MOVIE - THE CLEARING - Review Rating $$$$$ $1/2 (OUT OF 10)

STARRING - Robert Redford (Wayne Hayes), Willem Dafoe (Arnold "Arn" Mack), Helen Mirren (Eileen Hayes), Matt Craven (Agent Fuller), Wendy Crewson (Louise Miller), Alessandro Nivola (Tim Hayes) & Melissa Sagemiller (Jill Hayes)

DIRECTOR/CO-WRITER - Pieter Jan Brugge

There is something ultimately unsatisfying about The Clearing that's somewhat hard to put your finger on. The performances are fine (you'd expect nothing less from Redford & Mirren), the directorial tempo maintains the intensity of the unfolding drama and the script explores the human psyche at a deeper level than most movies. These three seperate elements, however, don't gel into a cohesive whole.

The disappointment with the film may result from the fact that The Clearing, in the end, doesn't break any new ground. It promises profoundness yet doesn't quite deliver. A better example of insight into the human condition is 21Grams.

The Clearing, when compared to most of the films in current release, is an excellent film. However, when compared to movies of a similar nature it is only average.

Running time - 91 minutes

Alternative Reviews:

Roger Ebert's Review

Reter Travers / Rolling Stone Review

Rotten Tomatoes Reviews

---

© Copyright 2005 David Schwartz. Last update: 2/28/05; 1:49:59 AM. This theme is based on the SoundWaves (blue) Manila theme.