The Clearing

The Clearing is a 2004 American drama film and the directorial debut of Pieter Jan Brugge, who has worked as a film producer. The film is loosely based on the real-life kidnapping of Gerrit Jan Heijn that took place in the Netherlands in 1987. The screenplay was written by Justin Haythe.

Plot

Wayne Hayes (Robert Redford), and his wife Eileen (Helen Mirren) are living the American dream in a wealthy Pittsburgh suburb, having raised two children (Alessandro Nivola, Melissa Sagemiller) and built up a successful business from scratch. He is looking forward to a peaceful retirement with Eileen. Everything changes when Wayne is kidnapped in broad daylight by a former employee, Arnold Mack (Willem Dafoe). While Wayne tries negotiating with the kidnapper, Eileen works with the FBI to try to secure her husband's release. During the investigation, Eileen learns that Wayne has continued an extramarital affair that he promised to end months previously.

Eileen is eventually instructed to deliver the ransom to the kidnapper, but Arnold takes the money without returning her husband; Arnold murdered Wayne the day of the kidnapping. Although Eileen's ordeal takes place over the course of a week, the film is edited to show Wayne's kidnapping as if it was happening at the same time.

The Clearing (Homeland)

"The Clearing" is the seventh episode of the second season of the American television drama series Homeland, and the 19th episode overall. It originally aired on Showtime on November 11, 2012.

Plot

Roya Hammad (Zuleikha Robinson) intercepts Brody (Damian Lewis) during his morning jog. She tells him they lost a man in the Gettysburg massacre and his role is now more important than ever. Brody is frustrated over her withholding details from him, partially for the benefit of Carrie (Claire Danes), who is listening in.

Later, the Brody family is en route to a political fundraiser hosted by Rex Henning (John Finn), a wealthy potential contributor to Vice President Walden's (Jamey Sheridan) campaign. On the way, Jessica (Morena Baccarin) informs Brody of Mike's (Diego Klattenhoff) suspicion that he really killed Tom Walker. Brody reluctantly admits to being complicit in the killing, framing it as a CIA mission that went awry. After arriving, Brody complains to Carrie about Mike's continued interference. During the fundraiser, Rex and Brody talk privately, where Rex - who has noticed the untoward interest several guests have about Brody's time in captivity - discloses that he served in Vietnam, and compliments Brody on not 'breaking' while in captivity. Rex later announces his full endorsement of a Walden/Brody presidential ticket. Previously, however, Rex admitted to Brody that he dislikes the self-absorbed Walden, and is really interested in when Brody succeeds Walden as president. Brody protests that he is not the man Rex thinks he is.

The Clearing (EP)

The Clearing is an EP by San Diego indie Rock band Weatherbox released in 2006 on Doghouse Records.