS and associated manifestations (i.e. freezing shrimp in jello)[/size][/font][font=Arial][size=2][color=#0000ff]


    *applies Sherlockian deerstalker cap*[/color][/size][/font]

    [i][font=Arial][size=2][color=#0000ff]Dr. Watson, er Painted Forehead & myself, having [/color][/size][/font][font=Arial][size=2][color=#0000ff]endeavored a more intense investigation into the "shrimpsicle" phenomenon in the break room freezer, have deduced that a thawed overgrown sea monkey has a .00006% chance of becoming re-animated (I'm using big words so you really can't *not* trust me). If that is so, I fear for the safety of the plastic scuba man whom is also entrapped by green Jell-O ice, because that shrimp had a pretty mean look frozen on its face. Grarr.[/color][/size][/font][/i]

    [font=Arial][size=2][color=#0000ff][i]Presently, our frozen science experiement rests at Mr. Edgar Alien Poe's old workstation (an environment, we discovered, with enough of Edgar's leftover muskiness to hasten the melting process), so if you care to gawk and witness the miracle of sea monkeys in frozen green Jell-O, we encourage you to ogle your brains out. However, my esteemed colleague & I will keep you all updated on its progress, but we hold great hope for the sea monkeys' survival. Godspeed, shrimpy. Godspeed.

    [/i]*puffs Sherlockian pipe*



    *gets back to work*[/color][/size][/font]
    [font=Tahoma][size=2]
    [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]-----Original Message-----
    [b]From:[/b] Painted Forehead
    [b]Sent:[/b] Wednesday, February 9, 2005 9:17 PM
    [b]To:[/b] Daddy, Neum; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Caveman, Captain; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Poe, Edgar Alien; Shiny Wrappers, The Bringer of Things in; Oakley's Ghost, Annie; Stupid, Professor; Vampira; The Flappy Flamingo, Flora[/size][/font]
    [font=Tahoma][size=2][b]Subject:[/b] RE: SOS and associated manifestations (i.e. freezing shrimp in jello)[/size][/font][font=Arial][size=2][color=#0000ff]


    *takes off white labcoat and latex gloves*

    I will not sleep well tonight given the .00006% chance of re-animation we discovered after hours of rigorous analysis in our lab.

    However, lets just hope for the best since this is out of our control until the shrimp is 100% thawed. Remember, sometimes hope is all we have........when dealing with shrimp frozen in green jello.[/color][/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]

    [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]-----Original Message-----
    [b]From:[/b] [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Professor Stupid[/size][/font]
    [font=Tahoma][size=2][b]Sent:[/b] Wednesday, February 9, 2005 9:17 PM
    [b]To:[/b] Forehead, Painted; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Daddy, Neum; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Caveman, Captain; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Poe, Edgar Alien; Shiny Wrappers, The Bringer of Things in; Oakley's Ghost, Annie; Vampira; The Flappy Flamingo, Flora[/size][/font]
    [font=Tahoma][size=2][b]Subject:[/b] RE: SOS and associated manifestations (i.e. freezing shrimp in jello)[/size][/font]
    [font=Tahoma][size=2]
    [/size][/font] [font=Arial][size=2][color=#0000ff]After much testing, we have considered this abnormal growth in Sea Monkeys a failure. The molecular structure could not sustain the expansion of Jello molecules as they expanded. It seems in order to be able to re-animate, we must find ways of using a liquid that is capable of absorbing and transporting nutrients but at the same time won't expand when brought to it's crystalline form.[/color][/size][/font]

