Spoorloos (Original title)L' Homme qui voulait savoir (Alternative title)The Vanishing (Alternative title)
Date: 1988 (Release)Countries: Netherlands, FranceDirector: George Sluizer
Synopsis: A young Dutch couple on holiday in France stop at a service station, but the woman fails to return after going to get some drinks. No trace of her can be found and the husband spends the next three years trying to find her while being taunted by the woman's kidnapper.
Genre: Drama
Subject: Kidnapping
Releases
Date: 27 October 1988Country: NetherlandsRelease type: TheatricalFormat: 35mm Film - Colour - SoundRuntime: 106 mins Length: 9532 FeetSubtitles: Dutch
Date: 01 June 1990Country: United KingdomRelease type: TheatricalFormat: 35mm Film - Colour - SoundRuntime: 106 mins Length: 9532 FeetDialogue (original): Dutch / Subtitles: EnglishDistributor: Metro Pictures
Date: 05 March 1991Country: United KingdomRelease type: Home ViewingFormat: VHS Videocassette - Colour - SoundRuntime: 102 mins 06 secs - Dialogue (original): Dutch / Subtitles: EnglishDistributor: Conoisseur Films
Title: Ann Course and Paul Clark tell us what they like and why...Author: COURSE, Ann Article type: NoteLanguage: English
Description: Artists Ann Course and Paul Clark very briefly talk about th e films that have made an impression on them, including WHO' S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?, WAGES OF FEAR, CARRIE, The VANI SHING, OPEN WATER, The ENIGMA OF KASPAR HAUSER, & WALKABOU
In: Fangoria n234 July 2004 Page: 34
Title: Fango's top 25: 1988Author: McDONAGH, Maitland Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: In the 25th anniversary issue of Fangoria, a reappraisal of The VANISHING by Maitland McDonagh.
In: Fangoria n209 January 2002 Page: 65
Title: DVD Dungeon: The VANISHINGAuthor: GINGOLD, Michael Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
In: Post Script v21 n3 Summer 2002 Pages: 99-110
Title: The Horrific in Sluizer's The VanishingAuthor: SWEENEY, Kevin W. Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Examines the horrific narrative at the centre of George Sluizer's film SPOORLOOS (The Vanishing) and puts forward the case for reconsidering this film as a horror film.
In: Kinema n17 Spring 2002 Pages: 47-66
Title: Repackaging rage: The Vanishing and NightwatchAuthor: SCHNEIDER, Steven Jay Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: George Sluizer made SPOORLOOS in 1988 and remade it for HOLLYWOOD as The VANISHING in 1993. Ole Bornedal did the same for NATTEVAGTEN and NIGHTWATCH. Considers how Hollywood changes affected critical and commercial receptions.
In: Entertainment Weekly n495 23 Jul 1999 Pages: 25-30
Title: 25 Scariest Movies of All TimeArticle type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Entertainment Weekly lists its 25 Scariest Movies of All Time. Short note on each.
In: Empire n112 October 1998 Page: 138
Title: Video to buyAuthor: WESTBROOK, Caroline Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
Description: Review of video release.
In: Cinefantastique v29 n11 March 1998 Pages: 24-31
Title: Dutch Master of Suspense George SluizerAuthor: DOENSE, Jan Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Interview with George Sluizer discussing his films, the death of River Phoenix and his reasons for working in Hollywood
In: Filmmaker v1 n4 Summer 1993 Page: 39
Title: no-budge distribution, dollars and senseAuthor: HU, Marcus Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: As part of a larger article on distributing independent films, a breakdown is given of the distribution costs on The VANISHING (1988).
