THE CLEARING
Billed as a drama and a thriller, some may
disagree with the thriller part. First time director
Pieter Jan Brugge does his darndest to keep us
on the edge of our seats with this kidnapping
tale, but we jut keep falling off. Just not enough
background and substance exists to plant your
teeth, or your attention, into the story.
Successful, retired businessman Wayne Hayes
(Robert Redford) is abducted by a loser, Arnold
Mack (Willem Dafoe), who just doesn't seem to
be bold enough, or clever enough to be good at
this crime. Hayes is taken to a remote forest
where he has time to try to persuade his
kidnapper to free him.
The victim's wife, Eileen Hayes (Helen Mirren), is
adequate as the caring, frazzled wife inundated
by FBI agents and their gear. In the course of the
investigation their marriage is put under the
microscope and it ultimately passes muster. But
the whole situation does not incur enough
interest and sympathy from the audience during
the rather brief hour and a half running time.
Something is missing from the mix that might
have made it a more interesting film.
disagree with the thriller part. First time director
Pieter Jan Brugge does his darndest to keep us
on the edge of our seats with this kidnapping
tale, but we jut keep falling off. Just not enough
background and substance exists to plant your
teeth, or your attention, into the story.
Successful, retired businessman Wayne Hayes
(Robert Redford) is abducted by a loser, Arnold
Mack (Willem Dafoe), who just doesn't seem to
be bold enough, or clever enough to be good at
this crime. Hayes is taken to a remote forest
where he has time to try to persuade his
kidnapper to free him.
The victim's wife, Eileen Hayes (Helen Mirren), is
adequate as the caring, frazzled wife inundated
by FBI agents and their gear. In the course of the
investigation their marriage is put under the
microscope and it ultimately passes muster. But
the whole situation does not incur enough
interest and sympathy from the audience during
the rather brief hour and a half running time.
Something is missing from the mix that might
have made it a more interesting film.
Brenda’s comments
Not very exciting drama for a crime movie.
A rather low key kidnapping, executed by a
low key, unimaginative criminal. The big
name cast may bring in a crowd. But with
so many choices out there, I'd suggest
waiting for the video rather than going for
the big screen experience.
Not very exciting drama for a crime movie.
A rather low key kidnapping, executed by a
low key, unimaginative criminal. The big
name cast may bring in a crowd. But with
so many choices out there, I'd suggest
waiting for the video rather than going for
the big screen experience.
Mary’s comments
A flat story that could have been much
better with a little more attention to the
characters. If someone is kidnapped, we
have to care about that person and his
family, or be made to care about them. We
weren't. Good actors with not much script
to go around.
A flat story that could have been much
better with a little more attention to the
characters. If someone is kidnapped, we
have to care about that person and his
family, or be made to care about them. We
weren't. Good actors with not much script
to go around.
© 2003 St. Louis Movie Review Weekly. All rights reserved, except where indicated.
| ST. LOUIS MOVIE REVIEW WEEKLY Publishers: Brenda S. Ladd & Mary K. Morgan |
Movie Details
Official Movie Website
Theatrical Release
2004
Home Video
11/09/04
MPAA Rating
Rated R for brief strong
language
Running Time
1 hour 34 minutes
Directed by
Pieter Jan Brugge
Cast
Helen Mirren, Robert
Redford, Willem Dafoe,
Alessandro Nivola, Matt
Craven, Melissa Sagemiller
Studio
Fox Searchlight Pictures
Theatrical Release
2004
Home Video
11/09/04
MPAA Rating
Rated R for brief strong
language
Running Time
1 hour 34 minutes
Directed by
Pieter Jan Brugge
Cast
Helen Mirren, Robert
Redford, Willem Dafoe,
Alessandro Nivola, Matt
Craven, Melissa Sagemiller
Studio
Fox Searchlight Pictures
DVD Details
Disc Specs
Languages: English, Spanish, French
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Running Time: 1 hr. 34 mins
Number of Discs: 1
Features:
· Full Length Feature (Widescreen only)
· Commentary by Director Peter Jan
Brugge, Writer Justin Haythe, Editor
Kevin Tent
· 6 deleted scenes with optional
commentary by Director Peter Jan
Brugge
· Screenplay (300 stills)
· Fox's Inside Look
· Theatrical trailer
Languages: English, Spanish, French
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Running Time: 1 hr. 34 mins
Number of Discs: 1
Features:
· Full Length Feature (Widescreen only)
· Commentary by Director Peter Jan
Brugge, Writer Justin Haythe, Editor
Kevin Tent
· 6 deleted scenes with optional
commentary by Director Peter Jan
Brugge
· Screenplay (300 stills)
· Fox's Inside Look
· Theatrical trailer