Review of Gacy (2003) by John D — 28 Jun 2009

Film: Gacy (2003).

Starring: Mark Holton.

Written by: Clive Saunders and David Birke.

Directed by: Clive Saunders.

Review: To start, Gacy's (the film, not the killer) production value was noticably low. Really low. The film was supposed to be taking place in Chicago, where the real John Wayne Gacy committed his notorious atrocities. But anyone who has even seen what Chicago looks like, the geography and overall feel of the place, could see that the film was clearly shot elsewhere. Probably in California somewhere, where most films are shot.

Production value aside, the writing and directing were near atrocious. The writing had it's moments, but nothing to write home about (pun-pun-pun PUN-PUN) but the directing... the directing was terrible. I could've (hopefully) directed actors better and composed better shots than Clive Saunders. Sorry, Clive, but go back to school, buddy.

The cinematography was just, much like the acts committed by the title killer, disgusting and vile. Most shots were off-balance, malaligned and sloppy. Most of the shots seemed like they were shot by a twelve year-old on their home-movie camcorder. Just sloppy and... not professional at all.

To keep the bashing to a minumum, the good parts of the film seem to be there, though there are few. Mark Holton plays John Wayne Gacy in a passable performance, probably the best in the film but without his performance, the film would be literally unwatchable. It could've been done better, but he does a decent job.

And the other fine point, in my opinion, would be the 1970's feel. Throughout the film, and especially in the Fourth of July party scene, you get a real feel of the 1970's. Atleast they had people with 79's hairdos and clothes. That was alright.

Overall: 4/10 or *1/2/****.