In: Film Comment v27 n2 Mar/Apr 1991 Page: 5
Title: PassengersAuthor: NICASTRO, Nicholas Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
In: City Limits n452 31 May 1990 Page: 31
Title: [City Limits - n452 31 May 1990: no known title]Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
In: StarBurst n141 May 1990 Pages: 21-23
Title: [StarBurst - n141 May 1990: no known title]Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
In: Empire n12 June 1990 Page: 30
Title: New filmsAuthor: ERRIGO, Angie Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
In: Monthly Film Bulletin v57 n677 June 1990 Pages: 175-176
Title: [Monthly Film Bulletin - v57 n677 June 1990: no known title]Article type: CreditsLanguage: English
In: Positif n348 February 1990 Pages: 66-68
Title: [Positif - n348 February 1990: no known title]Article type: ArticleLanguage: French
Description: Detailed review/article.
In: City Limits n452 31 May 1990 Page: 9
Title: [City Limits - n452 31 May 1990: no known title]Article type: InterviewLanguage: English
Description: Comments from director.
In: The Hollywood Reporter v314 n27 4 Oct 1990 Page: 5,22
Title: [The Hollywood Reporter - v314 n27 4 Oct 1990: no known title]Article type: CreditsLanguage: English
In: Time Out n1033 6 Jun 1990 Page: 31
Title: [Time Out - n1033 6 Jun 1990: no known title]Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
Description: Review of the film and a look at the director Sluizer.
In: Time Out n1034 13 Jun 1990 Page: 10
Title: [Time Out - n1034 13 Jun 1990: no known title]Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Article about the granting of a '12' certificate by the BBFC and consequent complaints from the public because of the frightening nature of the film.
In: Time Out n1032 30 May 1990 Page: 29
Title: [Time Out - n1032 30 May 1990: no known title]Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
In: Premiere n153 December 1989 Page: 20
Title: [Premiere - n153 December 1989: no known title]Article type: ReviewLanguage: French
In: Screen International n689 28 Jan 1989 Page: 84
Title: [Screen International - n689 28 Jan 1989: no known title]Language: English
In: The Hollywood Reporter v306 n21 21 Feb 1989 Pages: I-1,I-8
Title: [The Hollywood Reporter - v306 n21 21 Feb 1989: no known title]Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Protest about Film being disqualified from entering the Oscars.
In: Variety 19 Oct 1988 Page: 255, 261
Title: [Variety - 19 Oct 1988: no known title]Language: English
Author: MATHIJS, Ernest Pages: xviii, 268 p.
Film, Video or Digital materials held in BFI National Archive(1)
Accessible materials to view(1)
Description: VHS cassetteColour standard: PALBFI identifier: C-656489
Status: Viewing - Videotape can be requested for access
Video materials(1)
Description: VHS cassetteColour standard: PALBFI identifier: C-656489
Status: Viewing - Videotape can be requested for access
Date: 1988 (Release)Countries: Netherlands, FranceDirector: George Sluizer
Synopsis: A young Dutch couple on holiday in France stop at a service station, but the woman fails to return after going to get some drinks. No trace of her can be found and the husband spends the next three years trying to find her while being taunted by the woman's kidnapper.
