Copycat - Omicidi in serie

After helping convict a serial killer and almost becoming a victim herself, a criminal psychologist develops agoraphobia, shutting the world out. When a killer starts targeting her, detectives have no choice but to drag her into the heart of the investigation.

I haven't seen this film in over twenty years, and it remains an exciting and tense thriller. If you have a good knowledge of serial killers, it'll be a bonus, as it'll help you understand some of the references.

Pacing and tension are two of the show's strengths, but best of all is the excellent leading performance from Sigourney Weaver, who shines in the role of the troubled psychologist.

The acting throughout is very good, especially Holly Hunter's performance.

Made back in 1995, I wish it had gone a little further; only in the latter stages of the movie do we get to understand what the killer's M. O. and motives are.

7/10.

The serial killer genre is one that became popular after "Silence of the Lambs," and since then the only ones that have really stuck out are "Se7en," "Copycat" and "Saw." "Copycat" is about a psychologist who lectures students on serial killers, and one day finds herself to be a victim at one of her speeches. Attacked in the bathroom, she narrowly escapes death and becomes a social recluse in the years that follow -- living through the Internet, anonymously chatting on Internet chat rooms and so on and so forth.

Until the terror begins again, this time involving not only the ex-pschologist (Sigourney Weaver) but also a cop played by Holly Hunter.

"Copycat" was much better than I thought it would be. I originally saw it on TBS years ago; I remember the ads claiming it would be on, but for some reason the rights fell through and it didn't air for another month or so... through this time period I hadn't heard anything about the film, but within the very first few minutes I instantly knew it was going to be much better than the standard "Silence" rip-off.

I may be alone here (and trust me, I know it) but I enjoy this more than "Silence of the Lambs," which kind of bores me at times. "Copycat" is dark and unexpectedly intelligent -- it is also perfectly cast. Weaver is fine (if unexceptional) whereas Hunter's macho-female traits are put into play perfectly by her casting as a cop.

The killer in the movie is played by Harry Connick Jr., and even he does a good job, which is saying quite a lot.

The movie has unexpected twists and is very clever in its own right. It is undoubtedly influenced (heavily) by "Silence of the Lambs" but is successful in the way it adds its own qualities to the mix -- much like "Se7en" this is a serial killer movie cashing in on the success of "Silence," but not necessarily stealing its content.

Very surprised. Catch it if you can.

It's a nice and refreshing departure to see two strong female characters interacting in a thriller like this. Weaver and Hunter are both terrific in their respective roles. I have always liked the "annoying victim" device in movies, especially here, because it really brings out the inner workings behind each cop that works with her. Rarely do films like this give you such three-dimensional characters.

I also liked the outrageousness of the serial killer. Most serial killers want to be caught, they want to be put on display for their own brilliance and they want to meet the person who finally figured it out. Just like Connick's Darryl, who wants nothing more than to out-maneuver Weaver, the woman who out-maneuvered him, for the simple joy of ego gratification.

I didn't like, and was disappointed by, all of the dumb little computer tricks that the killer used to taunt Weaver and the police. It seemed like it was done just to introduce the element of electronic media so it appeared to be a "modern" story. I was also very put off and confused by the use of the Police song "Murder by Numbers" as a piece of evidence. Weaver attempts to psychoanalyze it as if the killer wrote the song. It's ludicrous even if the killer uses the song as an anthem. This was an extremely unwieldy section of the movie and does not make for good viewing, whether or not you're familiar with the song. But these are only small points in a good movie overall.

Contrary to what several users have written, "Copycat" is _not_ "Silence of the Lambs 2". Nor is it a rip-off of "Se7en", or an exploitation flick, or any other negative labels that have been foisted upon it. Rather, it's a gripping, and largely intriguing thriller that succeeds thanks to performances by two confident female leads, competent direction, intelligent writing, and an appropriately foreboding score courtesy of Christopher Young, who's fast becoming one of my favorite film composers.

Sigourney Weaver hits the right notes as the agoraphobic psychiatrist, especially early on, as we see the depths to which she has shut herself off from the outside world, creating her own safe little corner. Holly Hunter, in a role that instantly brings to mind Jane Craig from "Broadcast News", is effective as the investigating detective. Hers is a performance that is three-dimensional and fully-realized.

If there's a weakness in the film, it's the ongoing beef between Ruben and Nico. It's a meritless p***ing contest stemming from one character's jealousy, and could've easily been dropped or retooled. This small gripe, however, didn't deter my enjoyment of the film.

Much credit has to be given to director Jon Amiel ("Sommersby", "Entrapment") for effectively capturing the atmosphere and tension prevalent throughout the film. In addition, writers Ann Biderman and David Madsen deserve credit for a intelligent, well-researched screenplay. No clichés here, just sharply-crafted dialogue. And Christopher Young's inspired score is brilliant; just listen to the theme that plays early on, as Helen calms down after a panic attack.

"Copyat" may not be classic material, but it's a strong entry in a genre that's too often consumed by formulas and gore. Highly recommended.

A serial killer is claiming victims in the style of other killers from the recent past, homicide detective (Holly Hunter) needs the help of a noted criminal psychologist (Sigourney Weaver) if she is going to catch this killer. The trouble is she is an agoraphobic recluse haunted by her memories.

The characters build nicely as the story moves along at a steady pace, Weaver and Hunter both capture their characters very well and they are supported convincingly by Dermot Mulroney, William McNamara, Harry Connick Jnr. and Will Patton.

Copycat is full of suspense and intrigue, and it is a really solid film in every respect; it doesn't have the style or the punch of films like Seven and Silence of the Lambs, but it is definitely well worth watching.

7/10