Other Titles • Killer: A Journal of Murder (1996) • The Killer
Synopses for Killer: A Journal of Murder (1996)
1.
James Woods gives one of his finest performances in this flawed but fascinating film about imprisoned serial killer Carl Panzram, who was hanged in 1930 after he beat a prison worker to death--the last of a reported 21 killings. The film centers on the tentative trust and friendship between Panzram and prison guard Henry Lesser (Robert Sean Leonard), whose attempt to understand Panzram's violent life leads him to believe that Panzram could redeem himself from a life of crime. Told primarily in flashbacks, Panzram's story unfolds as Lesser reflects upon its significance. In reality Panzram's life was a constant succession of unspeakable acts and violent crimes; for the purposes of the film, writer-director Tim Metcalfe attempts to humanize Panzram's story, leaving the viewer to decide if Panzram was deservedly executed, or the victim of his own miserable past. The film's ambivalence--and its tendency to leave crucial questions unanswered--lessens its impact as a biographical drama, but Woods and Leonard work superbly together, and Metcalfe's script paints a vivid portrait of the criminal mind. The DVD includes a full-length director's commentary that fills in some of the factual details that the film leaves out. --Jeff Shannon
2.
Based on a true story, this film explores the relationship between Henry Lesser, a highly idealistic prison guard, and Carl Panzram, a soulless, violent convict tortured by inner demons. Perhaps it is because they are so disparate that Henry becomes immensely fascinated with Carl, and believes he can help him. He even breaks the rules by smuggling a pen and paper to Carl so that the inmate can express his emotions in writing. But the prisoner fully believes that he is beyond repair and redemption, and actually wants to be executed should he be found guilty at his trial. Henry does his best to change Carl's bleak view of both himself and his future, but the attempts prove futile. It would appear that only Carl can help himself -- but it may be too late.
3.
Liar. Thief. Murderer. He hated all of humanity, himself most of all.
Carl Panzram is sent to Leavenworth Prison for burglary. While there, he is brutally beaten by a guard. Neophyte guard Henry Lesser feels sympathy for Panzram, befriends him, and gets him to write his life story. Lesser learns that Panzram's past is much more violent than he thought, but also that he's capable of being a much better person than the rest of the prison staff believes - or so Lesser thinks.
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