Review of The Driller Killer (1979) by Richard C — 01 Dec 2010

Overly simplified, but for an unknown reason, excusable and amusing. Abel Ferrara as the main character driven to random homicide. Most of the film is actually Ferrara and two female companions stationed in an apartment with boredom, artist's block, and a lethargic feel.

I guess we're supposed to feel the difficulty an artist puts himself through in New York. The murder element is just a side thing, but the blood is red, something which many big-name horror directors from the same era can never comprehend as essential to murders in films.

Also, the side plot isn't given its due, but in a film with higher production values and better quality and talent, the concept would've appeared out of place and silly. The Catholic themes, and obsession with handheld murder weapons as a theme are something which Ferrara would later revisit with many films.