Tuesday, October 19, 2010

MOVIE REVIEW … THE KILLER INSIDE ME

 

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Whenever news reports show shocking incidents of murder, it’s in our nature to dissect why they occur.  The thought of there being no reason behind them seems scarier as it highlights how cold-blooded sudden death appears.  Based on Jim Thompson’s novel, The Killer Inside Me emphasises this point as it delves into the mind of a motiveless killer whose random violence makes him all the more chilling.

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Lou Ford (Casey Affleck) is the Deputy Sherriff of a small Texas town.  Well regarded and known for his thoughtful attitude towards solving problems, he seems a pillar of the community.  Unbeknown to them he has a sinister side with a deadly compulsion to kill.  Fighting against this urge, he sets his sights on Joyce (Jessica Alba), a local prostitute.  With his girlfriend Amy (Kate Hudson) unaware of his murderous predilection, Lou’s savage ways cause his victims to become ensnared in his vicious temper trap.

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Although The Killer Inside Me is more complicated than appears, its main strand examines Lou’s feelings of empowerment.  Earning respect due to his profession, he uses this as an extension of his own ego in order to dominate those he considers weak.  This feeds into his appetite for murder, with death his ultimate aphrodisiac.  Portrayed with cold precision by Affleck, Lou is a remorseless soul whose penchant for violence exposes his cowardice despite the razor sharp intellect driving him to kill.

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Its’ setting in morally rigid 1950’s suburbia contrasts effectively with Lou’s immoral acts.  Assisted by Michael Winterbottom’s steady direction, this atmosphere conjures memories of previous crime noir films.  It would have been great had he been brave enough to shoot in black and white to create the genre’s ambiance with only the slow pacing and somewhat muddled story spoiling the mood.  This is probably its biggest draw-back as the confused plot prevents any true engagement in events even if the characters are quite well defined.

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Whilst much has been made of its confronting intensity, The Killer Inside Me benefits from this harsh realism.  Cruelty in any form is always difficult to view and – whilst the film isn’t without fault – it forces the viewer to question the senselessness of such arbitrary deeds.

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Movie Review Rating 6 / 10

Movie Review by Patrick Moore

The Killer Inside Me released in Australia on Thursday 26 August 2010.

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