    [font=Arial][size=2][color=#0000ff]Let's take a moment and bow our heads in honor of the sacrifice they made in the name of science. Let this be a reminder to live life to it's fullest and take nothing for granted. In loving memory of Alpha Shrimp and Beta Shrimp. We also like to extend our gratitude to the children that too had their life cut short during an earlier accident involving an encounter with Flora the Flappy Flamingo.
    [/color][/size][/font][font=Arial][size=1][color=#0000ff]
    [/color][/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]-----Original Message-----
    [b]From:[/b] Edgar Alien Poe
    [b]Sent:[/b] Friday, February 11, 2005 10:36 AM
    [b]To:[/b] Stupid, Professor; Forehead, Painted; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Daddy, Neum; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Caveman, Captain; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Shiny Wrappers, The Bringer of Things in; Oakley's Ghost, Annie; Vampira; The Flappy Flamingo, Flora[/size][/font]
    [font=Tahoma][size=2][b]Subject:[/b] RE: SOS and associated manifestations (i.e. freezing shrimp in jello)

    [/size][/font][font=Trebuchet MS][size=1][color=#0000ff][size=2]After reading through the analysis and spending many sleepless nights thinking about the re-animation of the frozen shrimp I came across something. Be prepared for this... you may want to sit down....

    JELL-O is made from gelatin, an animal product rendered from the hides and bones of animals. Now.. when you take gelatin and submerge a shrimp in it, the bone and hide in the gelatin could cause a serious reaction. Most people don't know about this, however I have read through the journals of Bubba (the Shrimp Master) from the historical documentary "Forrest Gump". This concoction of shrimp and jello is in fact the perfect recipe for re-animation, but this is also the recipe for pure destruction, as detailed by Bubba. Only when frozen, thawed, refrigerated, frozen, thawed, heated, frozen, thawed will the re-animation take place. However this process also causes the shrimp to mutate into a super-crustaceous teenage mutant ninja shrimp that will destroy all in its path. It will grow to the strength of 10 men... kinda like the incredible hulk... only in shrimp form... and with nun chucks.

    With this new knowledge.. please heed the warnings of Bubba and myself and stop playing puppet master with this shrimp. Only bad things will come to you and yours.[/size][size=2]

    [img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/neumdaddy/RT4.jpg[/img]
    [/size]1938 - 1962[/color][/size][/font]
    [font=Tahoma][size=2]
    [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]-----Original Message-----
    [b]From:[/b] Neumdaddy
    [b]Sent:[/b] Friday, [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]February 11[/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2], 2005 10:49 AM
    [b]To:[/b] Poe, Edgar Alien; Stupid, Professor; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Forehead, Painted; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Caveman, Captain; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Shiny Wrappers, The Bringer of Things in; Oakley's Ghost, Annie; Vampira; The Flappy Flamingo, Flora[/size][/font]
    [font=Tahoma][size=2][b]Subject:[/b] RE: SOS and associated manifestations (i.e. freezing shrimp in jello)
    [/size][/font][font=Arial][size=1][color=#0000ff][b]

    [size=2]"[/size][font=Trebuchet MS][size=2]please heed the warnings of Bubba and myself and stop playing puppet master with this shrimp."[/size][/font][/b][size=2]

    No. Your soothsaying is exacerbating our already-downtrodden research team. It's enough that we have them toiling, whiplashed and coffee-stained, to concoct the potion of reanimation. In other words, "quiet, you." You've no idea the military funding behind our shrimp weapons err, "friends." (Nice save, Neum.)

    PS.- You seem a decent fellow. I hate to kill you.

    *pulls "Kill" lever*[/size]

    ...

    ...

    ...

    Edgar Alien Poe
    [img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/neumdaddy/RT3.jpg[/img]
    (some unimportant year) - 2005[/color][/size][/font]
    [font=Tahoma][size=2]
    [/size][/font][color=#0000ff][size=2][font=Arial]*tear* He loved his cats.
    [/font][/size][/color][font=Tahoma][size=2]
    -----Original Message-----
    [b]From:[/b] Professor Stupid
    [b]Sent:[/b] Friday, [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]February 11[/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2], 2005 10:57 AM
    [b]To:[/b] Daddy, Neum; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Poe, Edgar Alien; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Forehead, Painted; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Caveman, Captain; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Shiny Wrappers, The Bringer of Things in; Oakley's Ghost, Annie; Vampira; The Flappy Flamingo, Flora[/size][/font]
    [font=Tahoma][size=2][b]Subject:[/b] RE: SOS and associated manifestations (i.e. freezing shrimp in jello)
    [/size][/font][font=Arial][size=2][color=#0000ff]

