In the woods no one can hear you think.|Feb. 18, 2022|United States|120 Min.|R
Genre: Crime;Drama;Thriller
Description: The 2022 film *Ted K* offers a deeply focused portrayal of Theodore J. Kaczynski, the infamous Unabomber, primarily set in the secluded mountains near Lincoln, Montana, where he lived before his 1996 arrest by the FBI. Directed by Tony Stone, known for his 2016 documentary *Peter at the Farm*, the film delves into Kaczynski’s psychological state over the 17 years he spent constructing and sending bombs, which resulted in three deaths and numerous injuries. Sharlto Copley, recognized for his role in *District 9*, voices the character with a mix of vulnerability and raw anger, narrating excerpts from Kaczynski’s extensive writings.
The film captures Kaczynski’s brief interactions with the outside world, including his struggles with a malfunctioning public phone booth and his strained conversations with his concerned mother and brother, whose marriage he resents. While the movie attempts to explore the reasons behind violent tendencies in isolated individuals, it sometimes leans too heavily on simplistic explanations. However, it compensates with striking, eerie moments.
The soundtrack, blending original compositions by electronic artist Blanck Mass with classical works by Vivaldi, creates a surreal and grandiose atmosphere. Despite its inconsistent tone—shifting between stylized depictions of Kaczynski’s crimes and sympathetic mockery of his imaginary relationships—the film effectively highlights his obsessive disdain for modern technology.
Scenes featuring the disruptive noise of dirt bikes, snowmobiles, and bulldozers emphasize Kaczynski’s torment, while a dream sequence portrays him as a small, terrified figure desperate for control. Though the film’s exploration of Kaczynski’s isolation and frustrations can feel reductive, it remains a compelling and unsettling character study.
Cast director: Tony Stone
Cast actor: Sharlto Copley, Drew Powell, Bob Jennings, Christian Calloway, Tahmus Rounds, Sal Rendino, Amber Rose Mason, Wayne Pyle, Megan Folsom, Travis W Bruyer
Original name: Ted K