The Vanishing

George Sluizer

Netherlands, France

1988

106 minutes

Color

1.66:1

Dutch, French

Watch Film for $5

133

Synopsis

A young man begins an obsessive search for his girlfriend after she mysteriously disappears during their sunny vacation getaway. His three-year investigation draws the attention of her abductor, a seemingly mild-mannered professor who, in truth, harbors a diabolically clinical and calculating mind. When the kidnapper contacts the man and promises to reveal his lover’s fate, The Vanishing unfolds with intense precision, culminating in a genuinely chilling finale that has unnerved audiences around the world.

Cast

Raymond Lemorne Bernard-Pierre Donnadieu
Rex Hofman Gene Bervoets
Saskia Wagter Johanna Ter Steege
LienekeGwen Eckhaus
Simone Lemorne Bernadette Le Saché
DeniseTania Latarjet
GabrielleLucille Glenn

Credits

DirectorGeorge Sluizer
ProducerAnn Lordon and George Sluizer
MusicHenry Vrienten
EditingLin Friedman and George Sluizer
Art directionSantiago Isidro Pin
SoundPiotr van Dijk
CinematographyToni Kuhn
ScreenplayTim Krabbe
Based on a novel byTim Krabbe

Disc Features

  • New widescreen digital transfer, enhanced for 16×9 televisions
  • Original theatrical trailer
  • New and improved English subtitle translation
  • Optimal image quality: RSDL dual-layer edition

From the Current

The Vanishing

by Kim Newman Sep 17, 2001

The central situation of The Vanishing is a mystery archetype: a couple is on holiday in a foreign country when one disappears, and the other searches for the missing person. Witnesses claim to have seen nothing unusual, and authorities question even the existence of the absent partner . . .

Related Films

The Auteurs Forum

Displaying 1 discussion topic.

Start new topic  |  See all

Do great films have to be depressing and bleak to be great?

53 posts by 38 people updated 2 months ago

Available Editions

The Vanishing Criterion DVD Add to Cart

DVD

1 Disc

SRP: $29.95

Criterion Store price

$23.96