The Jeffrey Dahmer Files

Experimental Jeffrey Dahmer documentary which actually focuses more on the Milwaukeeans during and after his hidden spree. The reenactments are beautifully shot; and Andrew Swant (also the film's co-writer) slides into the monster's skin so smoothly, ultimately humanizing Dahmer without becoming charming or remotely likable. Unfortunately, the three interviewees are not overly appealing, and you can't help but remember that there are many more interesting people who had a thing or two to say about Dahmer. Archival footage included, but is used somewhat minimally. Originally premiered simply as JEFF and was later changed to THE JEFFREY DAHMER FILES when picked up by IFC.

**½ (out of four)

If what you're looking for is a slasher movie, The Jeffrey Dahmer Files is not for you. Director Chris Thompson is not interested in showing you actual scenes of blood, severed heads, or other grizzly images. If that's what you're into, you won't like this movie.

If what you're looking for is a smart, insightful, and unique look at three people who's lives were forever changed by Dahmer's deeds, this is the ticket. Pat Kennedy, the detective handling Dahmer's case, Jeffrey Jentzen, the medical examiner called in to deal with the bodily remains, and Pamela Bass, a neighbor who had befriended Dahmer tell their incredible stories with chilling detail. Thompson is a brilliant interviewer knowing just what questions to ask of these three unique individuals who have never been asked what their personal experiences were, instead having been barraged with questions about the gory details they witnessed only for purpose of media sensationalization. In Thompson's film they are allowed to spill their guts which is a chilling experience for the viewer.

Throughout the film, the intense testimonies of Kennedy, Jentzen and Bass are intersected with short docudramas of Dahmer going through his daily life being played by Andrew Swant. At first these seemed a bit amateur and even annoying, but with time they gave this viewer a moment to catch her breath - much needed after the chest-tightening details of Dahmer's murders. Swant plays Dahmer as the seemingly dull and uninteresting man he actually was which seems so contrary to the horrific actions taken behind his apartment door. You will witness Dahmer buying fish at an aquarium, a large blue barrel and taking it home on a bus, and bleach at a grocery store, all in a sort of daze. Of course we know what he will use the barrel and bleach for and we would expect Dahmer to be creepy. But instead he looks like a regular guy who is somewhat slow and disinterested in the world. After a couple of these dramas I began to relax and enjoy the break they provided.

I would recommend this movie to anyone who is interested in personal stories of people experiencing something none of us are every likely to experience. Kennedy, Jentzen, and Bass will walk you through their harrowing personal life-changing experiences of knowing Jeffrey Dahmer.

Thompson's story will leave you with lot's to think and talk about. Can't recommend it enough.

Another year, another movie about American Serial Killer from Milwaukee. This documentary has some new information, but it also has some old information. I wished it didn't have the re-enactments because they were kinda corny. It goes into more details about the gruesome discoveries in Dahmer's apartment, and those sections are the most interesting. They also talk about Dahmer interrogation, his feelings, and how his crime has changed the life of everyone involved as well as the people of Milwaukee.

An experimental documentary film that uses archival footage, interviews, and fictionalized scenarios to tell the story of the people around Jeffrey Dahmer during the summer of his arrest in 1991.

I like how they emphasized that Dahmer was a white guy in the black neighborhood, an wish this could have been explored more. Those not familiar with Milwaukee may not realize how incredibly segregated it is.

I further appreciated the story of the shirt, and plenty of other behind the scenes details from Detective Pat. Some may find it boring, but I think the idea of Pat just talking for two hours would be fascinating. He probably has other non-Dahmer stories to tell.

Using an actor to portray Dahmer was interesting. At first it seemed silly and unnecessary, but I understand why they went with it -- if you do not have the footage, you have to fill the screen with something.

THE JEFFERY DAHMER FILES (dir. Chris James Thompson) A startlingly original dramatization and documentary about infamous Milwaukee serial killer, Jeffery Dahmer. The film features conversations with three interviewees; the detective who had first contact with Dahmer, the middle- aged, Afro American woman who was Dahmer's neighbor in the apartment building where his crimes were committed, and the medical examiner on the case. The fictionalized sections of the film augment and enhance the interrogative segments, and make this an authentic dramatic production and not just a series of interviews with 'talking heads'. The film is not even eighty minutes, but it is superbly edited and a brilliant example of documentary film-making. Well Worth a Look.