Genre: Drama
Subject: Kidnapping
Releases
Date: 27 October 1988Country: NetherlandsRelease type: TheatricalFormat: 35mm Film - Colour - SoundRuntime: 106 mins Length: 9532 FeetSubtitles: Dutch
Date: 01 June 1990Country: United KingdomRelease type: TheatricalFormat: 35mm Film - Colour - SoundRuntime: 106 mins Length: 9532 FeetDialogue (original): Dutch / Subtitles: EnglishDistributor: Metro Pictures
Date: 05 March 1991Country: United KingdomRelease type: Home ViewingFormat: VHS Videocassette - Colour - SoundRuntime: 102 mins 06 secs - Dialogue (original): Dutch / Subtitles: EnglishDistributor: Conoisseur Films
Credits
(36)
Production Company: Golden Egg Films, Production Company: Ingrid Productions, Production Company: MGS Film, Financial Assistance: Stichting Produktiefonds voor Nederlandse Films, Financial Assistance: TROS, Financial Assistance: Stichting Co-productiefonds Binnenlandse Omroep, Cannon Video, Producer: Anne Lordon, Producer: George Sluizer, Production Supervisor: Anne Lordon, Production Co-ordinator: Lin Friedman, Production Preparation (Holland): Dirk Schreiner, Location Manager (Holland): Henri Steen, Production Assistant: Frédéric Bouquet, Production Assistant: Guillaume Voire, Production Assistant: François Guizerix, Production Assistant: Jean-Claude Bernière, Assistant Director: Natasa Hanusova, Assistant Director: Anouk Sluizer, Casting (France): François Guizerix, Casting (Holland Adviser): Jeannette Snik, Screenplay from his own novel: Tim Krabbé, Adaptation: George Sluizer, Director of Photography: Toni Kuhn, Editor: George Sluizer, Editor: Lin Friedman, Art Director: Santiago Isidro Pin, Art Director (Holland): Cor Spijk, Wardrobe: Sophie Dussaud, Make-up: Léone Noël, Titles: Gerrit van Dijk, Music: Henny Vrienten, Sound Recording/Mixing: Piotr van Dijk, Assistant Sound Editor: Stefan Kamp, Actors' Preparation: Farideh Fardjam
Cast
(25)
Bernard-Pierre Donnadieu (Raymond Lemorne), Gene Bervoets (Rex Hofman), Johanna ter Steege (Saskia Wagter), Gwen Eckhaus (Lienexe), Bernadette Le Sache (Simone Lemorne), Tania Latarjet (Denise), Lucille Glenn (Gabrielle), Roger Souza (manager), Pierre Forget (farmer Laurent), Didier Rousset (TV journalist), Caroline Appéré (cashier), Raphaëline (Gisèle Marzin), Robert Lucibello (teacher), David Bayle (Lemorne, aged 16), Doumée (Lady 'Prisunic'), Eric Jacquet, Aziz Djahnit (pump attendant), Linda Wise, Ian Magilton (English tourist), Mieke de Groote (Belgian tourist), Jean Grandeau (German tourist), Faustine Wünsche (little girl), Ghislaine Gazaix (hitch-hiker), M. Martinez (café owner), François Guizerix (cop/sports presenter)
Articles held in BFI Reuben Library
(24)
In: Vertigo v3 n3 Autumn 2006 Page: 55Title: Ann Course and Paul Clark tell us what they like and why...Author: COURSE, Ann Article type: NoteLanguage: English
Description: Artists Ann Course and Paul Clark very briefly talk about th e films that have made an impression on them, including WHO' S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?, WAGES OF FEAR, CARRIE, The VANI SHING, OPEN WATER, The ENIGMA OF KASPAR HAUSER, & WALKABOU
In: Fangoria n234 July 2004 Page: 34
Title: Fango's top 25: 1988Author: McDONAGH, Maitland Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: In the 25th anniversary issue of Fangoria, a reappraisal of The VANISHING by Maitland McDonagh.
In: Fangoria n209 January 2002 Page: 65
Title: DVD Dungeon: The VANISHINGAuthor: GINGOLD, Michael Article type: DVD ReviewLanguage: English
In: Post Script v21 n3 Summer 2002 Pages: 99-110
Title: The Horrific in Sluizer's The VanishingAuthor: SWEENEY, Kevin W. Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Examines the horrific narrative at the centre of George Sluizer's film SPOORLOOS (The Vanishing) and puts forward the case for reconsidering this film as a horror film.
In: Kinema n17 Spring 2002 Pages: 47-66
Title: Repackaging rage: The Vanishing and NightwatchAuthor: SCHNEIDER, Steven Jay Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: George Sluizer made SPOORLOOS in 1988 and remade it for HOLLYWOOD as The VANISHING in 1993. Ole Bornedal did the same for NATTEVAGTEN and NIGHTWATCH. Considers how Hollywood changes affected critical and commercial receptions.
