Excellent recreation, a worthwhile owner
Steve Kuehl | Ben Lomond, CA | 04/28/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"What an incredible depiction of those horrible events. The story (and DVD) are very cut and dry, no additions or dramatic overtones/liberties taken with plot lines - just a solid portrayal of horrendous events.
The story follows Albert Fish towards the last 10 years of his life as he devolves into the convicted homicidal cannibal. The police end of the story is concise and centers mostly on the lead detective King, who intermittently narrates his part of the film. Bauchau's display of Fish appears to be very authentic, down to the painful self mutilation he became known for. Even the supporting roles were abrupt but relevant for the film.
The camera work and period recreation were done articulately, and there was never a time of picking apart cityscapes or props. Nothing distracts from the overall story, even when it came time for there to be chances for gory scenes, they instead chose to go with suspenseful angles and figuring on the viewer would know what happened. The sound is unfortunately 2.0 and DVD is devoid of anything supplemental. Typically, films that cover these topics have at least epilogues, informative supplementals, period design pics, etc. But nothing here. The cover art is frustrating as they keep trying to push this as a Hannibal Lecter attachment, but this stands on its own. The R rating is strictly for themes as almost everything is assumed (no actual butcher/bloodbath footage or kids in distress - like Changeling)."
Excellent Adaptation from Actual Crime Files
John Lee | 04/13/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have been somewhat of a true crime reader for a while . THIS MOVIE is VERY accurate of what is known to have happened .I think this is one of the best ( If not the VERY best) adaptation from real life to film that I've ever seen ., I can't praise this Movie enough !! It puts you right there in that era , Like You are a witness to this sad,and unfortunate part of Our history . Buy this for Your collection !!!"
Great Movie!
Matt Milligan | San Antonio, TX | 04/29/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This was a great movie - such a shame I never saw it in the theatre. Quality acting and story line... very happy with my purchase."