Review of The Killer Inside Me (2010) by Gary S — 20 Dec 2010

There's a lot of controversy surrounding this movie because of its depiction of brutality against women, but I feel that the naysayers kind of missed the point. For starters, there's nothing in this movie that's worse than what you'd see in your average, run-of-the-mill slasher movie and the brutality that Casey Affleck's character shows is a depiction of his psychosis. The scene that's often called into question is, admittedly, hard to watch and perhaps excessive, but I felt was actually necessary. Too often people think movie's should imply more and show less but I feel that the opposite holds true in given circumstances.

As much as I enjoy Casey Affleck, and as great as he was going from polite and simple to creepy and deranged, he seemed miscast in this role. It could be that you get the feeling that there's a better story buried under the one you're being shown, that an opportunity was missed, or it could be that Casey Affleck just doesn't seem like the type of character he's playing. Sadly, something is lost in this movie.

That isn't to say it's a bad movie. It isn't great, but it isn't bad. It's worth a watch, but if I never see it again I won't be sorry. Hopefully it doesn't affect Affleck's career as I think he has a lot of life in him yet, especially if he can get his older brother directing him again.