Everyone has issues, or so it seems. This person may carry a grudge around or harbor certain, unsavory secrets, or have illicit hobbies or..have done something in the past that caused others great harm. It’s only a matter of time, before these problems have to be confronted.
The main character in “”The Woodsman”” (the title refers to a fairy tale, but that is another matter), a film from director Nicole Kassell, Walter (Kevin Bacon, here in the lead for a change), appears to be concealing something, not speaking to anyone, including at his new factory job. His is a desolate life, whether out on the urban streets or in his apartment in Philadelphia, and talks to no one aside from his brother-in-law Carlos (Benjamin Bratt) and to a therapist, Dr. Rosen (Michael Shannon). In reality, and as briefly indicated during the opening credits, Walter is an ex-con, recently released from prison, who is now on supervised parole and must abide by certain restrictions (such as the appointments with Dr. Rosen) that become apparent during the film’s early scenes.The position in the factory is offered to Walter by Bob (David Alan Grier) as a favor–the former worked for the latter’s father–and begins to arouse the suspicions of the receptionist, Mary Kay (Eve), after a lunchtime encounter. One employee there who does take notice of the protagonist, in a more positive way..of sorts, is Vicki (Kyra Sedgwick), someone who is attractive and tough–she holds her own against the flirting guys at the factory. In Walter’s case, however, she is one fast worker–not a lesbian like he initially thinks, and in short time they’re in the sack and soon become an item.Although the two start a relationship, of sorts, Walter persists in concealing his secret from Vicki, even after she opens up to him. She also is not dissuaded by Mary Kay’s warnings, and continues seeing/sleeping with the lead character. The protagonist also receives unexpected visits from Sgt. Lucas (Mos Def), who thinks Walter is up to his old ways.One thing that becomes clear with Walter is that he attracts those who problems of their own, or at least those he recognizes as such. He lives close by an elementary school (grades K through 6), and spots an older man with light hair and a BMW, whom he nicknames ‘Candy’, who likes to talk to the boys there. The strange ones, the ‘damaged’ ones come into Walter’s life, but he maintains little contact with his sister Annette and his niece Carla, the latter soon to celebrate a 12th birthday.Ultimately, the lead just wants to be normal, and the later part of the movie deals with the lead trying to confront his problems rather than hide (the therapist mentions something too about a ‘circle’). This proves more difficult, and others, Dr. Rosen included, have their own views about who Walter is. There is also much symbolism, from the title–which can have multiple meanings if one thinks about it, to the continual references to birds–and the names of different species of those birds, and plants, specifically the ivy plant that Walter receives from Vicki.[pagebreak]The first part of the film is not so strong, as it seems very familiar. It’s basically a situation where here’s this new guy, he’s different, many people want little to do with him and vice versa, and there is the exception who then happens to become a love interest. The more powerful moments come later in the flick, whether it’s characters opening up or Walter confronting his demons, plus there are some genuinely creepy moments, such as one scene set in a mall (brrrrr….).Kevin Bacon is the big attraction here–now that is something not heard often. The individual known for “”Six Degrees of…”” as well as numerous movie roles–usually of the supporting variety, gives a fine performance. His character appears eerily reserved at some moments, and just plain eerie at others. In certain scenes, such as that mall one above, he gives the shivers. Sedgwick does a decent job as well–her role involves hiding secrets as well. The camera work also plays its part well, providing Walter’s perception of the world in a sometimes distorted way–it fits his state of mind. As a side bonus, Parliament’s “”Give up the Funk”” appears in the movie as well…Anyway, this is not to say that movie doesn’t have its glitches–including one regarding the weather. There is one bit where it’s supposed to be freezing weather, but the trees and plant growth suggest summer (as they do throughout the movie). The ending also feels a little too neat, too Hollywood-ish, and all the continual symbolism makes it feel as if it’s freshman year English class all over again.Overall, “”The Woodsman”” works because of Bacon and also the many themes–of how many people have their own issues, of family, of how the protagonist wants to be normal and deal with his mental state and his past. The film might have its intense moments, but it certainly provides much for discussion, and a more serious look at the main actor’s talents.Grade: BEM Reviewby Andrew Haas1/7/05