Review of Dahmer (2002) by Melanie-Ann D — 21 Dec 2010
This film is a disturbing drama about infamous serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer. It is very hard to watch in some places because you see life through the eyes of Dahmer, and Dahmer's vision is particularly unforgiving yet masked by goodness.
(Short spoiler) The way he picks out his victims and roofies them is shocking and the first time I've seen it as a common occurrence in a film (Spoiler ends). Knowing how similar the film is to the Dahmer case is genuinely chilling.
It never goes overboard with blood and guts, nor cannibalism nor necrophilia, as a direct-to-screen adaptation would've resulted, and I think this keeps the film cinematic and more drama- than horror-oriented (Either scenario I would've probably lauded if it was filmed right).
Even though the subject matter doesn't cover the most sickening facts about the Dahmer case (I would expect this of a documentary instead), the tone in this film is the same as what you will feel when you read even one paragraph on Dahmer online.
The script hops about Dahmer's serial killing stages, leaving no dull moment, and I am convinced Jeremy Renner can play any role he's given, unafraid. Definitely not a film for everyone (anyone, really), as every topic it covers is generally a taboo.
This review of Dahmer (2002) was written by Melanie-Ann D on 21 Dec 2010.
Dahmer has generally received mixed reviews.
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