"The Woodsman" adds to Kevin Bacon's status on the list of unappreciated actors.

An afterthought in last year's "Mystic River," where his low-key performance served as an audience surrogate, his exceptional performance here is the stuff of which Oscar nominations are made. However, it's quietly powerful, and kudos aren't often awarded for quietness.

This time he plays a pedophile who desperately wants to go straight after serving 12 years in prison for molesting young girls. The movie doesn't demand our compassion, but Bacon makes his character's efforts so painful that we care about his plight. The film also awakens us to how prevalent child molestation is, and how many victims choose to suffer silently.

"The Woodsman" is director/co-writer Nicole Kassell's feature debut, and it assures her a prominent place among indie filmmakers. She's strong with atmosphere and actors, though it helps to have such cast members as Kyra Sedgwick, Benjamin Bratt, Mos Def and Eve also doing outstanding work.

Occasionally, Kassell relies too much on fast editing, and a "Warning" sign in a teen-filled mall reeks of heavy-handedness. Also, a bedroom scene between Bacon and Sedgwick (who are married in real life) seems too obviously inspired by the Julie Christie-Donald Sutherland tryst in "Don't Look Now."

Some plot developments are also too facile, particularly the too-easy explanations given when Bacon's Walter rents a room across from a school yard. But the film's personal relationships are touchingly developed.

Vickie (Sedgwick), a bundle of raw energy who toils at the same lumber yard as Walter, instantly recognizes him as another bruised soul. Her acceptance of his past initially seems an easy plot device, but as we learn more about her, we understand her feelings. Sedgwick gives a dynamic performance. She and Bacon share a powerful, tacit communication reminiscent of the best teamwork of Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman.Bacon, as mentioned, is superb. "The Woodsman" is the second time this onetime "Footloose" star has played a pedophile, following his 1996 turn as a one-dimensional sadist in the top-heavy "Sleepers." Here, he captures each plateau of Walter's quiet desperation, never more achingly than when he's tempted by a young birdwatcher, beautifully played by child actress Hannah Pilkes.Those revealing moments and Kassell's solid direction redeem the film's perfunctory script and deliver a film that will make you shiver and also make you think. This one will stay with you.