Review of B.T.K. (2008) by Amy H — 12 Jun 2009

B.T.K is yet another entry in the serial killer films directed by serial killer aficionado Michael Feifer (A Dead Calling, Chicago Massacre: Richard Speck, Ed Gein: The Butcher of Plainfield). The film features Kane Hodder in the role of Dennis L.

Rader (aka the BTK Killer) and fictional exploits of his family life and murderous rage. We get to see a hypothetical world where he tries to balance both of these. I want to try and use key words to describe this film because rather than making an actual, authentic telling of Rader's exploits, the makers of this film just want a fantastical high body count film with elements of truth.

Honestly, I'm not too bothered by that. Up until now, I haven't been a huge fan of Feifer's films. A Dead Calling was an atrocious piece of nonsense that horribly misused some great cult actors.

Ed Gein as a hulking giant menace (Hodder again) was as silly as casting a young, sexy stud to play Van Helsing (Hugh Jackman anyone?). But with BTK, I was very surprised. It seems as though director Feifer has really been improving his directing skills.

I honestly thought there was more to Kane Hodder than just stunt work. The man can be a great actor, and BTK is proof enough. I was really into his character and he managed to bring a sense of realism to an overall fictional character based on a real person.

Aside from bits and pieces of terrible acting from small, secondary support, the cast is fairly decent, as is the filmmaking. Pleasant surprise; worth a rent.