The Clearing (2004)

As an executive is held captive by a former employee, it's up to his wife to deliver the ransom.

Director:

Pieter Jan Brugge

Writers:

Pieter Jan Brugge (story), Justin Haythe (story)

Stars:

Robert Redford, Willem Dafoe, Helen Mirren

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Robert Redford	...	Wayne Hayes
Helen Mirren	...	Eileen Hayes
Willem Dafoe	...	Arnold Mack
Alessandro Nivola	...	Tim Hayes
Matt Craven	...	Agent Ray Fuller
Melissa Sagemiller	...	Jill Hayes
Wendy Crewson	...	Louise Miller
Larry Pine	...	Tom Finch
Diana Scarwid	...	Eva Finch
Elizabeth Ruscio	...	Cindy Mack
Gwen McGee	...	Agent Kathleen Duggan
Sarah Koskoff	...	Lane Hayes
Graciela Marin	...	Graciela
Mike Pniewski	...	Detective Kyle Woodward
Geoff McKnight	...	John Dewitt

Storyline

After decades of happy marriage and a life surrounded by luxury and wealth, Wayne Hayes (Robert Redford), a successful car-rental businessman and his loving wife Eileen (Dame Helen Mirren), are looking forward to a tranquil and comfortable retirement. However, the dreams of a peaceful life comes crumbling down like a pack of cards, when at gunpoint, Arnold Mack (Willem Dafoe), a disgruntled former employee, abducts Wayne in broad daylight right in front of his mansion in Pittsburgh. Suddenly, the life of the accomplished entrepreneur and seasoned negotiator rests entirely in the hands of his nervous, yet ruthless kidnapper, who has nothing to lose and everything to gain. This is Wayne's most important negotiation in his life, nevertheless, has he the strength to succeed?

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Plot Keywords:

ransom | fbi federal bureau of investigation | forest | marriage | negotiation | 

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Taglines:

One Kidnapping... Three Victims.

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Genres:

Drama | Mystery | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for brief strong language

Did You Know?

Trivia

During the fight scene in the woods, Willem Dafoe cracked a rib when Robert Redford's stunt double Dan Shea rammed into him, tackling him to the ground during the shooting.

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Goofs

When Wayne Hayes is approaching the top of the hill and it begins to rain, his right shoulder appears slightly transparent.

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Quotes

Agent Ray Fuller: Describe your husband
[Robert Redford]
Eileen Hayes: Six foot tall...

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Crazy Credits

For ALAN J. PAKULA

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Connections

Referenced in Goedemorgen Nederland: Episode dated 21 October 2004 (2004)

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Soundtracks

Happy Birthday to You
Written by Patty S. Hill and Mildred J. Hill

User Reviews

Impressive acting

the story of this movie is not that big deal, you see a lot of movies like these all around the world, but, the impressive acting skills of William Dafoe and Mirren, that what gave this movie a taste.

The story was predictable, although the ending was surprising a little bet, I expected something different.

What i loved most about the movie was the acting, William Dafoe was really into the character, he played well, and i was impressed.

Also Mirren Played such a wonderful role, I liked the way she was cool and all quiet, you didn't see her fall apart at the end when she gets the bad news, wonderful performance she did, i think it's the best role she ever played.

Details

Official Sites:

Fox Searchlight

Country:

Germany USA UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 July 2004 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Clearing

Filming Locations:

North Carolina, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$472,781, 4 July 2004

Gross USA:

$5,763,875

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$12,520,799

Company Credits

Production Co:

Fox Searchlight Pictures, Thousand Words, Wildwood Enterprises

Technical Specs

Runtime:

95 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1