The Killer Inside Me

5.5/10 Dropps.

Rated: R
Runtime: 109 mins.
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Theoretical Release: 8 June 2010
Box Office: 0.2 Mil.
Starring: Casey Affleck, Jessica Alba, Kate Hudson
Director: Michael Winterbottom

THE KILLER INSIDE ME, based on the 1952 pulp novel of the same title by Jim
Thompson, is a modern noir drama that, at times, can shine but may be a little
misguided in it’s delivery. Directed by Michael Winterbottom, the films follows
narrator Lou Ford (Casey Affleck), a young, handsome, seemingly normal small
town sheriffs deputy. The film is set in a tiny West Texas town in the 1950’s. When
a prostitute named Joyce (Jessica Alba), moves to town, Ford is sent to drive her.
When things take a turn and find Ford falling in love with Joyce, complications
arise with long time girlfriend Amy (Kate Hudson), and dormant inner conflicts. In
Thompson’s dark, brutal, and often times shocking vision, nothing is ever what it
appears to be.

If you haven’t heard of THE KILLER INSIDE ME, before this review, it’s not too
surprising. The film did not get a wide release, partly because of Winterbottom’s
portrayal of Thompson’s book. The film plays heavy on the ideas of sex and violence.
Another large factor of the films small release was its portrayal of violence towards
women. Where Winterbottom finds himself making violence towards men quick and
un-emotional, his drawn out, passionate brutality towards women can make the film
uncomfortable at times. Violence, coupled with some questionable direction, and
plot choices make the film flawed.

With that being said, it does not mean the film does not shine at parts. Most
noticeably is Affleck’s performance. Affleck’s portrayal of Lou Ford, a soft-spoken
sociopath in disguise, is haunting at times. Even after he has committed unspeakable
violence to the ones he loves, you find yourself caring about him. You know
that character is as lost as the ones watching him from the audience. Affleck’s
performance of a man lost within himself is a high point for this dark art-flick.

With a strong lead, and solid supporting cast THE KILLER INSIDE ME, is a film for
the not so faint of heart.
-Hunter Freiburg