The 2-disc release from Cult Epics
The Driller Killer, Abel Ferrara, USA, 1979, 96 mins, Cult Epics, Region 1
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The Driller Killer is probably most well-known for being one of the UK’s first “video nasties.” By today’s standards, it is not all that “nasty,” however; it is a fantastic example of what can be done with the average slasher film in the hands of a brilliant and talented new director. The Driller Killer is just the first in a series of films that evince the profound influence the films of Martin Scorsese have had on the work of cult director Abel Ferrara. Much like Scorsese before him, Ferrara photographs the city of New York lovingly, but with intent to show the viewer a dark, sinister side hidden just below the surface. Several of Ferrara’s films deal with moral degradation and the slow descent into madness of the protagonist as a result, with Scorsese’s Taxi Driver clearly in mind. Both films even revolve around an emasculated male wielding a phallically shaped weapon. Ferrara’s films are all a very visceral experience. One cannot help but feel for Reno Miller (Abel Ferrara) as he is asked to compromise his artistic integrity for money, lives in poverty due to supporting his freeloading girlfriend (Carolyn Marz) and her friend (Baybi Day, who is actually her girlfriend, unbeknownst to Reno), and lives directly under the perpetually loud and extremely annoying Tony Coca Cola and the Roosters (the worst proto-punk band, maybe ever). He eventually begins to go mad from all the pressure, and his only release is killing homeless men with a drill. What is interesting is that for once, a male serial killer is shown killing male victims. At the time The Driller Killer was made, it was pretty much customary for the victims in slasher films to be primarily female. Ferrara bucked the slasher trend in other ways as well: the well-constructed plot, the unusual murder weapon, the city setting as opposed to a Texas Chainsaw Massacre-inspired rural setting. Don’t get me wrong, this film does have its faults. It gets a bit slow at times, and the acting is truly sub par (particularly the girlfriends). The technical aspects of the film are clearly amateurish, and bog down what is an otherwise excellent film. If you are looking for gore, look elsewhere. If you are looking for an interesting psychological horror film from a man who would become one of the 1990s’ greatest directors, then look no further. I would recommend following this up with Ferrara’s 1981 masterpiece of rape/revenge cinema, Ms. 45 Rating: 4,5 out of 6 - Reviewed by Erin Thomas |
