Killer Me is without a doubt one of the oddest most disturbing love stories I have ever set eyes on. Yup, you heard me correct, love story. While disguised primarily as a horror/thriller/suspense hybrid, at its epicenter, Killer Me could be conceived as one of the most tender of love stories to hit the screen. Well, maybe not quite to that degree, but I think you get the idea.

I've heard the comparative screams from all the critics; Henry Portrait of a Serial Killer! Clean Shaven! (insert any random schitzo serial killer film here). Yes, Killer Me does retain certain elements of these films. We are dealing with a film about a serial killer (or someone who thinks he is a serial killer) after all. However, at its heart, Killer Me really shares little in common with these films. As I watched Killer Me, I stood fixated on the character of Joseph (George Foster) the male lead, as a cross of 2 characters that kept entering my mind. I'm talking a combination of DeNiro as Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver, and Vincent Gallo in the sorely underrated Buffalo 66. Think of the lonely guy trying to clean up the streets, and the "I wish I could love you, but I have a calling" type, and you may have an idea of what you're dealing with. Joseph is the ultimate antihero in Killer Me. I hate to say it, but he's the guy you love to hate, (or hate to love for that matter, it truly depends on the scene). Joseph isn't enjoying any of this. He's driven, compelled, or possibly even forced to "do" what he does.

We're introduced to Joseph the night after a murder, he's convinced he's committed, however even from the beginning the audience is not so sure. Joseph soon meets the extremely timid (and mutually lonely) Anna (Christina Kew), and between the two of them, well there's just way too much timid (and lonely) going on here. A relationship ensues and between home cooked meals and head to toe sleepovers, Joseph fights his urges to kill. As the audience tries to get to the bottom of things, along with the characters in the film, we soon discover collectively that there really aren't any easy answers. Through childhood flashbacks we think we're being given clues that could lead to a satisfactory conclusion, but are ultimately left with more questions unanswered. At its heart Killer Me can be extremely tender, and at times quite touching. It's also very downbeat, as there are really no comedic elements thrown in to bring us back up. We live directly through these characters on screen, and if they're not laughing, then why should we?

The performances are all top notch (and one hell of a selling point for the film), we should definitely keep an eye out for both George and Christina, in the future. Killer Me presents a very claustrophobic feel, and at the very moment that we think there's hope (or even a bit of relief or possibly escape), we're hit upside the head, repeatedly with a wind shift. Watching Joseph and Anna interact is to say the least, quite engrossing. The chemistry between the two of them is indescribable, and even though not much may happen for a 10-15 minute time frame, we cannot turn away.

Shot on a not so obviously low budget (I think about 12,000?) Killer Me, is quite the brave little film (its worth looks much heftier than 12 thousand). Writer, Director, Executive Producer, and Editor Zachary Hansen took on quite an undertaking. Enlisting the help of Neal Fredericks (the guy who taught those Blair Witch brats to use their cameras) Hansen was able to create a true to life and quite personal portrayal of his characters. Also of note is the music, also by Hansen which was created on an old PXL 2000 (a vintage Fisher Price camera that records its audio and video on a metal audiotape). I sold my PXL 2000 for about 300 bucks a few years ago on Ebay, Mr. Hansen, is that my camera? The unsettling score is quite inventive (although at times is a bit Blair Witch like as well) and stands to add a creepy touch to this already unusual and atmospheric picture. I believe Killer Me was shot 16mm, and the tape I have is slightly lettterboxed (obviously matted) at about 1:66.1 and appears to be comfortably framed.

Killer Me demands an attentive audience. There are no easy answers, no ultimate solution, and most importantly, is extremely downbeat in its deadpan delivery. I'm not going to lie to you. Killer Me is most certainly not without its problems. It could have stood for a tighter cut (there are a few scenes that go on for a bit too long) and a few of the scenes should have probably been reworked (ie: when Joseph attempts to turn himself in). However, for those who love film, Killer Me is one of those unexpected cinematic surprises you should definitely keep an eye open for. Understanding the nature of low budget filmmaking and its limitations, I am fully aware of the fact that it doesn't get much better than this.

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