From Deseret News archives:
Clearing, The
Film review
Of course, unlike most other independent films currently trying to make a splash in the big summer-movie pond, this one does have big star power. But it's still doubtful that will help the film overcome such poor timing.
"The Clearing" is a thriller, but it's a deliberate, character-driven film that should probably open in the fall; it's not the kind of quick-paced action picture that draws audiences this time of year.
Robert Redford stars here as Wayne Hayes, an apparently successful businessman who's known for his bargaining and negotiation skills. But he's also under investigation for questionable business dealings, and possibly fraud.
Things take an even worse turn when he's kidnapped by Arnold Mack (Willem Dafoe), who claims to be an embittered former co-worker. This leaves Wayne's wife Eileen (Helen Mirren) in a dilemma. Given the mounting evidence of Wayne's infidelities and other questionable actions, she begins to wonder whether he's worth the ransom.
As good as the performances by both actors are, they pale in comparison to Mirren's emotionally conflicted wife. As always, she's riveting, and her character is what really makes all of this watchable.
The pacing here might be perceived as too slow by audiences expecting something different, but it's quietly effective. And filmmaker Pieter Jan Brugge isn't afraid to leave a few loose ends, which makes the film all the more sinister and unsettling.
"The Clearing" is rated R for scattered use of strong sexual profanity and some frank sexual talk, and some scenes of violence (gunfire, strangulation and some brawling). Running time: 91 minutes.
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com
Comments
Cast: Robert Redford, Helen Mirren, Willem Dafoe
Find a Movie Theater
- Editorial: Fine-tune state workweek 12:18 a.m.
- Let's keep energy money in the U.S. 12:18 a.m.
- How to pay for the war 12:17 a.m.
- Feast of Guadalupe nourishes soul 12:17 a.m.
- Obama's strategy is a road map 12:17 a.m.
- Letters: Unusual TRAX gift 12:17 a.m.
- Letters: Create livelihoods 12:17 a.m.
- Letters: Global warming a lie 12:17 a.m.
- Letters: Democrats' ethics 12:17 a.m.
- Letters: 'Political priestcraft' 12:17 a.m.
- Y., U. to learn bowl destinations
- BYU and Utah's bowl games
- BYU professor remembered
- The forgotten ship: USS Utah
- Branch president without a congregation
- BYU basketball: Cougars crush Dons
- Utahns want health care reform bills
- Kurt Bestor: Joy for the world
- Jazz upset by Wolves
- Urn of baby rests with sailors
- Why is Y. ignoring spew of hatred?
317 - Letters: Liberal because LDS
257 - Y. profs: Beck not all-knowing
214 - Hate not limited to 1 in-state rivalry
189 - Aggies shoot past Cougars
179 - N.Y. Senate rejects gay marriage
130 - George lost in rivalry hatefest
113 - TCU to play Boise in Fiesta Bowl
109 - Unbeaten BYU takes trip to Logan
105 - Ed Smart 'appalled' at testimony
97
Thanks Mr. Sorenson. This needs to be treated at the highest levels of...
Please do NOT post statements such as "Trax loses money on every passenger"...
Whenever I ride tracks I get the feeling that I'm only traveling 35 miles, at...
Iran may be a threat to Israel, but they are not a threat to the USA.
Rivalry | 10:13 a.m. Nov. 27, 2009 Since the reward for either team to win...
Afraid that you have almost totally mis-characterized BYU fans. I have been...
How many do-overs are they going to give Max Hall before he finally wins a...
Hey Shelly, I am really glad your doing so well,I also have a family member...
easy win for Utah
disappointment. If there's a way for the BCS to mess something up they do....





You can be the first to comment on this story.