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critics consensus

The Vanishing copies the form of its pulse-pounding predecessor but loses much of its thrilling function along the way, leaving American audiences with one more rote remake. Read critic reviews

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The Vanishing Photos

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Movie Info

Barney (Jeff Bridges) is a disturbed man intent on abducting a woman. After numerous failed attempts, he manages to kidnap young Diane (Sandra Bullock), who is on vacation with her boyfriend, Jeff (Kiefer Sutherland). As time passes, Jeff remains determined to find out what happened to Diane. When Barney unexpectedly confronts Jeff, it leads to a tense life-or-death situation. Meanwhile, Jeff's current girlfriend, Rita (Nancy Travis), manages to follow him in hopes of keeping him out of harm.
  • Rating:
    R
  • Genre:
    mystery and thriller
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    George Sluizer
  • Producer:
    Larry Brezner, Paul Schiff
  • Writer:
    Todd Graff
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $13.4M
  • Runtime:
  • Production Co:
    Twentieth Century Fox
  • Sound Mix:
    Stereo

Cast & Crew

Jeff Bridges
Barney Cousins
Kiefer Sutherland
Jeff Harriman
Nancy Travis
Rita Baker
Sandra Bullock
Diane Shaver
Park Overall
Lynn
Maggie Linderman
Denise Cousins
Lisa Eichhorn
Helene Cousins
George Hearn
Arthur Bernard
Lynn Hamilton
Miss Carmichael
George Sluizer
Director
Larry Brezner
Producer
Paul Schiff
Producer
Todd Graff
Screenwriter
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Critic Reviews for The Vanishing

All Critics (37) | Top Critics (10) | Fresh (18) | Rotten (19)

View All Critic Reviews (37)

Audience Reviews for The Vanishing

  • Apr 25, 2012
    One of my favorite Jeff Bridges performances. Bridges is highly underrated, in his portrayal of Barney Cousins. His performance alone makes the film worth watching.
    Jason R Super Reviewer
  • Aug 15, 2011
    Barney Cousins: To me, to kill is not the worst thing you can imagine. There is more.  "Obsession is the Ultimate Weapon" The Vanishing is miles from the amazing original and ends up only making me want to revisit Spoorloos. To be fair though, I didn't necessarily hate this movie until the ending. Sure it had it's problems throughout, but I pretty much expected that. The ending is sure to outrage anyone who has seen and loved the original. It's sad that, in remaking the film, they would decide to end it in the way they did. Obviously it was to appeal to a mass audience who loves a happy ending.  The cast has some pretty big names. Jeff Bridges, Keifer Sutherland and Sandra Bullock. None of them give very memorable performances and that disappoints me because I do normally enjoy watching all of them. None of them were quite as bad as Nancy Travis though. She was thoroughly unbelievable, just like the movie. Everything just seems off when compared to the original. I can see people who haven't seen Spoorloos liking this based on the fact that they have nothing to compare it to.  The Vanishing is a great example of a Hollywood team totally destroying everything that was great about the movie it is remaking. Sometimes American remakes can come through; for example Let Me In. The big difference that makes Let Me In a good remake compared to The Vanishing is that it is respectful to the original. The Vanishing changes to many key elements of the film to allow the main ideas to get across. Hopefully this at least has made a few people curious enough about the original, to find and watch it. 
    Melvin W Super Reviewer
  • Jun 26, 2011
    A promising 2/3 almost ruined by a ridiculous and forced ending. I enjoyed all the actors involved, especially the creepy Bridges. His accent in the film, however, leaves something to be desired, reminding me almost of Barney Frank. Still, it succeeds in creating a creepy atmosphere, with some tense sequences.
    Jeffrey M Super Reviewer
  • Jul 06, 2009
    Keifer plays the good guy again in this pretty intense thriller. Jeff Bridges was surprisingly good as the villain.
    Lee K Super Reviewer
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