The Driller Killer (1979)

Reno Miller is a high-strung artist living in New York City and working on his masterpiece painting.  Living with him are a couple of beautiful young women that only seem to get on his nerves.  Slowly we watch as his mental state starts to break down until he goes on a killing rampage with a power drill on the streets of the city.  At first he only targets the homeless, but eventually he starts to work his way thru his acquaintances and friends.   When the woman he loves eventually leaves him and returns to her husband Reno really flips out and pays them a visit.

Director Abel Ferrara, who also stars as Reno, has done quite a few good movies (my favorite being Ms. 45).  So I had some expectations when I sat down to watch this movie.  The story is a bit slow at times and does drag, especially before Reno gets his “drill” on and starts tearing up the locals.  I didn’t really care for the story when it dealt with Reno and his two female roommates, but I suppose that was a necessary for the rest of the story to unfold.  What I did really like about the story was the cool 70s NYC vibe that the whole thing has, including some punk music that I got a real kick out of.  Also there is a neat guerilla filmmaking vibe to it with them shooting on the streets as people walk by unaware what is happening.  And again when he finally snaps and starts drilling random victims the story really picks up and gets good.  Some of the acting, including that of Ferrara himself is sort of rough.  A few of the scenes where Reno is losing it are over the top and kind of silly.  But this is one of those movies that isn’t hurt too much by this. 

This movie was shot on a shoestring budget and was started in 1978 stopped then finished in 1979.  So clearly there were some money and production issues.  This makes the special effects that they managed to pull off even more impressive.  The best is the drill thru the bus stop wall, which looks really good on screen.  Again I also was impressed with the final product, including camera work and the limited lighting that they used.  The movie has a gritty feel that many directors strive for, but that Ferrara was able to find right outside his door. 

In spite of some flaws (being slow in spots, some bad acting) Driller Killer has a wonderful location (NYC), some cool effects, fun characters (the art store owner), and some good music that more than overcome any shortcomings.   If that weren’t enough it can be had on several of the budget DVD sets from Mill Creek Entertainment.  For more information go to their website at http://www.millcreekent.com/

As for Driller Killer itself, I think there is enough fun to be had with it that it is worth checking out.  Especially at the bargain prices it can be had for. 

2 ½ out of 4

reviewed by John Shatzer

© Copyright 2009 John Shatzer