A deranged serial killer terrorizes San Francisco and writes letters to local newspapers about his evil exploits. Tom Hanson's basic direction, the gritty urban locations, the seamy tone, several startling moments of ugly and brutal violence (the sequence with an amorous young couple being attacked and murdered by a lake packs a truly jolting punch), a mean-spirited misogynistic streak, the rough cinematography by Robert Birchall and Wilson S. Hong, the hit-or-miss acting, the psycho's freaky ranting monologues, the grim fact that the story is based on scary real-life events, and a chilling open ending all give this movie a certain super seedy quality that paradoxically enough makes it that much more creepy and unnerving rather than less so. Hal Reed really sinks his teeth into his juicy role as meek, yet unhinged mailman Jerry. Doodles Weaver has a funny bit part as dirty old man neighbor Doc. Worth a watch for true crime aficionados.
Review of The Zodiac Killer
