A fantastic film based on the novel of the same name by Tim O'Brien.
When making a film of a book, there is a right way and a wrong one. I get the distinct feeling that this is the right way!!
There are often so many complexities and dimensions to a literary character that sometimes one simply cannot translate that into film... This is one of those exceptions.
Strauss and Quinlan head an impressive cast and lead us deep into this mystery with gripping skill. Both play their roles to the very hilt, bringing massively complex characters right off the page and into the reality of this film.
The supporting cast too have been well chosen for their acting skills; - Peter Boyle brings us skin-crawling repulsion for selfish and seedy campaign manager Tony Carbo, Richard Anderson and Pamela Perry are wonderfully caring neighbours the Rasmussens, Nancy Sorel as Kathy's sister who never really trusted John... and Hrothgar Matthews as journalist Nat Leming so unscrupulously persistent to "getting the story" and uncaringly aloof to the damage it has on those involved.
Special mention must go to Stephen Miller for his portrayal of deputy Vinny Pearson. So immediately judgemental and so repulsive to watch during the scene where he punches John, knowing full well that no-one will try and stop him - He is the voice that speaks the secret thoughts of a whole community who, despite their earnest and dutiful diligence in searching for the missing Kathy, still regard John with the same baseless suspicion as his sister-in-law. A fantastic personification of the many cruel twists that fate throws at John.
And yet, the star of the show is Peter Strauss as John Waylan. We feel so much pity for this man, burdened by the weight of such an unlucky life at no fault of his own... Yet has he now possibly been 'turned to the dark side' and has had fate delivered into his own hands by the final failing of his sanity? Who will you believe?
A true mystery and a film that is both entertaining as well as thought-provoking and engaging.
When making a film of a book, there is a right way and a wrong one. I get the distinct feeling that this is the right way!!
There are often so many complexities and dimensions to a literary character that sometimes one simply cannot translate that into film... This is one of those exceptions.
Strauss and Quinlan head an impressive cast and lead us deep into this mystery with gripping skill. Both play their roles to the very hilt, bringing massively complex characters right off the page and into the reality of this film.
The supporting cast too have been well chosen for their acting skills; - Peter Boyle brings us skin-crawling repulsion for selfish and seedy campaign manager Tony Carbo, Richard Anderson and Pamela Perry are wonderfully caring neighbours the Rasmussens, Nancy Sorel as Kathy's sister who never really trusted John... and Hrothgar Matthews as journalist Nat Leming so unscrupulously persistent to "getting the story" and uncaringly aloof to the damage it has on those involved.
Special mention must go to Stephen Miller for his portrayal of deputy Vinny Pearson. So immediately judgemental and so repulsive to watch during the scene where he punches John, knowing full well that no-one will try and stop him - He is the voice that speaks the secret thoughts of a whole community who, despite their earnest and dutiful diligence in searching for the missing Kathy, still regard John with the same baseless suspicion as his sister-in-law. A fantastic personification of the many cruel twists that fate throws at John.
And yet, the star of the show is Peter Strauss as John Waylan. We feel so much pity for this man, burdened by the weight of such an unlucky life at no fault of his own... Yet has he now possibly been 'turned to the dark side' and has had fate delivered into his own hands by the final failing of his sanity? Who will you believe?
A true mystery and a film that is both entertaining as well as thought-provoking and engaging.