    How I got my start in bio-engineering...[/color][/size][/font]

    [img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/neumdaddy/RT5.bmp[/img]

    -----Original Message-----[font=Tahoma][size=2][b]From:[/b] Painted Forehead
    [b]Sent:[/b] Friday, [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]February 11[/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2], 2005 11:11 AM
    [b]To:[/b] Stupid, Professor; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Daddy, Neum; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Poe, Edgar Alien; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Caveman, Captain; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Shiny Wrappers, The Bringer of Things in; Oakley's Ghost, Annie; Vampira; The Flappy Flamingo, Flora[/size][/font]
    [font=Tahoma][size=2][b]Subject:[/b] RE: SOS and associated manifestations (i.e. freezing shrimp in jello)
    [/size][/font][font=Arial][size=2][color=#0000ff]

    I hate to change the subject away from this serious matter, but Professor Stupid, your message below just gave me some ideas for possible fun committee activities.

    Do you still have a pet chipmunk?[/color][/size][/font]
    [font=Tahoma][size=2]
    [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]-----Original Message-----
    [b]From:[/b] Professor Stupid
    [b]Sent:[/b] Friday, [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]February 11[/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2], 2005 11:15 AM
    [b]To:[/b] Forehead, Painted; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Daddy, Neum; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Poe, Edgar Alien; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Caveman, Captain; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Shiny Wrappers, The Bringer of Things in; Oakley's Ghost, Annie; Vampira; The Flappy Flamingo, Flora[/size][/font]
    [font=Tahoma][size=2][b]Subject:[/b] RE: SOS and associated manifestations (i.e. freezing shrimp in jello)


    [/size][/font][font=Arial][size=2][color=#0000ff]Sorry... it OD'ed
    [/color][/size][/font][font=Arial][size=2][color=#0000ff]
    [/color][/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]-----Original Message-----
    [b]From:[/b] Painted Forehead
    [b]Sent:[/b] Friday, [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]February 11[/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2], 2005 11:46 AM
    [b]To:[/b] Stupid, Professor; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Daddy, Neum; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Poe, Edgar Alien; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Caveman, Captain; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Shiny Wrappers, The Bringer of Things in; Oakley's Ghost, Annie; Vampira; The Flappy Flamingo, Flora[/size][/font]
    [font=Tahoma][size=2][b]Subject:[/b] RE: SOS and associated manifestations (i.e. freezing shrimp in jello)


    [/size][/font][font=Arial][size=2][color=#0000ff]In honor of your poor friend I think we should make him our fun committee mascot.


    Yesterday we met and came up with our committee "mission, vision statement, and core values" but we do not have a mascot.[/color][/size][/font]

    [i][font=Arial][size=2][color=#0000ff][b][font=Garamond][size=3]Back to the research:[/size][/font][font=Batang]
    [/font][/b][font=Garamond][size=4]I second what Mr. Neumdaddy said. Einstein is rolling in his grave as he witnesses this "questioning" and anti-intellectual attitude about this "good solid science" we are conducting.[/size][/font][/color][/size][/font][/i]

    "Imagination is more important than knowledge." Albert Einstein
    [font=Tahoma][size=2]
    [/size][/font] [left][font=Tahoma][size=2]-----Original Message-----
    [b]From:[/b] Painted Forehead
    [b]Sent:[/b] Friday, [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]February 11[/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2], 2005 12:16 PM
    [b]To:[/b] [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Stupid, Professor; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Daddy, Neum; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Poe, Edgar Alien; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Caveman, Captain; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Shiny Wrappers, The Bringer of Things in; Oakley's Ghost, Annie; Vampira; The Flappy Flamingo, Flora[/size][/font]
    [font=Tahoma][size=2][b]Subject:[/b] RE: SOS and associated manifestations (i.e. freezing shrimp in jello)

