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# ‘Woodsman’ disturbing but entertaining film
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/woodsman-disturbing-but-entertaining-film/
- Published: 2004-12-24T16:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T05:52:51.000Z
- Author: Dan Dunn
- Tags: Entertainment, Santa Monica, #archive-import

Fresh out of NYU film school, director Nicole Kassell makes her Big League debut with a disturbing portrait of a paroled pedophile’s attempts to re-enter society. “The Woodsman” is certainly not a pleasant film, but there is joy to be found in Kevin Bacon’s excellent portrayal of Walter, a tight-lipped predator being preyed upon by external forces — namely, his co-workers — and the demons inside his own head. Walter longs to be “normal,” yet grapples with unnatural urges for prepubescent girls. His struggle is intensified by circumstance — the parole board has inexplicably seen fit to set Walter up in a dingy apartment across the street from an elementary school, and his daily bus commute puts him in dangerous proximity to an enticing little girl. Plus, recurring visits from his supportive but wary brother-in-law (an excellent Benjamin Bratt) serve as a reminder of his estranged sister. Without saying much at all, Bacon is able to effectively convey the chaos and pain behind Walter’s eyes. There’s an abiding discomfort in watching him, as we’re never sure whether he’s headed for redemption or something far worse. But Bacon is one of the best in the business at unearthing the humanity in even the most deplorable of characters, and the star’s inherent likeability disarms our impulse to be repulsed by this sex offender. Kyra Sedgwick is a powerful piece of this controversial puzzle, playing a tough-as-nails forklift operator who welcomes Walter into her bed — and lets him remain there even after he confesses his sins. (Rated R for sexuality, disturbing behavior and language. Running time: 87 minutes)

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 24, 2004.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/122404.pdf?ref=smdp.com)