Having reviewed over a hundred movies last year I have taken a step back writing reviews this year to let my blog return to its more random origins. For various reasons once in a while I am compelled to write a review, in this case it was having a “screener” sent all the way from America! Being a low budget independent movie I’m not sure where you will get your hands on a copy (especially on this side of the Atlantic).
Shot in a documentary style using “found footage” in the vein of The Blair Witch Project (1999) Killer View (aka Snuffed) forgoes a linear structure and cuts between missing journalist Martin Monahan’s (Martin Moakler) interview with a sociopath serial killer, Ben (Noah Key) and the killers own footage of his handiwork.
The sound and some of the visuals are a little shaky as would expect from a low budget movie, this however can be overlooked as it does added to the realism of the “found footage” concept (anyone who has seen Paranormal Activity (2007) will remember the sound design was too good considering the supposed origins of the footage), it also helps that the movie isn’t let down by the acting with all the cast providing believable performances.
The interesting twist is that the killer videos his murders and sells the snuff movies to the local populous, and this is where the movie finds its place and its voice in the overcrowded horror genre. I’m not sure if it was the intention of the filmmakers but I took this whole concept as a comment on societies consumption of increasingly graphic horror movies, think a Peeping Tom (1960) for the 21st century.
Surprisingly there is virtually no onscreen violence with most of it taking place just off camera, this in itself is no bad thing in light of the overly graphic and tedious “torture porn” that has been prevalent in recent years. Interestingly the film works best as the perfectly played nervous and naive journalist interviews the more assured killer.
The film isn’t scary in the horror, make you jump sense and isn’t hugely shocking but it is surprisingly plausible in its concept and often difficult to watch as it turns its viewer into a voyeur. This made me more disturbed when I thought about it than while I was actually watching it. Comparisons with Henry: A Portrait of a Killer (1986) are inevitable, whilst I don’t think the movie is actually as good as Henry it is certainly a must see for fans of the genre.
Never heard of this one, but it definitely sounds interesting. I have a soft spot for Blair Witch style movies, so I will have to keep an eye out for this.
Like Eric, I am blissfully unaware of the existence of this film. Sounds interesting but may be a bit scary for little old me to cope with.
Thanks for sharing Andy