Contrary to a few of the reviews on this site, this film is actually perhaps the most factual serial killer film ever produced. There are a few reviews here that claim otherwise because of a few aspects, but they're simply wrong, and did not pay enough attention to the film in my view is their main problem. It is true that the film does not show any rape or much torture, which this killer was absolutely known for. However this is actually talked about in the film. By the time the film was done, it was clear to me that one of the main motivations of this killer was sexual. It was clear without the film overly exploiting this aspect. These aspects of the killer are delivered more through dialogue than through showing these aspects outright, which in my view is actually entirely the right approach here. It's also a fact that this killer while he was known to be gay in certain circles, outwardly he actually hid his homosexuality for the most part. Only certain people even knew. So really, I feel the way the film shows these aspects is actually done extremely well. I know I really don't need to see the guy rape and torture people to make it a better film. In fact, I'm certain I'd vastly prefer the film the way it is. The truth is, if you really watch this film, we do really get an unbelievably deep look into this killers head. Personally, I wouldn't want to go any deeper. I in fact say bravo to the writer/director here for giving us such an amazingly personal view of this killer, without overdoing it. The restraint here is nothing short of excellent in my estimation.
Even parts of the dialogue in this film are actual quotes of certain individuals portrayed. Nearly everything in this film is 100% true. Not only does this make the film a more compelling serial killer tale than most, but the execution of the scenes here is also great. The acting is strong, the writing is ultra fitting, and there are some very unique things about this film that are done so effectively. For me to see people giving this film any less than a 7 out of 10 is actually quite crazy I feel. It's too good, and too unique for what it is. It's a low budget film, but really the only thing that overly shows this off is the time period. No, this doesn't look like the late 1970's or early 80's really, as we see all sorts of newer models of cars, etc. Nonetheless, in my view this really doesn't take much away from the overall product here. I don't go into low budget films expecting perfection in these fairly unimportant kinds of details anyhow. I'm not really sure who would bother to care so much, in this case especially. The film is very convincing in the character interactions, as this really is for the most part a character driven serial killer tale. To me, it's this aspect that is the real magic of this film. The killer and his interactions with others just flows in this film with such a real life vibe to it, thanks mostly to a high quality script and some truly great acting by the lead.
It's a horrific film in a sense, but at the same time I feel it is a very worthy, compelling and very well executed low budget marvel. Definitely not to be missed by anyone who is interested in serial killer films.
8/10.
Even parts of the dialogue in this film are actual quotes of certain individuals portrayed. Nearly everything in this film is 100% true. Not only does this make the film a more compelling serial killer tale than most, but the execution of the scenes here is also great. The acting is strong, the writing is ultra fitting, and there are some very unique things about this film that are done so effectively. For me to see people giving this film any less than a 7 out of 10 is actually quite crazy I feel. It's too good, and too unique for what it is. It's a low budget film, but really the only thing that overly shows this off is the time period. No, this doesn't look like the late 1970's or early 80's really, as we see all sorts of newer models of cars, etc. Nonetheless, in my view this really doesn't take much away from the overall product here. I don't go into low budget films expecting perfection in these fairly unimportant kinds of details anyhow. I'm not really sure who would bother to care so much, in this case especially. The film is very convincing in the character interactions, as this really is for the most part a character driven serial killer tale. To me, it's this aspect that is the real magic of this film. The killer and his interactions with others just flows in this film with such a real life vibe to it, thanks mostly to a high quality script and some truly great acting by the lead.
It's a horrific film in a sense, but at the same time I feel it is a very worthy, compelling and very well executed low budget marvel. Definitely not to be missed by anyone who is interested in serial killer films.
8/10.