Killer - A Journal of Murder dvd movie.|
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List Price: $14.98 Our Price: $12.99 You Save: $1.99 Features • Closed-captioned • Color • Dolby • DVD-Video • Letterboxed • Widescreen • NTSC In Theaters : 06 September, 1996 DVD Release : 29 September, 2006 |
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Killer - A Journal of Murder description James Woods gives one of his finest performances in this flawed but fascinating film about imprisoned serial killer Carl Panzram, who was hanged in 1930 after he beat a prison worker to death--the last of a reported 21 killings. The film centers on the tentative trust and friendship between Panzram and prison guard Henry Lesser (Robert Sean Leonard), whose attempt to understand Panzram's violent life leads him to believe that Panzram could redeem himself from a life of crime. Told primarily in flashbacks, Panzram's story unfolds as Lesser reflects upon its significance. In reality Panzram's life was a constant succession of unspeakable acts and violent crimes; for the purposes of the film, writer-director Tim Metcalfe attempts to humanize Panzram's story, leaving the viewer to decide if Panzram was deservedly executed, or the victim of his own miserable past. The film's ambivalence--and its tendency to leave crucial questions unanswered--lessens its impact as a biographical drama, but Woods and Leonard work superbly together, and Metcalfe's script paints a vivid portrait of the criminal mind. The DVD includes a full-length director's commentary that fills in some of the factual details that the film leaves out. --Jeff Shannon |
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| ♥♥♥♥♥ | Low budget film showcases James Woods talent |
| Carl Panzram (the talented James Woods) is arrested and jailed for theft, but while in prison confesses to killing 21 men (while being beaten by the prison guards). Newly appointed prison guard Henry Lesser (Robert Sean Leonard) feels sorry for Carl after seeing how badly he's been beaten, and gives the prisoner a dollar (a lot of money back in the 1920's). Thus starts up a very strange friendship.
Lesser, against the rules, provides Carl with pencil and paper for Carl to write down his life story. We're taken back through Carl's life, mostly with flashbacks, to the mayhem his life had been. It seems the only time he attempted normal behavior was under a warden named Casey who actually trusted Carl until Carl, while out on one of his daytime trips, rapes an innocent librarian (played by Ellen Greene - Little Shop Of Horrors). While 'Killer' isn't a fast paced movie, it's nonetheless a very good movie. James Woods plays his role as a sociopath to perfection. The use of occasional black-and-white photography, the costume design, the props, and the old stills really create the atmosphere of the era. The dialogue is sharp and realistic. (Carl: "I do not intend to plead for pity or sympathy or mercy. What I demand is justice. You created me. Now you kill me.") The scene where the preacher comes to Carl's cell is priceless. Overall, if you liked 'The Green Mile' or just like James Woods' work, you should pick up or rent a copy of this film. Though obviously low budget, it works very well. Enjoy! |
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