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THE DRILLER KILLER (1979)
In theory, I liked this movie. In execution, it was a polyp gestating on the lining of my colon. I realize that there isn't much gray area between those two, um, circumstances, but The Driller Killer is a grindhouse feature that you will either love or hate. It could loosely be called a character study. The character it studies is an unhinged artist named Reno living in the slummy paunch of New York. Played by then-fledgling director Abel Ferrara, Reno has a number of issues that vary in terms of human interest. His girlfriend entertains the advances of an ex, his art dealer employer rebukes his work, and to top it all off, the punk band upstairs won't stop practicing. A word on the punk band...they are called The Roosters, and they suck. I suppose that you need an ear for crude, drugged out rock to appreciate them, but we have to sit through way, way too much of their music.
What about the drill-killing, you ask? It takes awhile for Reno to brandish his weapon of choice. Yes, there is plenty of blood, but aside from the last ten minutes, the deaths are passionately humdrum. Hmm, Passionately Humdrum would make for a great band name. It's better than The Roosters anyway. Yeah, I didn't get much out of The Driller Killer. It does have its fans. I can see the appeal, especially if you pair it up with Frank Henenlotter's Basket Case for a sleazy double feature. Again, in theory? It's okay. Honestly, I'd be in favor of a remake. Recommended to fans of recreational rotary tools.
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