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Directed by
Rob Schmidt Starring | |
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Rochester, New York the early 70s, three young girls were attacked sexually and strangled. The case got it's name because each of the three girls first and last names started with the same letters. While hundreds of people were questioned, the killer was never caught. This movie is loosely based on the true and it's a film that really feels like one of the great crime thrillers of the 70s. It really has the feel of a Sidney Lumet film with a supernatural touch. Eliza Dushku plays police detective Megan Paige, who has the skills of a physical medium. She can see the victims, and what happened to each of the girls. These visions are what drives the Detective Paige to find the killer responsible. It's also what causes her to have a breakdown, which puts her in a mental hospital. A couple years later, when the killings start again Detective Paige asks back on the case because she will not stop until the killer is caught. Eliza Dushku is a little brunette cutie. But this is one of the least glamorous roles I've seen her play and she's very good. She plays a women with a heart, who is out to bring some justice for the girls who lost their lives. Dushku looks honestly haunted throughout most of the film and I like how she in no way comes across as Superwoman in a police uniform. She's very real with fears, weakness and concerns real people have. Cary Elwes gets the New York accent down, Michael Ironside always plays characters who are hard with real authority, Bill Moseley does a great job with his screen time and Timothy Hutton is really good. Rob Schmidt is on a nice roll after making WRONG TURN, the Masters of Horror episode "Right To Die" and now this. I credit his directing for getting good performances, not over shooting the film and I do love how the movie was shot in Rochester, New York. No sets for any kind of money could have created the texture and depth of the real place. Rochester has a unique feel to it and it works for this somewhat gloomy film. Producer Isen Robbins and Director Rob Schmidt contribute a technical Audio Commentary. Writer/Producer Tom Malloy speaks on the second Audio Commentary. A To Z: The Making of THE ALPHABET KILLER was very informative and cool for me. First Victim -Alternate Scene is exactly that. Anchor Bay Entertainment is two for two in DVD releases in this year of 2009. | ||