    [/size][/font][/left]
    [font=Arial][size=2][color=#0000ff]Some additional words from our inspiration Albert Einstein that is relevant here:[/color][/size][/font]

    "Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding." Albert Einstein

    [font=Arial][size=2][color=#0000ff]Anyone who "forces" us to stop this research is ostensibly acting as a barrier to understanding, and therefore a barrier to peace.[/color][/size][/font]

    [font=Arial][size=2][color=#0000ff]In the interest of Peace we must procede!![/color][/size][/font]
    [font=Tahoma][size=2]
    -----Original Message-----
    [b]From:[/b] Captain Caveman
    [b]Sent:[/b] Friday, [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]February 11[/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2], 2005 1:56 PM
    [b]To:[/b] Forehead, Painted; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Stupid, Professor; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Daddy, Neum; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Poe, Edgar Alien; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Shiny Wrappers, The Bringer of Things in; Oakley's Ghost, Annie; Vampira; The Flappy Flamingo, Flora[/size][/font]
    [font=Tahoma][size=2][b]Subject:[/b] RE: SOS and associated manifestations (i.e. freezing shrimp in jello)


    [/size][/font][font=Arial][size=2][color=#0000ff]I opened the freezer to check the status of the sea monkeys just now, and I started feeling really dizzy. I went to the bathroom to splash some water on my face, and happened to glance in the mirror. This is what I saw:

    [img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/neumdaddy/RT1.jpg[/img]
    [img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/neumdaddy/RT2.jpg[/img]


    I must have passed out or something, but when I regained consciousness, I was back to my old self. I think we can conclude from this that the side effects of close proximity to frozen sea monkeys are, at the very least: 1) 80's glam rock makeup, and 2) a righteous permed mullet. [/color][/size][/font][font=Arial][size=2][color=#0000ff] More research is clearly needed.[/color][/size][/font]
    [font=Tahoma][size=2]
    [b]From:[/b] Painted Forehead
    [b]Sent:[/b] Friday, [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]February 11[/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2], 2005 2:05 PM
    [b]To:[/b] Caveman, Captain; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Stupid, Professor; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Daddy, Neum; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Poe, Edgar Alien; [/size][/font][font=Tahoma][size=2]Shiny Wrappers, The Bringer of Things in; Oakley's Ghost, Annie; Vampira; The Flappy Flamingo, Flora[/size][/font]
    [font=Tahoma][size=2][b]Subject:[/b] RE: SOS and associated manifestations (i.e. freezing shrimp in jello)

    [/size][/font][/left]
    [font=Arial][size=2][color=#0000ff]I am sure that was traumatic man. You should get some therapy this weekend. :-)[/color][/size][/font]

    [font=Arial][size=2][color=#0000ff]To help put your mind at ease we once again invoke a timely quote by Einstein:[/color][/size][/font]
    "Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one."

    [font=Arial][size=2][color=#0000ff]What you saw in the mirror might be "the real you" and the shrimp has helped enlighten you to your true state of being. We are obviously making significant progress...

    [/color][/size][/font][font=Arial][size=2][color=Red][b] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    [/b][color=Black]What wonders may Monday bring us with this riveting scientific dilemma?? Bate your breath, readers! The answers...they are coming!



    Did I mention I work in a different universe located entirely within the collective consciousness of the insane? [/color][/color][/size][/font]
  • gator681
    January 16, 2005
    gator681
    [font=Century Gothic]My idea of a great performance is an actor who becomes totally unconcscious of an audience watching him and presents whatever ugly details of his character's personality life onscreen with ease.[/font]

    [font=Century Gothic][color=darkred]"The Woodsman" is a ... read moremovie about a child molester(played by Kevin Bacon, who is excellent) released from jail after twelve years, seeking to start a new life in Philadelphia. The central dilemma in the movie is posed the by the lead character when he asks: "When will I be alright?" The movie to its credit does not seek to give any easy answers to this question or seeks to cure the character. The most interesting thing about Bacon's character is revealed in a moment when he is talking with a 12 year old girl - it is the only point in the film when he is relaxed and at ease.[/color][/font]

