mresw

If I'm being completely honest, I was drawn to this movie because it stars one of the most gifted, and frankly under-appreciated, actors of this, or any other generation: The Legendary Dean Stockwell. Once I finally watched Unabomber: The True Story, I was riveted by the performances of Tobin Bell (best known for playing Jigsaw in the Saw series) and, of course, Dean himself as the ever-determined Postal Inspector Ben Jefferies. I was also pleasantly surprised at the dramatic acting chops of usually comedic actor Robert Hays as Ted's brother, David Kaczynski. Ultimately, for me though, it was an utter joy to watch Stockwell's intensity. The intelligence he showcased as he pieced together vital clues to the identity of this infamous serial bomber. His determination, which could have easily been misrepresented by a lesser actor, as power-hungry ambition. There were even moments of child-like jubilation which were reminiscent of the cherubic Child Actor who first captured our hearts in Anchors Aweigh. The scene where Ben is sitting underneath a tree comes to mind. As an avid Dean Stockwell fan, I have to wonder if Ted's penchant for Eugene O'Neill stamps is what prompted the film's director to hire him in the first place. O'Neill, after all, was the playwright who penned Long Day's Journey Into Night! If you're as big a fan of Dean's as I am, I highly recommend this movie.