Ordure de flic...

Although Stacy Keach is quite good as the delusional sheriff of a small Montana mining town, it is Susan Tyrell as the local lady of the night, who is absolutely amazing in "The Killer Inside Me". The film opens weakly with some totally unnecessary narration, but gradually builds momentum. Don Stroud's performance, as the wild son of Mayoral candidate Keenan Wynn, is notable, and John Carradine also appears in a small role. There are a couple of minor surprises, along with some nice character development. If you are enamored with either Stacy Keach or Susan Tyrell, I say seek this one out, because you will not be disappointed. - MERK

This obscure expose of insanity stars Stacy Keach as a small town sheriff with a penchant for murder. Rather than being a film about an insane madman, The Killer Inside Me focuses more on the psychological elements of insanity, and thereby provides a murderous movie with a hint of some brains behind it. The film is well written and the plot, while slow, remains interesting and engaging almost throughout. However, the plot does become a bit too slow at times, and despite a well timed performance from Stacy Keach, The Killer Inside Me sometimes becomes a little too slow and the film ultimately suffers because of it. The film is based on a book by Jim Thompson. I've never read the book that the film is based on, but the plot follows a small time sheriff who discovers that he has a murderous urge inside of him after the arrival of a prostitute upsets the balance between him and his childhood sweetheart. The sheriff then goes from all round nice law enforcement guy to brutal, cold-blooded killer as he murders his way through anyone that stands in his way.

The problem with the plot is really highlighted by the fact that it takes so long to get to the first murder. The film takes time to build the central character, thus making it more shocking once his schizophrenia does finally show through - but the build up to it is too slow, and that's not good when a film is claiming itself to be a 'thriller'. The Killer Inside Me also has a 'made for TV' aura about it. As far as I know, it wasn't made for TV; but the way that everything is very subdued and the support acting is nothing special gives it that sort of impression. The film really is held together by Stacy Keach, who gives it his all in the lead role. This actor really is underrated, as he often turns in memorable and assured performances, yet the cult star never gets the recognition he deserves. John Carradine is the only stand-out name from the rest of the cast, and he makes an appearance that is little more than a cameo. On the whole, as this film is rather obscure; I really can't see the point in purposely seeking it out. The Killer Inside Me is worth a watch if you do happen to stumble across a copy, but it's not a tragedy to miss it.

I did not expect anything like this from director Burt Kennedy, who used us more with comedy westerns, more or less in the Andrew McLaglen's style, than to this kind of stuff. I know that in the early sixties he gave us the magnificent MONEY TRAP, another surprising crime film from a director like him, starrring Glenn Ford and Elke Sommer. So this one is also a crime drama, but totally different from MONEY TRAP though. It is adapted from a Jim Thompson's novel. I have never read the book, so I won't tell if this film is faithful or not to the genuine material. But if you like borderline, rotten cops tales; psychotic, sadistic police officers or sheriffs, this movie is for you. Definitely.

Yes, this was the original that sparked off the not so good and badly favored remake, that we didn't really need, though personally, I'm glad we got. Is this one better? What do you think. Yes. Of course. Like Affleck who was amazing in the remake, Keach gives another individualized performance of excellence like to Afleck's, which again is riveting and compelling, as a reason to watch. But Keach also is matched by Susan Tyrell, looking her sexiest and is so darn cute here, in the role as the white trashy harlot (Alba's in the remake). The plot is basically the same with unbalanced cop, but all psycho ness aside (my own word there) is forced to kill, backed into a corner when blackmailed, by you know who. Don Stroud, one of the great 70's actors, is just well.... great and fun too, as rowdy and not too bright, love struck dummy, Elmore, who does has feelings, not so really, when getting smashed over the head with a bottle, by an offended party. This movie is so beautifully and well shot, and made, with music to suit. One too will judge the difference in the standard of violence and the rating system, to nowadays, where the MA remake was much bloodier than the limited gore in this R pic. It's crazy. There's some really confining moments of terror, we get off Keach, but there's not really any shocks or surprises, but the ending that ensued, sucked, a real, downfall of ordinary, and was Tyrell an apparition at the end? You decide.

This isn't a waste of time, nor is it one to fervently hunt for. It certainly could have done better for the brilliant author, Jim Thompson, and talented star Stacy Keach.

One problem is the slow development. It takes seemingly forever to get into the schizophrenic aspects of the character. I have seen films where such slow development is well handled with skillful forewarning of what is to come. Unfortunately, that's not the case here.

Veteran actors, Keenan Wynn, Royal Dano, and John Carradine show up here and buffs might find it worth watching this just to see their appearances.

All in all, it's an okay movie, but don't risk breaking your neck to see it...it's not worth it, pal.