“‘Clear’ and Present Danger”
by Scott Mantz

“The Clearing”
Robert Redford, Helen Mirren, Willem Dafoe
Directed by Pieter Jan Brugge

Barefoot in the park!  Robert Redford is held hostage by Willem Dafoe in "The Clearing"

Everyone knows that the summer season is when the Hollywood studios make most of their cash (amazingly, up to 43% of their annual revenue), so it’s no surprise that they cater to the masses by releasing so many popcorn-minded blockbusters. The problem is that by mid-July, many moviegoers might find themselves burned out from an overdose of gunfights, explosions, and worst of all, corny dialogue from pumped up A-list stars. That’s why the prospect of watching a simple, straightforward and well-acted drama might seem like the cinematic equivalent of kicking back on a comfy sofa with your favorite pair of slippers.

To that extent, “The Clearing” is a perfect fit. It’s not a great film by any means, but it’s certainly good at what it set out to do. Boasting sharp dialogue, an intense pace and strong performances from the likes of Robert Redford, Willem Dafoe and Helen Mirren, the psychological thriller succeeds as a slightly uneven, but ultimately reflective, somber and deeply engaging drama that will move you in unexpected ways.

Wayne (Robert Redford) and Eileen Hayes (Helen Mirren) appear to be living the American Dream, but when Wayne is kidnapped and held for ransom by a disgruntled ex-employee (Willem Dafoe), Eileen is forced to come to terms with some harsh realities about her flawed marriage. As Wayne and his kidnapper traverse the back woods en route to a mysterious destination, the ordeal also forces him to reassess his relationship with Eileen. Husband and wife may end up with a deeper appreciation of their marriage, but what good is it if they never see each other again?

After producing 70’s-influenced, character-driven dramas like “Heat,” “Bulworth” and “The Insider,” Pieter Jan Brugge makes an effective directorial debut with “The Clearing.” Just like Clint Eastwood did with last year’s “Mystic River,” Brugge’s only priority here is to tell a straightforward, solid, well-acted story with a powerful ending that bucks the Hollywood trend. There are no hyper-kinetic, testosterone-fueled gimmicks here; just a deep, psychological approach where the conflict in the woods parallels the emotional struggle back home.

And it’s while we’re at home at the Hayes compound that the true power of the film comes into play. Despite the presence of a minimal FBI setup, the family members struggle to carry on with their lives. Helen and her daughter go for a swim, Helen and her kids celebrate the birthday of her 1-year-old grandson, and, in a crucial scene, Helen goes so far as to confront her husband’s mistress. It’s jarring from what we’ve come to expect from the hostage-for-ransom genre, but that’s why it leaves such a lasting impression.

As expected, the acting is top notch. Hollywood legend Robert Redford has never been known for having a lot of range (and his weathered appearance is a far cry from his dashing 70’s heyday), but he still possesses a commanding and likable quality that makes him very appealing. Willem Dafoe is also effective and brings an equally suspicious and sympathetic quality to Redford’s kidnapper, but there’s no doubt that “The Clearing” belongs to Helen Mirren. The veteran actress never falls into any melodramatic traps, and she anchors the film with a subtle, powerful performance that’s simply elegant.

It seems somehow appropriate that Redford and Dafoe spend most of their time trekking through the woods, for it’s while they’re in the woods that Redford finally sees the forest through the trees and realizes how good he has it with his family. It’s tragic to think that it would take such a horrific ordeal to make him reassess his priorities, but as the saying goes, “better late than never.” And it’s a good thing too, because in a summer bogged down with mind-numbing Hollywood eye candy, the season just got a whole lot better with “The Clearing.”

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