Director: Scott Walker,
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Vanessa Hudgens, John Cusack, Dean Norris, Kevin Dunn, Radha Mitchell, Curtis Jackson, Kurt Fuller, Brad William Henke, Robert Forgit,
Running Time: 105 Minutes
Certificate: 15
True life police procedural serial killer films always hold a lot of interest due to their disturbing depictions of events that should remain in the world of cinema. THE FROZEN GROUND recounts the story of a young prostitute, Cindy Paulson (Hudgens) who escapes from a sadistic kidnapper and rapist, Robert Hansen (Cusack) who may also be responsible for a number of murders. Jack Halcombe (Cage) is hot on the case, but with a discredited witness and lack of evidence it seems as though Hansen may get away.
Cusack and Cage reunite in roles opposite those of CON AIR, in which Cage was the hunted and Cusack the hunter. Both men do an astonishing job at reeling themselves in and given craftily sombre and chilling performances respectively. The two have shown in the past that they have no problem letting everything go, but here their silence is just as powerful as their raised voices. Hudgens also gives a career best as the understandably reluctant witness. She captures both strength and vulnerability. Even Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson is used to good effect and easily blends into his role.
Despite building fantastic tension throughout, the narrative falls into a repetitive rinse-and-repeat cycle of Cindy wanting to cooperate with the police, changing her mind, getting in danger and so forth. This takes up the majority of the film, and although it may be representative of what actually happened, as a story it forces attention away from more interesting aspects. It is great to see such a film that focuses more on a victim than the police or murderer, but the most interesting aspects are crammed into the final 20 minutes and although a conclusion is reached, we’re given no time to savour it.
THE FROZEN GROUND disappoints only because it is so good, there just isn’t enough of it. It’s certainly piqued my curiosity in the case, which I will look further into, and everything on screen is done with style and with thought to both the viewer and the victims. It says a lot about a film that leaves you wanting more, and this is a case where an extra 30 minutes could have done wonders. Scott Walker directs a debut to be proud of, and with a little extra focus towards pacing and resolutions, could one day be serving up classics.
[usr=3]THE FROZEN GROUND is released on DVD and Blu-ray on 13th January via Koch Media.
