Review of The Clearing (2004) by Melanie-Ann D — 28 Dec 2010
"The Clearing" is a lack-luster, uninspired and ultimately boring film. Having secured talent such as Robert Redford, Willem Dafoe, Helen Mirren and the delectable Allesandro Nivola, Taylor Hackford clearly gave no more thought to the script. These heavy-weights are let down by poor material, the script is plodding and predictable and at times surprisingly implausible. Robert Redford bravely lets his age show in this film, the camera zooming in several times to show his lined, weather-beaten countenance. Helen Mirren on the other hand is radiant as his long-suffering wife and Willem Dafoe is predictably good as the bumbling would-be villain. Allesandro puts in a good little performance as the son who doesn't let his grief show in front of this mother and sister.
Where the film fails is in its implausibility: The mother and sister take a swim the morning after Robert Redford's character is kidnapped, the home is empty of the token FBI agents and Helen Mirren's character seems strangely devoid of emotion.
All in all, "The clearing" leaves one feeling cold and is extremely unsatisfying in its execution.
This review of The Clearing (2004) was written by Melanie-Ann D on 28 Dec 2010.
The Clearing has generally received mixed reviews.
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