Movie's ratings

    " You only really know what you have when you’re about to lose it."
    Country
    Spoken Language
    Runtime 1 hr 31 min
    Premiere: World $12 520 799 August 20, 2004
    USA $5 763 875
    Other countries $6 756 924
    Premiere: USA $5 763 875 July 2, 2004
    first day $142 925
    theaters 449
    rollout 183 days
    Digital: World September 18, 2012
    Production Companies
    Also Known As

    Description

    A successful business owner is kidnapped and held for ransom in a remote forest, forcing his wife to work with the FBI for his release. As time runs out, the crisis leads them to rediscover their bond and what matters most.

    Сast and Crew

    The Book Behind the Film "The Clearing" (2004)

    About the Book

    The film "The Clearing" is based on the novel The Clearing by Justin Haythe. The book is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into themes of power, control, and the complexities of human relationships. It explores the story of a kidnapping and the subsequent unraveling of the lives involved.

    About the Author

    Justin Haythe is an American author and screenwriter known for his ability to craft intricate narratives that captivate readers. His work often explores the darker aspects of human nature, and The Clearing is no exception.

    Film Adaptation

    The film adaptation of The Clearing stays relatively true to the source material, capturing the tense atmosphere and complex character dynamics that are central to the novel. While some elements are inevitably altered for cinematic purposes, the core themes and narrative structure remain intact, providing a faithful representation of Justin Haythe's original work.

    The Real Story Behind the Film "The Clearing" (2004)

    Background

    The film "The Clearing" is inspired by a real-life kidnapping case that took place in the United States. The story revolves around the abduction of a wealthy businessman and the subsequent events that unfold as his family and the authorities attempt to secure his release.

    The Real-Life Incident

    The real incident that inspired the film involved the kidnapping of a prominent businessman. The details of the case include the following key elements:

      • The businessman was abducted from his home by a former employee who felt wronged and sought revenge.

      • The kidnapper demanded a ransom for the safe return of the businessman.

      • The family, along with law enforcement, worked tirelessly to negotiate and secure the release of the victim.

      • The case highlighted the emotional and psychological toll on the family and the complexities involved in handling such a crisis.

    Film vs. Reality

    The film "The Clearing" takes creative liberties with the real-life story to enhance the dramatic elements and character development. While the core premise of a kidnapping and ransom demand remains intact, the film introduces fictionalized characters and scenarios to explore deeper themes of family dynamics, trust, and redemption.

    The film's portrayal of the emotional struggles faced by the family and the tension between the kidnapper and the victim is consistent with the real-life incident. However, specific details and outcomes may differ to serve the narrative structure of the film.

    Key Contributors

    Reception

    The film has received mixed reviews. According to Roger Ebert, writing in the Chicago Sun-Times, it "doesn't feel bound by the usual formulas of crime movies. What eventually happens will emerge from the personalities of the characters, not from the requirements of Hollywood endings." Peter Travers of Rolling Stone wrote, "The pleasures of this endeavor, directed with a keen eye for detail by Pieter Jan Brugge, come from what the actors bring to the material."

    Related Movies There are no related titles yet, but you can add them:

    Add a short review

    280 characters

    Or write an article...

    Sign up and you will see here
    friends impressions of the movie.