It is rare to see a Hollywood movie take on a topic like pedophilia, without knocking the audience over the head with some kind of moral lesson or "justice" for the villain in the end. Our "villain" here is also our protagonist, and the study of the lead character (Walter, portrayed perfectly by Kevin Bacon) is unflinching and disturbing. At no point is Walter portrayed as heroic or "cured" of his past lifestyle and urges. He serves his prison time on conviction of sexual misconduct with minors and our story takes up upon his release. Walter moves into an apartment right across from a schoolyard (Walter claims that this was the only landlord who would take him in). He battles his demons with some success, and some failure. He begins to keep a diary of his daily life, and we see glimpses of the darkness he is struggling with. We learn that he is just as capable of acting on his demons now, as he was before he went to jail. In this film, we don't find Walter triumphing or suffering "cosmic justice" over his past, just a study of a man and his struggle with his life after jail. The film does not ask us to sympathize with Walter, nor does it ask us to root for him...it simply tells his story. There is a scene in the park that is powerful and gripping, and blends elements we see throughout the movie. Definitely a movie to see and think about for long after you've watched. Bacon is excellent and should've been considered for a lead actor nomination by the Academy. Mos Def is not a distraction and performs well. Kyra Sedgwick is also very good. See it on a night when you are ready for strong drama, and thought-provoking intelligent movie-making.
Review of The Woodsman
