KILLER ME
PLOT-A lonely woman seeks a romantic relationship with a man who is actually a murderer.
VIOLENCE-A gross, bleeding stab wound on a guy's chest is repeatedly shown.
SEX/NUDITY-None that I recall.
WHY I WATCHED IT-I'm interested in the camera work of Neal Fredericks. The man shoots some great-looking stuff, and he served as director of photography on this film.
THE DOPE-What are the most tired, over-used themes in modern horror films? Zombies, vampires, and serial killers. When it comes to the latter, much ground has been covered in the past, with varying results of course. Either we’re treated to gory killings, a psycho-analysis, fact-based dramatization, or some attempt to elicit sympathy for the bastards. The fact is, we’re repulsed and yet fascinated by serial killers. But why would we need another? What does this one bring to the table? KILLER ME has been compared to films like HENRY and CLEAN SHAVEN, both of which were intense character studies with exploitative moments. I saw nothing of the like in KILLER ME, and while I enjoy those other movies, I found this trait very refreshing. Instead, KILLER ME focuses not on humanizing or de-humanizing its subject, but rather bringing in a new twist to a familiar story. Rather than focusing on the killer's crimes, the film delves into his relationship with a woman who is genuinely a sweet human being. Now tell me that's not interesting! But the real strength of KILLER ME lies in the deliberate pacing, imaginative cinematography, first-rate performances, and VERY effective musical score. The character of "Joseph" is probably the most human, least monstrous screen killer ever portrayed.
MEMORABLE SCENES-When the female lead finds out that her boyfriend is a psycho, she says, "you think you’re the only one who’s suffered?", a moment I found quite powerful. So many people do fucked up things and blame it on having a bad childhood or a rough life. Like Denis Leary said, "life sucks. Get a fucking helmet". A great point indeed.
NOTES-The score for this movie AND some of its images were created using the Fisher Price PXL 2000 camera! You will not believe the results. Go to Vanguard Cinema to find out more about the film.
(October 2003)