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The Killer Inside Me (2010)

R  |   |  Crime, Drama, Thriller  |  8 June 2010 (UK)
6.1
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Ratings: 6.1/10 from 27,211 users   Metascore: 53/100
Reviews: 175 user | 223 critic | 33 from Metacritic.com

A West Texas deputy sheriff is slowly unmasked as a psychotic killer.

Writers:

, (novel)
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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Bum / Stranger
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Deputy Jeff Plummer
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Ali Nazary ...
Max Pappas
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Waitress
Zach Josse ...
Lou - 13 (as Zachary Josse)
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Storyline

Sadism and masochism beneath a veneer of revenge. Lou Ford is a mild-mannered sheriff's deputy in a Texas oil town in the mid 1950's. His boss sends him to roust a prostitute living in a rural house. She slaps him; he hits her, then, after daily sex for the next few weeks, he decides it's love. She's devoted to him and becomes his pawn in a revenge plot she thinks is to shakedown the son of Chester Conway, the town's wealthy king of construction. Lou has a different plan, and bodies pile up as murder leads to murder. The district attorney suspects Lou, and Conway may have an inkling, but Lou stays cool. Is love, or at least peace, in the cards? Written by <jhailey@hotmail.com>

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Genres:

Crime | Drama | Thriller

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for disturbing brutal violence, aberrant sexual content and some graphic nudity | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Official Sites:

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Country:

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Language:

Release Date:

8 June 2010 (UK)  »

Also Known As:

El diablo bajo la piel  »

Box Office

Budget:

$13,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

£124,006 (UK) (4 June 2010)

Gross:

$214,966 (USA) (13 August 2010)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

The piece of music that Lou plays on his piano is the 25th variation of J.S. Bach's Goldberg Variations. It was regarded by musicians such as Glenn Gould and Wanda Landowska as one of the most significant pieces of music ever written, even within the context of the entire set of variations which is generally held to be one of Bach's greatest masterpieces. Gould's 1955 recording of this variation was included in the soundtrack to the film Slaughterhouse 5 during scenes portraying the firestorm that destroyed Dresden. See more »

Goofs

In the scene when he burns the drunks hand, red and blue modern-style police lights can be seen flashing in the distance, probably from blocking traffic during filming. See more »

Quotes

[first lines]
Sheriff Bob Maples: Name of Joyce Lakeland. Lives about four or five miles out on Derrick Road past the old Branch place.
Lou Ford: Oh, I know the old Branch place. She a hustling lady, Bob?
Sheriff Bob Maples: Well, I guess so, but she's - she's been pretty decent about it.
See more »


Soundtracks

Korean Love Song
Written by Neal Merritt
Performed by Neal Merritt
Courtesy of ...and More Bears Records and Sony/ATV Music Publishing
See more »

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User Reviews

 
Effective dramatic thriller, has couple storytelling problems, but is still good
23 August 2010 | by (Canada) – See all my reviews

Having read the novel by Jim Thompson, I think I can safely say that The Killer Inside Me sets a certain challenge for director Michael Winterbottom, or for that matter a challenge for anyone who wants to adapt it for the screen. It is a story that takes us deep into the mind of a Texas psychopath. Getting inside peoples heads is so much easier on pages than on screen. Winterbottom gives it a game shot, but doesn't quite manage to capture the book's depth and scope. The occasional use of narration (using segments from the book) or flashback, only helps a bit. Anyone who has not read the Thompson will find this movie somewhat hard to follow.

It's worth noting I guess that the movie is a noble adaptation, but for some odd reason, the plot is more convoluted in film format. There is a certain lack of explanation, and this is the film's biggest weakness. That does NOT mean however, that is isn't worth seeing.

As a dramatic thriller, The Killer Inside Me is effective. It is gritty, and grim, with good performances, nicely composed montages, and Winterbottom captures the essence of 1950's Texas fairly well. There is something kind of warm and communal about the town of Central City, the grass is green and the sun is always shining. Ignoring the fact that there is a psycho in the local law enforcement, which is discouraging, this is the kind of place where one might fancy a summer home. The movie comes with an ending that is absolutely devastating (despite being a bit rushy). Overall, Winterbottom makes mostly good decisions, but also a few not so good ones. He throws in country music jingles in places that are quite unnecessary.

I think I can recommend the film, but not without warning. It's tricky, and it needs a bit of a tune up. It's still an evocative drama though, which packs a dirty punch, and leaves you thinking.


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I know it's acting, but... ElectricEye
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