In: Entertainment Weekly n495 23 Jul 1999 Pages: 25-30
Title: 25 Scariest Movies of All TimeArticle type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Entertainment Weekly lists its 25 Scariest Movies of All Time. Short note on each.
In: Empire n112 October 1998 Page: 138
Title: Video to buyAuthor: WESTBROOK, Caroline Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
Description: Review of video release.
In: Cinefantastique v29 n11 March 1998 Pages: 24-31
Title: Dutch Master of Suspense George SluizerAuthor: DOENSE, Jan Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Interview with George Sluizer discussing his films, the death of River Phoenix and his reasons for working in Hollywood
In: Filmmaker v1 n4 Summer 1993 Page: 39
Title: no-budge distribution, dollars and senseAuthor: HU, Marcus Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: As part of a larger article on distributing independent films, a breakdown is given of the distribution costs on The VANISHING (1988).
In: Film Comment v27 n2 Mar/Apr 1991 Page: 5
Title: PassengersAuthor: NICASTRO, Nicholas Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
In: City Limits n452 31 May 1990 Page: 31
Title: [City Limits - n452 31 May 1990: no known title]Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
In: StarBurst n141 May 1990 Pages: 21-23
Title: [StarBurst - n141 May 1990: no known title]Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
In: Empire n12 June 1990 Page: 30
Title: New filmsAuthor: ERRIGO, Angie Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
In: Monthly Film Bulletin v57 n677 June 1990 Pages: 175-176
Title: [Monthly Film Bulletin - v57 n677 June 1990: no known title]Article type: CreditsLanguage: English
In: Positif n348 February 1990 Pages: 66-68
Title: [Positif - n348 February 1990: no known title]Article type: ArticleLanguage: French
Description: Detailed review/article.
In: City Limits n452 31 May 1990 Page: 9
Title: [City Limits - n452 31 May 1990: no known title]Article type: InterviewLanguage: English
Description: Comments from director.
In: The Hollywood Reporter v314 n27 4 Oct 1990 Page: 5,22
Title: [The Hollywood Reporter - v314 n27 4 Oct 1990: no known title]Article type: CreditsLanguage: English
In: Time Out n1033 6 Jun 1990 Page: 31
Title: [Time Out - n1033 6 Jun 1990: no known title]Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
Description: Review of the film and a look at the director Sluizer.
In: Time Out n1034 13 Jun 1990 Page: 10
Title: [Time Out - n1034 13 Jun 1990: no known title]Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Article about the granting of a '12' certificate by the BBFC and consequent complaints from the public because of the frightening nature of the film.
In: Time Out n1032 30 May 1990 Page: 29
Title: [Time Out - n1032 30 May 1990: no known title]Article type: ReviewLanguage: English
In: Premiere n153 December 1989 Page: 20
Title: [Premiere - n153 December 1989: no known title]Article type: ReviewLanguage: French
In: Screen International n689 28 Jan 1989 Page: 84
Title: [Screen International - n689 28 Jan 1989: no known title]Language: English
In: The Hollywood Reporter v306 n21 21 Feb 1989 Pages: I-1,I-8
Title: [The Hollywood Reporter - v306 n21 21 Feb 1989: no known title]Article type: ArticleLanguage: English
Description: Protest about Film being disqualified from entering the Oscars.
In: Variety 19 Oct 1988 Page: 255, 261
Title: [Variety - 19 Oct 1988: no known title]Language: English
Books held in BFI Reuben Library
(1)
Title: cinema of the low countriesAuthor: MATHIJS, Ernest Pages: xviii, 268 p.
Film, Video or Digital materials held in BFI National Archive(1)
Accessible materials to view(1)
Description: VHS cassetteColour standard: PALBFI identifier: C-656489
Status: Viewing - Videotape can be requested for access
Video materials(1)
Description: VHS cassetteColour standard: PALBFI identifier: C-656489
Status: Viewing - Videotape can be requested for access