The most striking thing about this 2004 film is the subject matter. Kevin Bacon plays a pedophile convict out on parole. Not a likely protagonist for an American film. In fact, the subject matter is so controversial that the film demands to be critiqued on two levels: the film's cinematic qualities (plot, character development, acting, photography, etc.); and the subject itself.
As a film, this is a fairly decent piece of work - especially as a first feature film for director Nicole Kassell. This is probably Kevin Bacon's finest work. Playing the lead role of Walter, he certainly projects the appearance of broken goods. He looks like what one would imagine a pedophile to look like, if there is such an archetype. Thin, weathered but still something boyish in his face. He exudes inner conflict; a person struggling with his demons.
Some of the other characters are well cast: Eve is quite believable as the nosy secretary. Kyra Sedgwick is excellent as the woman who befriends Walter - herself a woman who is also clearly 'damaged goods'.
Others are not so well cast: Mos Def as a rumpled police detective who's seen it all is really stretching my credulity. He's just too young for that role.
The film is well directed, shot and edited. There's never a dull moment - it's watchable from start to finish.
But here we get to the second level of assessment: the subject matter. There's no doubt that the thing that grabs our attention the most is the fact that the film is about such a taboo subject: pedophilia. It's the grotesque nature of the subject that we just can't take our eyes off of...much like watching a tarantula crawl around in an aquarium. There's no doubt that it took some balls for the film makers to do this - particularly Kevin Bacon, who's the biggest name attached to this project. In fact he not only stars in it, he helped to finance it.
But that doesn't necessarily make it a good thing. While this film doesn't hold back in showing Walter continue to struggle with his urges, it does finish with the notion that he will succeed in being rehabilitated. My only problem with this is that as far as I understand, pedophilia is incurable. I'd hate to see this film create the false impression that with a bit of understanding and lots of support, most pedophiles won't re-offend. That would certainly be a false notion to spread. Of course, such interpretations depend mostly on the viewer. It's just that your average mindless TV watcher may well think that that's the message.
It must be said that on it's face, this is an interesting film. It does have some moments that are particularly disturbing, especially for those viewers who are parents of small children. Overall, a gutsy if somewhat flawed film that won't be viewed by most people. And that may be a good thing.
As a film, this is a fairly decent piece of work - especially as a first feature film for director Nicole Kassell. This is probably Kevin Bacon's finest work. Playing the lead role of Walter, he certainly projects the appearance of broken goods. He looks like what one would imagine a pedophile to look like, if there is such an archetype. Thin, weathered but still something boyish in his face. He exudes inner conflict; a person struggling with his demons.
Some of the other characters are well cast: Eve is quite believable as the nosy secretary. Kyra Sedgwick is excellent as the woman who befriends Walter - herself a woman who is also clearly 'damaged goods'.
Others are not so well cast: Mos Def as a rumpled police detective who's seen it all is really stretching my credulity. He's just too young for that role.
The film is well directed, shot and edited. There's never a dull moment - it's watchable from start to finish.
But here we get to the second level of assessment: the subject matter. There's no doubt that the thing that grabs our attention the most is the fact that the film is about such a taboo subject: pedophilia. It's the grotesque nature of the subject that we just can't take our eyes off of...much like watching a tarantula crawl around in an aquarium. There's no doubt that it took some balls for the film makers to do this - particularly Kevin Bacon, who's the biggest name attached to this project. In fact he not only stars in it, he helped to finance it.
But that doesn't necessarily make it a good thing. While this film doesn't hold back in showing Walter continue to struggle with his urges, it does finish with the notion that he will succeed in being rehabilitated. My only problem with this is that as far as I understand, pedophilia is incurable. I'd hate to see this film create the false impression that with a bit of understanding and lots of support, most pedophiles won't re-offend. That would certainly be a false notion to spread. Of course, such interpretations depend mostly on the viewer. It's just that your average mindless TV watcher may well think that that's the message.
It must be said that on it's face, this is an interesting film. It does have some moments that are particularly disturbing, especially for those viewers who are parents of small children. Overall, a gutsy if somewhat flawed film that won't be viewed by most people. And that may be a good thing.