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[IMAGE: the UK rental sleeve for 'Dahmer']
[IMAGE: No, it's not Gwyneth Paltrow...]
DAHMER (DEJ, 2003)

Head Count: Rating: four out of five

Tag-line: 'The terrifying true story of America's most horrific serial killer'.

Death Toll: Very low. While there's clearly lots of death going on, we barely see Jeffrey kill anybody.

Cutting Remarks: Of the recent crop of serial killer biopics, this one stands the tallest, delivering a sober, multi-layered depiction of the Milwaukee cannibal and necrophiliac. While 'Bundy' went for a surreal, weirdly comical approach, and 'Ed Gein' plodded along ominously, this one actually makes you care not only about Dahmer's victims, but about the killer himself, which is no mean feat. As played by Jeremy Renner, Dahmer comes across as a lonely psycho, who wants all his house guests to stay... forever and ever.
         The main thrust of the story is a night when Dahmer meets Rodney, a loveable black guy pretending to work behind the counter in his cousin's store. We then see various flashbacks which slowly recall Dahmer's descent into drug-assisted male rape, murder and forced lobotomy. There's very little graphic grue on display - about the same as in 'Bundy', in fact - but the tone is nevertheless very grim and matter-of-fact.
         An excellent piece of work, 'Dahmer''s only shortfall is its final moments. While artistically no doubt very meaningful, the last shot leaves you wanting more - Jeffrey's arrest is never shown, for instance. Still, definitely one to watch when your grandmother isn't visiting.

Most Memorable Demise: Someone who gets clubbed over the head in a kitchen.

Look Out For: The moment when a teenage Dahmer cuts up his first corpse. He has to psyche himself up with booze and cigarettes, and even then almost throws up. A nice piece of realism.

Killer Quote: "I'm a pervert, an exhibitionist and a masturbator. And a killer" - Dahmer sets out his stall nicely.

DVD Details: Bare bones only.

Release Date: Out to rent now.

[Check it out at Amazon UK]

[Check it out at Amazon US]

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