Synopsis
Justin McLeod is a former teacher who lives as a recluse on the edge of town after his face is disfigured from an automobile accident ten years earlier, in which a boy was incinerated--and for which he was convicted of involuntary manslaughter. Also suspected of being a paedophile, he is befriended by Chuck, causing the town's suspicions and hostility to be ignited.
Your Movie Library
Cast
- Mel GibsonJustin McLeod
- Nick StahlCharles E. 'Chuck' Norstadt
- Margaret WhittonCatherine Palin
- Fay MastersonGloria Norstadt
- Gaby HoffmannMegan Norstadt
- Geoffrey LewisChief Wayne Stark
- Richard MasurProf. Carl Hartley
- Michael DeLuiseDouglas Hall, Gloria's Boyfriend
- Ethan PhillipsTodd Lansing
- Jean De BaerMrs. Lansing
Recommendations
- 88
Boston Globe
What Gibson gives us is a portrait of a man behaving gracefully under several kinds of pressure, some of it shamefully unfair. It's a solid acting achievement, and his directing, which never calls attention to itself, is right on the money, too. The Man Without a Face is an affecting evocation of a man of principle who teaches a boy what's important. [25 Aug 1993, p.53] - 83
Christian Science Monitor
Gibson has done a capable job of directing The Man Without a Face, showing little in the way of a personal style, but taking advantage of the skills brought to the project by his collaborators. [27 Aug 1993] - 80
The New York Times
The best that can be said about Mr. Gibson as a director -- and this is no mean achievement -- is that it's often possible to forget he was the man behind the camera. Most of this film has a crisp, picturesque look and a believable manner. - 80
Washington Post
In The Man Without a Face, Mel Gibson reminds us that he doesn't need one-liners and explosive special effects to warrant our attention. Gibson, as actor and first-time director, is not only self-assured in these dual roles, but he seems relieved to let the drama carry him, rather than the reverse. The result is a movie that's both heartwarming and heart-wrenching. - 80
Los Angeles Times
Minor reservations aside, The Man Without a Face is a moving and substantial achievement. [25 Aug 1993, p.1] - 75
Chicago Sun-Times
Gibson, as director, doesn't give himself a soppy speech explaining why he doesn't say them. He lets us figure it out. That is the essence of the story and, we eventually realize, the essence of teaching, too. - 63
Rolling Stone
For all the humor, passion and decency Gibson invests in the film, The Man Without a Face doesn't add up to much more than a pretty reminder not to judge a book by its cover. - 63
Chicago Tribune
The story is full of good feelings, but as one sits there it all seems so predictable that you can't help but ask the point of it all. [27 Aug 1993, p.C]
