| 2004 - Nicole Kassell for The Woodsman |
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Nicole Kassell was unable to attend the Film Festival as she is nearly nine months' pregnant. However, the Ray Foundation is hopeful that she may attend the official Award ceremony and screening of the film early next year. SynopsisHow does a man build a new life after being convicted as a paedophile and serving a custodial sentence; and even more crucially, how can he overcome his attraction to pre-pubescent girls. Writer-director Nicole Kassell adopts a sensitive but direct approach to her study of Walter (Kevin Bacon), who returns to his hometown to start a new life after twelve years in prison. Set up with a job in a woodyard, and determinedly keeping himself to himself, he meets the independently minded Vicki (Kyra Sedgwick) who solicits an unexpected relationship with him. But the watchful eyes of a colleague who feels he's slighted her, and the intrusive visits of an antagonistic detective serve to reinforce the tenuousness of trying to live a normal life. Kassell's courage in exploring this story is rewarded by finely nuanced performances across the board, but Kevin Bacon (who also executive produced the film) is simply outstanding, bringing restraint and humanity to a character whose crimes revolt us, but whose struggles touch us. Sandra Hebron - from London Festival Progamme (with additions)
USA 2003
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The Woodsman,
directed and written by Nicole Kassell, has won the
9th Satyajit Ray Foundation Award for a first feature film pemiered in
the UK at the London Film Festival. "We were unanimous," said
Clyde Jeavons, who chaired the Foundation's prize jury. "It was an
extremely well-crafted film debut by Nicole Kassell, which treats the
controversial theme of paedophilia with great insight and sensitivity,
thanks not least to Kevin Bacon's fine performance in the leading role."
