“The Driller Killer” is a 1979 American horror film that has become a cult classic, particularly noted for its controversial content and association with the “video nasties” phenomenon in the UK. Here are key details about the film:
Basic Information
- Title: The Driller Killer
- Release Year: 1979
- Director and Writer: Abel Ferrara
- Genre: Horror, Slasher, Exploitation
Plot Summary
The film follows Reno Miller (played by Abel Ferrara himself under the pseudonym Jimmy Laine), a struggling artist living in New York City. As he faces financial difficulties and the pressures of his work, he begins to lose his grip on sanity. The noise from a punk band practicing in his building exacerbates his stress, driving him to murder. He starts killing homeless people in the city using a power drill, leading to increasingly violent and graphic scenes.
Themes and Style
- Psychological Deterioration: The film explores the psychological breakdown of its protagonist, highlighting themes of madness, urban decay, and the struggles of an artist.
- Graphic Violence: “The Driller Killer” is infamous for its explicit and gory murder scenes, which contributed to its notoriety.
- Gritty Aesthetic: The film is shot in a gritty, raw style that captures the seedy atmosphere of late 1970s New York City. This approach adds to the film’s unsettling tone.
Reception and Controversy
-
-
- Critical Reception: Upon its release, “The Driller Killer” received mixed reviews. Some praised its raw energy and unflinching depiction of urban life, while others criticized it for its graphic violence and perceived lack of narrative coherence.
- Cult Following: Over time, the film has developed a cult following, particularly among fans of exploitation and slasher films. Abel Ferrara’s subsequent career as a director of provocative and often controversial films has also helped maintain interest in “The Driller Killer.”
-
