The Killer Inside Me
Whenever news reports show shocking incidents of murder, it’s in our nature to dissect why they occur. The thought of there being no reason behind them seems scarier as it highlights how cold-blooded sudden death appears. Based on Jim Thompson’s novel, The Killer Inside Me emphasises this point as it delves into the mind of a motiveless killer whose random violence makes him all the more chilling.
Lou Ford (Casey Affleck) is the Deputy Sherriff of a small Texas town. Well regarded and known for his thoughtful attitude towards solving problems, he seems a pillar of the community. Unbeknown to them he has a sinister side with a deadly compulsion to kill. Fighting against this urge, he sets his sights on Joyce (Jessica Alba), a local prostitute. With his girlfriend Amy (Kate Hudson) unaware of his murderous predilection, Lou’s savage ways cause his victims to become ensnared in his vicious temper trap.
Although The Killer Inside Me is more complicated than appears, its main strand examines Lou’s feelings of empowerment. Earning respect due to his profession, he uses this as an extension of his own ego in order to dominate those he considers weak. This feeds into his appetite for murder, with death his ultimate aphrodisiac. Portrayed with cold precision by Affleck, Lou is a remorseless soul whose penchant for violence exposes his cowardice despite the razor sharp intellect driving him to kill.
Its’ setting in morally rigid 1950’s suburbia contrasts effectively with Lou’s immoral acts. Assisted by Michael Winterbottom’s steady direction, this atmosphere conjures memories of previous crime noir films. It would have been great had he been brave enough to shoot in black and white to create the genre’s ambiance with only the slow pacing and somewhat muddled story spoiling the mood. This is probably its biggest draw-back as the confused plot prevents any true engagement in events even if the characters are quite well defined.
Whilst much has been made of its confronting intensity, The Killer Inside Me benefits from this harsh realism. Cruelty in any form is always difficult to view and – whilst the film isn’t without fault – it forces the viewer to question the senselessness of such arbitrary deeds.
Rating out of 10: 6
Salt
Novelists who traded on the Cold War to spin fictional spy yarns must have wept when it ended. No more would their cutting edge topical stories be able to tap into ‘reds under the beds’ paranoia with such thoughts consigned to history. Fortunately for them Hollywood refuses to let go of the past with Salt playing up the threat of KGB Russians to the hilt. With energetic acrobatics its driving force, it shows how discarded ideals still hold weight when it comes to mindless escapism.
CIA Agent Evelyn Salt (Angelina Jolie) is a highly skilled officer. Respected by her peers and boss Ted Winter (Live Schreiber), her abilities are tested by the defection of a Russian spy. Interrogating him, Salt learns of an operation called ‘Day X’ which involves political assassination and the seizing of nuclear weapons. When he unexpectedly implicates her in the plot, she goes on the run. Chased by her former colleagues and Agent Peabody (Chiwetel Ejiofor), Salt races to clear her name and prevent her country from becoming the centre-point of an explosive Armageddon.
Despite its awful title and highly implausible script, Salt manages to become a pure adrenaline rush. Ignoring its many plot holes, both director Phillip Noyce and star dive into proceedings with gusto. As she kicks some serious butt, Noyce seems only too happy to assist her exploits by creating various ‘locked-room’ scenarios from which she must escape. This is probably the best part of the entire enterprise as he allows viewers to see the action and ensure everyone joins the intrepid heroine until the end.
The threat of sleeper agents suddenly awakening to cause havoc is well utilised, as you’re never quite sure who are the true heroes and villains. Like any good spy caper, the double crosses and race to stop the emerging threat are all part of the fun. What’s particularly pleasing is Salt must use her wits instead of gadgets to escape her pursuers – thereby showing the genuine intelligence underneath the tough exterior.
Owing more than a passing nod to the James Bond films, Salt is pretty good nonsense if one doesn’t take it too seriously. It isn’t a thinking person’s espionage thriller – just a wild ride to the finish line done in the style Hollywood does best.
Rating out of 10: 7