Horror Movie Reviews

Compare at: $9.98 (New)
Buy Now: $9.98 (New)

Add to Cart

Title: Dahmer (2005)
Format: DVD
Score:
Starring: Bruce Davison, Jeremy Renner, Kate Williamson, Matt Newton, and Artel Kayaru
Director: David Jacobson
Rating: R (Restricted)
Runtime: 102 minutes
Hits: 214
Favorite:

Review of Dahmer

[ Back to Homepage | Back to Horror Movie Reviews Index ]

HellHorror.com not responsible for reviews/comments and they may be removed at any time.

Comments for Dahmer

• Posted on 2010-03-08
  Too dark, too scary
  
  This movie really freaked me out. I had to fast forward through a lot of it. I was too scared to watch it alone. I wouldn't recommend it if you don't like scary movies! I should have known better.
  
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
• Posted on 2009-11-25
  Style over substance makes this "character study" a psychological exercise in futility
  
  I've seen several recent films based upon the lives of prolific serial killers (Bundy, B.T.K., etc.), and none of them have been any good. Dahmer is no exception; in fact, it is worse than the others. I'm afraid I can't buy into any of the artsy-fartsy, pseudo-intellectual spin this film gets in some quarters. Quite frankly, all I saw was a really bad movie. I simply don't see how you can present any kind of story about Jeffrey Dahmer without at least alluding to the fact that the man freaking ate his victims. All the psychological nonsense this movie throws your way with its endless flashbacks and fictionalized recreation of dialogue and events is patently useless because it ignores the most telling and significant of his psychological problems. My problem is not the fact that this film is really just a character study of a troubled young man; rather, it's the fact that it's a very bad character study.
  
  I'm afraid I really have nothing good to say about this film. I wasn't really impressed by Jeremy Renner's performance as Dahmer, I despised the constant flashback loops (which I consider the sole domain of weak directors) throughout the story, and I thought the ambiguous ending pretty much encapsulated everything that was wrong with the entire film. This is a film almost wholly lacking in substance.
  
  Obviously, with the whole cannibalism thing totally off the table, this film barely registers on the blood and gore meter. I don't have a problem with that, especially since I was already well aware of the exceedingly disturbing nature of Jeffrey Dahmer's murderous acts. I do have a problem with the fact that this film really only hints at the scope and depravity of all the murders. If you already know a good bit about Jeffrey Dahmer, you won't learn anything new in this film. If you know nothing about Dahmer going in, you won't know much more about him at the end - but you may think you have some insight into his character. That, in my opinion, is the crux of this film's many problems.
  
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
• Posted on 2009-09-13
  Good effort, fine acting...
  
  I am a resident of Milwaukee, and remember very well the shock and awe of the Dahmer discoveries. For this reason, and that it received some prestigious nominations at the Indie Spirit awards, I was compelled to rent it. Indeed, the performances are fine, including those nominated actors Jeremy Ronner (Jeff) and Artel Kayaru (Rodney). Director David Jacobson wanted to explore the mind of a serial killer without gore or blood, and he is to be commended. His attempt to humanize Dahmer is admirable, though the film lacks focus. As I know it, Dahmer was diabolical in his methods, a lot more than the film shows. He had vats of acid in his apartment to aid in his disposal of bodies. The film left off at a time when his killing spree was at its peak (hoping for a sequel?), and there was no indication of his capture and trial and eventual incarceration on charges of mental instability (Duh). NOTE: The smell in the apt buiding was so bad, they finally tore it down. As an Indie, it was fine in handling this atrocious subject with dignity and true quality. As history, you can only be left baffled and confused. One of his victims, Joe Bradehoff, was my friend. I can understand why he might've been taken in by Dahmer's charm and smarm; Dahmer was a lot more good-looking than Mr. Renner. It's enough to give gay people a bad name. God forbid!
  
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
• Posted on 2009-06-12
  More of a dramatized biography
  
  If you're looking for a slash and gash horror movie, you're not going to get this here. It recollects on Dahmer's killing history. I would definitely recommend this movie if you have some sort of fascination with Jeffrey. I think they casted very well, the acting was good assuming it was low budget, and they did a really good job with the settings. All and all it was a great movie for any serial killer fan, but isn't really something for someone who wants a horror movie.
  
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
• Posted on 2009-06-01
  Great deal!
  
  This 3-pack is a steal if you love studying serial killers as much as me. From someone who has researched the "careers" of these guys, the movies are very accurate and definitely the best version, as compared to other movies made about Bundy, Dahmer and Gein. I would definitely buy this set again...in fact, I did buy it a second time for my boyfriend. Hope you enjoy~
  
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10