In the wake of
David Fincher’s critical and box-office success about a missing person’s case,
a classic in the genre from 1988 has been released on Blu-ray through The
Criterion Collection. Also based on a screenplay adapted from a novel by the
author himself, The Vanishing was
successful enough to warrant an American remake starring Jeff Bridges and
Kiefer Sutherland five years after this French/Dutch version. In reality,
however, this is a narrative which has been around for much longer, whether
considering Alfred Hitchcock’s classic, The Lady Vanishes, or a classic
Parisian Urban Legend from 1901. What makes director George Sluizer’s film
memorable is his uncompromising and unforgettable ending.
The film begins
with a twenty-minute introduction to the characters which will drive the
remainder of the film, even those which are removed from the storyline
completely by unknown causes. Rex (Gene Bervoets) and Saskia (Johanna ter
Steege) are a Dutch couple on a road trip in France
The audience is
given a unique perspective, allowed to see the process that our film’s
sociopath takes in preparing for his unforgivable acts. When we first join him,
Raymond Lemorne (Bernard-Pierre Donnadieu) has yet to take action on his sick
urges, but is willing to plan with precision to ensure that everything goes
smoothly. After a few failed attempts, we see the set-up for his opportunity to
take Saskia, though knowledge of what happens after that remains as veiled to
the audience as it is to Rex. This is the mystery which keeps him searching for
answers, and the audience captivated by the outcome of his relentless
investigation.
Three years
after the disappearance, Rex continues to seek answers, even when he risks a
happy future with his new girlfriend. Part of what keeps him dedicated to the
search is a series of notes that he receives from Lemorne, who seems to savor
the ability he has to lure in his prey without force. As the audience, we root
for Rex’s relentless dedication, because it allows opportunities for answers.
The only downside is the cost that these answers have for Rex in one of
cinema’s more unforgettable endings.
The Blu-ray
release offers a near-flawless high definition presentation of the film, which
was created with incredible precision to drive the suspense. Along with the new
4K digital restoration, the Blu-ray release comes with new interviews with
filmmaker Sluizer and actress Johanna ter Steege. There is also a trailer and
the booklet insert comes with an essay by film critic Scott Foundas.
Entertainment Value:
7.5/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 8.5/10
Historical
Significance: 8/10
Special Features: 6.5/10
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