    [font=Century Gothic][color=sienna]While at the other end of the commonwealth in 1974 in "The Assassination of Richard of Nixon", Sean Penn plays Sam Bicke, a failed salesman who is in the middle of a new job as an office furniture salesman and in the middle of a disintegrating marriage.(Throughout the film, Bicke is in a constant state of denial and is constantly seeking to be reconciled in his marriage. But in one scene, he is flirting with an attractive customer and refers to his 'ex-wife'.) Sean Penn is extremely good but there is very little relief from this unpleasant character and at times, the movie feels like it is going to fall into a very prolonged Saturday Night Live sketch.(I couldn't think of anything worse to say.) What's interesting is to compare Bicke's breakdown to the same one that Nixon was supposedly undergoing in the White House at the same time. The movie's whole point seems to be success can only be gained when working with others.[/color][/font]
  • michaelcorleone
    November 22, 2009
    michaelcorleone
    At times, this film attempts to simplify the subject matter too much for my liking. It's too manipulative, too narrow, and as a result it loses the conviction of its characters. Nevertheless, there are individual moments of strength and insight that stand out. Nicole Kassell cont... read moreributes a lot of interesting directorial flourishes, and it's consistently engaging to watch. Kevin Bacon also deserves recognition for such a brave and inuitive performance. He really rises above the mediocre screenplay. Ultimately, it's a piece that squanders its potential, but it's still more interesting than the majority of mainstream films released nowadays.

View All The Woodsman Reviews

Critic Reviews

Roger Moore
April 8, 2005
Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel

A lean and unapologetic piece about a type of person too often rendered in simplistic 'monster' colors. Full Review

Andrew Sarris
January 27, 2005
Andrew Sarris, New York Observer

[Ms. Kassell and Mr. Fechter] trick up Walter's character with so many conflicting moods and impulses and then place him within a post-prison society that is itself alternately oppressive and permissive. Full Review

Geoff Pevere
January 21, 2005
Geoff Pevere, Toronto Star

An involving, intense but ultimately confused portrait. Full Review

Rick Groen
January 21, 2005
Rick Groen, Globe and Mail

To watch this picture is to feel, and what you're feeling is an intense swirl of conflicting emotions -- disturbed, creeped-out, sorry, and, yes, even moved. Full Review

Tom Long
January 21, 2005
Tom Long, Detroit News

A flawed film that's well worth seeing.

Terry Lawson
January 21, 2005
Terry Lawson, Detroit Free Press

It is both difficult to watch and compelling. Full Review

Eric Harrison
January 14, 2005
Eric Harrison, Houston Chronicle

A compelling drama that pulls back the curtain on a problem of epidemic proportions. Full Review

Robert Denerstein
January 14, 2005
Robert Denerstein, Denver Rocky Mountain News

Bacon deservedly has received most of the attention here, but Sedgwick, who doesn't work nearly enough, brings grit and hardscrabble realism to the role of a woman who has turned defiance into a prote...

Lisa Kennedy
January 14, 2005
Lisa Kennedy, Denver Post

Walter isn't particularly likable. But to the film's credit, he becomes human. Full Review

Steven Rea
January 13, 2005
Steven Rea, Philadelphia Inquirer

Bacon's portrait chills to the bone.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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The Woodsman Trivia

  • In the movie The Woodsman who plays Kevin Bacon's new girlfriend after he gets out of jail for pediphila?  Answer »
  • In what movie did Kevin Bacon's wife play his onstage girlfriend?  Answer »
  • Which actor has starred in all these films: Footloose, The River Wild, Trapped, Stir of Echoes, and The Woodsman?   Answer »
  • What actor was originally scheduled to play the Tin Woodsman in The Wizard of Oz?  Answer »
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