The Vanishing

When most people hear the name "Barney" they think of a crazy purple dinosaur who entertains children. Not me though. I think of the deranged professor who puts himself to the test on his theory of Good and Evil. Once again, Jeff Bridges proves himself as an elite actor. Jeff plays Barney. A man who seems to be a bit unsure of himself in every aspect of life. His marriage, his role as a Father, and even his professional career. His life perception is altered when he performs a heroic act without thinking. Based on instinct and reflex he jumps into a river to save a child. This gets him pondering. I am a hero, could I also be a villain? He decides to put himself to the test. He decides he will kidnap a random woman. After several failed attempts, which are hilarious by the way, he finally gets his victim. Diane (Bullock) is the girlfriend of Jeff (Kiefer) and she is taken from him when they stop for gas along their trip. This ruins Jeff's life as you could assume it would for anyone who's loved one just disappears. He spends every moment and every dollar he has trying to find her, when some years later, washed up with no hope he meets Rita (Nancy Travis). She helps clean him up and they start dating...even fall in love. Rita and Jeff are happy, but Jeff still can't let it go. His routine never falters. He still puts up new posters in the same spots week after week. Rita begins to take issue with this as any woman would. Jeff can't accept she is gone forever without having a definite answer. He promises to ease up and he does. Barney has seen the new sign and posters week after week and when they stop he has issue with it. He is cracked in the head. He decides to call Jeff and 'fess up, but only if Jeff is willing to play by his rules. Of course he does, and all of the sudden he is in way over his head with a mad man. Turns out Rita may be the smartest one of all. She is keen to whats going on and finds the best leverage possible. This is one of the all time great thrillers, and Barney is crazy sick. Great character played perfect.

NBM rates The Vanishing - Phenomenal