The Vanishing (1988)

Rex and Saskia, a young couple in love, are on vacation. They stop at a busy service station and Saskia is abducted. After three years and no sign of Saskia, Rex begins receiving letters from the abductor.

Director:

George Sluizer

Writers:

Tim Krabbé (novel), Tim Krabbé (screenplay)

Stars:

Bernard-Pierre Donnadieu, Gene Bervoets, Johanna ter Steege

7 wins & 6 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Bernard-Pierre Donnadieu	...	Raymond Lemorne
Gene Bervoets	...	Rex Hofman
Johanna ter Steege	...	Saskia Wagter
Gwen Eckhaus	...	Lieneke
Bernadette Le Saché	...	Simone Lemorne
Tania Latarjet	...	Denise
Lucille Glenn	...	Gabrielle
Roger Souza	...	Manager
Caroline Appéré	...	Cashier
Pierre Forget	...	Farmer Laurent
Didier Rousset	...	TV Journalist
Raphaëline Goupilleau	...	Gisele Marzin (as Raphaëline)
Robert Lucibello	...	Teacher
David Bayle	...	Lemorne (16 Years)
Doumee	...	Lady 'Prisunic' (as Doumée)

Storyline

Rex and Saskia are on holiday, a young couple in love. They stop at a busy service station and Saskia disappears. Rex dedicates the next three years trying to find her. Then he receives some postcards from her abductor, who promises to reveal what has happened to Saskia. The abductor, Raymond Lemorne, is a chilling character to whom Rex is drawn by his intense desire to learn the truth behind his lovers disappearance. The truth is more sinister than he dared imagine.

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Plot Keywords:

abductor | gas station | france | cult film | psycho thriller | 

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Genres:

Mystery | Thriller

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

This film is part of the Criterion Collection, spine #133.

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Goofs

After the discussion with Lieneke and her departure, Rex sits in front of the computer and a mic is visible in the lower left corner.

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Quotes

Raymond Lemorne: You start with an idea in your head, and you take a step... then a second... Soon, you realize you're up to your neck in something intense, but that doesn't matter. You keep at it for the sheer pleasure of it. For the pure satisfaction it might bring you.

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Connections

Featured in The 100 Scariest Movie Moments (2004)

User Reviews

Powerful and unforgettable

This is a most unsettling and haunting film which vividly depicts the banality of evil. American filmgoers who are too lazy to settle in to the ambiance and mood of foreign films will probably not be patient enough for it, though. I went to see it not knowing at all what to expect, and really got a jolt. One factor that made it so powerful was the everyday reality of it all. These are seemingly normal people you'd see on the street anywhere. I thought it was a masterful depiction of what would probably actually happen when someone you loved just disappeared out of the blue, and the turmoil of emotions that would be unleashed. If you are at all susceptible, the ending will absolutely chill you to the bone, and is the perfect topper to a great film. Please do yourself a favor, and DON'T make the mistake of seeing the American remake instead of the original!

Details

Country:

Netherlands France West Germany

Language:

Dutch French English

Release Date:

27 October 1988 (Netherlands)

Also Known As:

The Vanishing

Filming Locations:

Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands

Company Credits

Production Co:

Argos Films, Co-Productiefonds Binnenlandse Omroep, Golden Egg

Technical Specs

Runtime:

107 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1