The Frozen Ground (2013)

An Alaska State Trooper partners with a young woman who escaped the clutches of serial killer Robert Hansen to bring the murderer to justice. Based on actual events.

Director:

Scott Walker

Writer:

Scott Walker

Stars:

Nicolas Cage, Vanessa Hudgens, John Cusack

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Nicolas Cage	...	Jack Halcombe
Vanessa Hudgens	...	Cindy Paulson
John Cusack	...	Robert Hansen
Dean Norris	...	Sgt. Lyle Haugsven
Gia Mantegna	...	Debbie Peters
Robert Forgit	...	Sgt. Wayne Von Clasen
Brad William Henke	...	Carl Galenski
Michael McGrady	...	Vice Det. John Gentile
Katherine LaNasa	...	Fran Hansen
Ryan O'Nan	...	Gregg Baker
Kevin Dunn	...	Lt. Bob Jent
Connor Rockom	...	Hansen Son
Radha Mitchell	...	Allie Halcombe
Matt Gerald	...	Ed Stauber
Jodi Lyn O'Keefe	...	Chelle Ringell

Storyline

Alaska Trooper Jack Holcombe believes Robert Hansen is a serial killer who abducts young girls, tortures and sexually assaults them, then kills them. But Holcombe doesn't have enough evidence to get a search warrant for Hansen's premises. Holcombe knows that one victim, Cyndy Paulsen, somehow survived, so he decides to seek her help, but he finds that she's now a junkie with trust issues. Holcombe has to earn her trust; meanwhile, Hansen is still hunting and killing girls.

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Plot Keywords:

based on true story | serial killer | strip club | anchorage alaska | pole dancer | 

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Taglines:

The hunter becomes the hunted

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for violent content, sexuality/nudity, language and drug use

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [Japan]

Country:

USA

Language:

English French

Release Date:

11 July 2013 (Netherlands)

Also Known As:

Frozen Ground

Filming Locations:

Alaska, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$27,220,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Grindstone Entertainment Group,Emmett/Furla/Oasis Films (EFO Films),Cheetah Vision

Technical Specs

Runtime:

105 min

Sound Mix:

SDDS DTS Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The film was shot in 26 days. By the end of filming, the days had 3-1/2 fewer hours of daylight.

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Goofs

At the end of the film, when Cindy goes up the escalator at Anchorage International Airport, a TSA sign appears to the right.

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Quotes

Jack Halcombe: How many open cases has he got?
Sgt. Wayne Von Clasen: With hunters, hikers, boaters and idiots just wandering off, about six hundred from the last two years.

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Crazy Credits

The end credits begin with pictures and information about Hansen's known victims

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Connections

Referenced in On Cinema: 'The Frozen Ground' and 'Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning' (2012)

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Soundtracks

Play Me Like A Rhythm
Written by R. Galpin, S. Whiteman, M. Schenker, J. Chalfant
Performed by Funny Money
Published by Corksniffer Music (ASCAP)
© 2008 Selectracks, Inc.

User Reviews

The Melting Ground

Based on actual events, an Alaskan State Trooper tracks down a serial rapist and murder, Robert Hansen who manages to avoid justice for over a decade.

With Nicholas Cage, John Cusack and Vanessa Hudgens, Director Scott Walker has a heavy weight line up to help bring the events to life. While the wintry backdrop and cinematography illustrate a chilling environment, the story somewhat lacks bite. Oscar winner, Cage delivers an acceptable performance while Cusack, who dons the more challenging serial killer hat, makes an admirable effort. The standout performance is of Vanessa Hudgens who portrays a teenage prostitute that managed to escape Hansen's clutches.

The Frozen Ground is an interesting film and worth watching if you're in the mood for a thrilling bio-drama however it won't win any awards and certainly won't be a part of your 'must see' collection.