I have been trying to find good true-to-life serial killer movies. Some are okay but not too many that actually represent to true events well.
Any idea's or top ten lists would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer is loosely based on the confession of Henry Lee Lucas. The acts in the film are fictional, but the film is excellent and some of the violence is incredibly believable.
Most films based on real killings aren't particularly good. But if you want serial killer films based on real events you've got - Gacy, Dahmer, Bundy, Ed Gein, and any other number of straight to video films.
The best film based on a high profile serial killer is David Fincer's Zodiac, by far.
But if you're also looking for realistically portrayed fictional serial killer films, seek out the August Underground films. Particularly the first one. They're incredibly harsh and most don't like them, but they're among the most realistic depiction of murder that I've seen.
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Last edited by BackFire on Jul 7th, 2008 at 05:34 AM
If you buy it, try to find the Directors Cut. It doesn't offer much of new stuff in way of the movie, but the second disc contains a couple documentaries that are well worth the extra money.
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Rorschach's Journal: October 12th, 1985. Tonight, a comedian died in New York.
there's the Guinea Pig movies... not for the faint of heart, they depict murder like you've never seen before. I read that Charlie Sheen reported Flower of Flesh and Blood to the feds thinking it was a real life snuff film.
The special effects are wild, especially for the 80's when they were made. As long as you keep reminding yourself they're not real, worth a watch.
I know this is an old thread, but it's still a relevant topic, so here's a list for you...complete with the real-life serial killer's that the stories are based on, however loosely.
M (1931)--Notable as being the very first serial killer movie, altho the term was not used as such until around 50 year later.
Based on Peter Kurten: the Vampire of Dusseldorf
Shadow of a Doubt (1943) Directed by good old Alfred Hitchcock--Based on Earle Leonard Nelson: The Dark Strangler
Arsenic and Old Lace (1944) Altho this movie is largely a comedy, it's still a serial killer movie.
Based loosely on Caroline Grills or Granny Grills as she was affectionately know...not warranted, as it turns out.
Monsieur Verdoux (1947) Directed by and starring Charles Chaplin
Another comedic take, but way different from Chaplin's 'little tramp' roles.
Based around the exploits of Henry Landru: The Modern Bluebeard
Psycho (1960) Another Hitchcock and the earliest recognised serial killer movie.
Based loosely on the real-life Ed Gein
The Boston Strangler (1968) Altho Tony Curtis was not the best choice for the title role, since he'd just come off of 12 roles in romantic comedies, he played the part well.
Based on Albert DeSalvo: The Boston Strangler
The Honeymoon Killers (1970)
Based on real-life 'Lonely Heart Killers', Martha Beck and Raymond Fernandez.
10 Rillington Place (1971) Based on London's necrophiliac serial killer, John Christie, noted as 'one of the most heinous fiends who ever lived.'
Frenzy (1972) Another Hitchcock, based around both the Boston Strangler and London's Jack the Stripper.
Eaten Alive (1977) A very campy and not really very good movie, but it can be fun if you like a bit of silly with your killers.
Based very loosely on Texas killer Joe Ball: The Alligator Man
Murder by Decree (1979) A bit of Sherlock for you and based on probably the most famous killer of all time, Jack the Ripper.
Okay, the keyboard is tired...to be continued after it has a nap.
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Jul 5th, 2008 08:24 AM
