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Reviews
The Hillside Strangler (2004)
Pretty Much What I Expected...
If you've seen the other serial killer movies by Tartan films, you'll get exactly what you expect from this film: actors you haven't seen in awhile steeped in extreme violence with not a whole lot of emphasis on the facts. There are some gruesome scenes here, though tamer than the actual crimes of the Hillside Stranglers. Pretty good performances all around, but not excellent. Some interesting camera work, better than you'd expect from a film with so low a budget.
I was concerned by the casting of Turturro and Howell, having had a fondness for the earlier portrayals by Dennis Farina and Billy Zane. Plus, C Thomas Howell just seemed too cute to play Ken Bianchi. But once I got a look at him, I was shocked by his gaunt, creepy appearance. I sincerely hope he looks better than that in real life.
To conclude, this is by no means the movie of the year, but if you liked Tartans Gein, Gacy or Bundy, give this one a watch.
Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey (1993)
Worthwhile, full of fascinating information
It's odd that this documentary has so much cool information, yes is at times almost painfully depressing to watch. We learn not only of the life and many amazing inventions of Lean Theremin, but also of the remarkable Clara Rockmore, the worlds only theremin virtuoso.
Even though the pacing is slow in parts, and the reunion of rockmore and Theremin as oldsters is thoroughly depressing, this is a solid documentary and one that every music fan should see. Also of note are the wonderful interviews with such greats as Todd Rungren, Moog and an almost incoherent Brian Wilson. In fact, it is because of his profanity laden interview that the film receives an R rating. Who knew synthesizers inspired so many swears?
Rhinoceros Eyes (2003)
A Wonderful Surprise!
Having just seen Rhinoceros Eyes, I want to tell fans of indie drama and horror to run, not walk to see this film if it comes anywhere near your town!
The film is a coming of age story about Chep (Michael Pitt), a reclusive young man with an unfortunate past, living in a prop shop...and in a fantasy world fueled by cinema and the props he surrounds himself with. Supporting characters include his boss (Matt Servitto of Sopranos fame), his love interest, and "the cop". Interesting characters float in and out of the story in a way that never fails to entertain and disturb.
I was reminded of films like Donnie Darko, and Repulsion; but Rhinoceros Eyes is its own entity. It is a creepy and frightening as it is funny and quirky. This film has some excellent camera work, and plenty of the symbolism indie film fans love to talk about afterwards. While the FX are reminicent of 70's childrens shows, this film is chilling, disturbing and fascinating all at once.
Maybe I should say it again, See This Film!