THE MAN WITHOUT A FACE (1993)

MORGAN'S RATING

The story of a relationship between a teacher and his troubled pupil. Justin McLeod is a former teacher who lives as a recluse on the edge of town. His face is disfigured from an automobile accident and fire ten years earlier in which a boy was incinerated and for which he was convicted of involuntary manslaughter. He is also suspected of being a pedophile. He is befriended by Chuck, causing the town's suspicion and hostility to be ignited. McLeod inculcates in his protege a love of justice and freedom from prejudice.

Mel Gibson (Justin McLeod), Nick Stahl (Charles E. 'Chuck' Norstadt), Margaret Whitton (Catherine Palin), Fay Masterson (Gloria Norstadt), Gaby Hoffmann (Megan Norstadt), Geoffrey Lewis (Chief Wayne Stark), Richard Masur (Prof. Carl Hartley), Michael DeLuise (Douglas Hall), Ethan Phillips (Todd Lansing), Jean De Baer (Mrs. Lansing), Jack De Mave (Mr. Cooper), Viva (Mrs. Cooper), Justin Kanew (Rob Lansing), Sean Kellman (David Taylor-Fife), Chris Lineburg (Scott Pearson), Kelly Wood (Amy Banks), Jessica Taisey (Signy Eaton), David A. McLaughlin (Chuck's Father), George Martin (Sam the Barber), Timothy Sawyer (Gus), Lawrence Wescott Jr. (Bob), Michael Currie (Mr. Cameron), Stanja Lowe (Mrs. Cameron), Zach Grenier (Dr. Lionel Talbot), William Meisle (Judge Sinclair), Robert Hitt (Mr. William McDowell), Mary Lamar Mahler (Miss Fletcher), Robert DeDiemar Jr. (Chuck at 17), Drew Guenett (Ferry Crew Member), Gene Leverone, Malcolm MacRury (Holyfrield Masters), George D. Fuller (Speaker at Graduation), Harriette C. Henninger (Neighbor), Edmund Genest (Husband), John B. Guptill (Chuck's Friend), Michael Forte (Pedestrian), Elizabeth S. Clarke (Ferry Passenger).

A FATHERLESS BOY HAD ALMOST GIVEN UP ALL HIS DREAMS...UNTIL ONE MAN BELIEVED IN HIM ENOUGH TO MAKE THEM COME TRUE.

FACTS

PRODUCTION INFORMATION

RELEASE DATE: August 27th, 1993 (USA) BOX OFFICE OPENING: $4.0 million (USA) BOX OFFICE RESULT: $24.7 million (USA) - Mel Gibson cast himself in the role of McLeod only after he was unable to find any other satisfactory actor willing to take the part.

DIRECTOR: Mel Gibson (The Passion). WRITERS: Malcolm MacRury, and based on the novel by Isabelle Holland. PRODUCER: Bruce Davey. ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS: Donald Ginsberg and Bob Schultz. CO-PRODUCER: Dalisa Cohen. EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Stephen McEveety. ORIGINAL MUSIC: James Horner. DISTRIBUTOR: Warner Bros.

QUOTES

McLeod: Think Norstad, reason. Have I ever abused you? Have I ever lay a hand on you of anything but friendship? Could I ever do such a thing? Could you imagine me ever doing so? And what about the past? Norstad: Just tell me you didn't and I'll believe you. McLeod: No sir, I didn't spend all summer teaching you, so you could cheat on this question.

CRITICAL COMMENTS

"Offers a glimpse of grace as two individuals restore each other's souls, with gifts of trust and love." -- Frederick and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Health

McLeod: People spend too much time thinking of the past. Whatever else it is, it's gone.

"Mel Gibson does himself proud with the imperfect but noble, and ultimately satisfying Man Without a Face." -- Chris Hicks, Deseret News

McLeod: Is it this? Is this what you see? I assure you it is human. But if that's all you see, then you don't see me. You can't see me.

"The performances, like the script, are of variable quality." -- James Berardinelli, Reel Views

Chuck: Hey Mickey, you crazy son of a bitch, if I had a dog like you I'd put a bag over it's head, yes I would, yes I would.