Review of The Killer Inside Me (2010) by Eli T — 09 May 2013

Casey Affleck's measured performance never falters, a trademark of the terrific actor, and just like in other movies such as The Assassination of Jesse James or Gone Baby Gone, his wry mannerisms and sharp delivery make for a compelling character.

It's a shame that he isn't better explored. Although Affleck delivers a terrific exterior of the psychopath, the villan is hardly studied beyond brief flashbacks to a childhood obviously riddled with incestuous tendencies and abuse.

Whether or not Winterbottom thinks this is sufficient is curious, seeing as how it's undeniably shallow. Of course, that could be the point, but nevertheless a character study, if done correctly, can be done on the most demented people without devolving into an inhumane, unfleshed portrait of muddied past and mysterious psyche without any real curiosity.

The film's strengths do show, however - cinematography is crisp and effective, and the film's murderous psychosexuality is hardly drab. Affleck and Alba's chemistry shines in a series of intensely erotic encounters.

Though heralded as violent and misogynistic by some, with some definite grounds in logic, excellent performances and completely believable passion dominate the screen. The Killer Inside Me is completely uneven, and although it absolutely outstrips the disappointing Texas Killing Fields, one can't help but feel that Winterbottom could have crafted something much more polished.