THE VANISHING (Dutch title SPOORLOOS, French title L'HOMME QUI VOULAIT SAVOIR)
French and Dutch with English subtitles
Fox Lorber Home Video
1988

review by Beth Kattelman

A MAN'S DESIRE TO KNOW is the driving force behind this brilliant psychological thriller. When a young woman disappears during a brief stop at a gas station, her husband embarks on a tormented journey to discover what happened to her. For three years Rex Hofman searches vainly for any clue that will help him solve the mystery of what happened to his wife. Finally, he is contacted by the man responsible and he has one opportunity to find out what happened. I won't tell you much more because I think you should experience the shocking conclusion for yourself. I will tell you, however, that this is a cleverly-crafted, intense film that is both intriguing and horrifying.

An American remake of The Vanishing was released in 1993 starring Jeff Bridges and Kiefer Sutherland. While the American film is pretty good and mirrors the original in many ways, a "cop out" ending was added that undercuts the true horror of the story. This is somewhat surprising since George Sluizer directed both the American and the European versions. Apparently American audience polling forced the addition of a softer ending. If you want to experience the "real thing," however, watch the European version. It's stylish, well-acted and very haunting. If you're a fan of psychological horror, this is one you shouldn't miss.



FEAR FACTOR: A very tense film. You get caught up in the main character's psychological torment.---

BLOOD & GORE GAUGE: No blood or gore to speak of.---

BEST "OW, THAT'S GOTTA HURT" MOMENT: Can't say. It would give away the ending.---

BEST QUOTE: My name is Rex Hofman and this is a bit weird.---

Official Website:
http://www.foxlorber.com/

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