Happy Face Killer

Some of my favorite movies of all times are horror/thrillers based on the lives and crimes of real-life serial killers, and this for the simple reason that truth is often far more disturbing and petrifying than fiction. Of course, I didn't expect for "Happy Face Killer" to become a new favorite, although based on the factual case of Canadian American serial killer Keith Jesperson.

There are a number of reasons why "Happy Face Killer" isn't a very good, nor memorable film. For starters, it's a TV-production, meaning the murders and perversities are never as grimly or shockingly depicted as in the greatest masterpieces like, say, "Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer" or "10, Rillington Place". Secondly, there's a large amount of error and inconsistencies in the script. I won't bother to list them all, but some of my fellow reviewers did.

And finally, it simply is rather dull and formulaic. Even though the tragic story of every victim of every real-life serial killer deserves to be told, some serial killers just aren't very interesting. The facts in the case of Keith Jesperson, or at least as told here in "Happy Face Killer", very much feels like serial-killing 101. The man had a traumatic childhood, he tortured small animals as a kid, he goes after prostitutes and lewd women, he records himself bragging about his crimes, he deliberately leaves clues and seeks media attention, etc. Even when the script doesn't exclusively revolve around Jesperson it's full of clichés, like the FBI woman with a personal vendetta, or the local sheriff who thinks he's Dirty Harry. David Arquette does his best, but he's not very convincing. I'll admit that his grimaces look reasonably psychotic, but most of the time you can't help seeing Deputy Dewey from "Scream". The actresses portraying his victims are beautiful and seem talented, but their roles are too brief.

I normally wouldn't rate this higher than 3 or 4, but I'm giving it one extra point for the eerie version of the famous song "Happy Together" by The Turtles. It's one of those songs I always considered to be a feel-good classic, but the version playing here - during the strangulation of a prostitute - is truly shivering.

Flagged on the IMDb as "American," this is yet another in the long (too long) line of Canadian knockoffs posing as something they are not.

Produced by a Vancouver production house specializing in projects with "strong female characters," starring Canadian actress Gloria Reuben (as the lead FBI investigator) and also starring "token" American David Arquette (the killer), this film pretty much is the poster child for 100% forgettable "poseur" films from the Frozen North.

As far as this reviewer can tell, Reuben has never carried an entire film on her back before. And this may be the last time she gets the chance.

Arquette has played baddies before, but is lost here with weak writing and direction. He struggles in the role.

One single example if I may be permitted: when Reuben's character receives a hand-written letter from the Happy Face killer -- with a happy face as the return address -- you might expect her (if you are a regular film goer) to wear gloves and call a CSI before opening it...? You would be wrong. In this script, in this sloppy production, she opens it with the gusto and abandon a 12 year old would reserve for a Big Mac.

Prints? Forensics? That is something you see only in "real" movies.

Which this is not.

First of all, Arquette does not look at all like Jesperson, who was a very large guy. Names of real victims not used.Cell phone used in one scene in movie not available back then , a much more advanced model than what was available back then. We lived thru this back then , agency I worked for investigated this case... Movie more fiction than reality.Too bad Lifetime jumped the gun on making this movie as it could have been dealt with more facts than fiction. Again, casting of main character (s) way off.Very weak acting. Next time when making a movie about a real case, get it factual. This was a big disappointment .

Happy Face Killer is directed by Rick Bota and written by Richard Christian Matheson. It stars David Arquette, Gloria Reuben, Daryl Shuttleworth, Stefanie von Pfetten and Josh Blacker. Music is by Hal Foxton Beckett and Marc Baril and cinematography by Adam Sliwinski.

This is an interpretation of the real life events surrounding the workings – hunt for – and capture of Canadian serial killer Keith Hunter Jesperson.

It's one of those bone of contentions with adaptations to screen of real life serial killers, with poetic license etc, that invariably many feel cheated of not getting the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. The story of Keith Hunter Jesperson, who would become known as the Happy Face Killer, was not known to me, but when it caught my eye in the TV listings, with Arquette in a serious dramatic role, I had to take a look. Crucially for someone like me who was unaware of the case, it helped me to get more from the viewing experience by reading up on Jesperson after the viewing. I would urge any potential first time viewers to do the same.

The core essence of Jesperson's crimes and his mindset is correct, but motives and means, and crucially childhood traumas, are sketchy at best. If able to accept the poetic license factor, this is still a very detailed and skin itching take on a man who it is confirmed killed 8 women. The murders are staged expertly by the makers to get the required impact to stun the viewers, the procedural aspects of the investigation, led by FBI Agent Melinda Gand (an excellent Reuben) are insightful and gripping, and Arquette, in spite of not remotely fitting the physique or profile of the real Jesperson, works very hard to convince as a man who could turn murderous by the slightest provocation.

In the pantheon of serial killer movies this is hardly essential stuff, but it is well worth a look and worthy of inspection by those interested in the topic to hand. 6.5/10

The movie is deeply flawed. There are story and character omissions and it relies on the "pretending" this is real premise that most likely will backfire for most viewers. Having said all that, there is also David Arquette who has the most obvious fun with his character - no pun intended.

So if you can dig his performance you may be able to ... well enjoy is the wrong word, especially considering some mildly violent but deeply disturbing scenes that we get served. Overall the tone holds up, even if it almost gets sidelined into ridiculous areas ... suspend your disbelief ... a lot!