The Horror Show
Long Island Serial Killer
by Joseph DiPietro
The subject of serial killers is one of my favorites, especially when it comes to horror movies. Sure, I love the paranormal stuff and monsters and all that, but I've always liked the more tangible tales that actually play out in society. These types of films tend to range. Some are slasher fair with a lunatic in a mask who has been wronged in some way by his/her victims. Others are a tale of a detective's journey such as Seven, and then there are also the really nasty films that revel in the sick nature of the title killer.
The latest film I've seen in this realm of horror is the enticingly titled Long Island Serial Killer. Things aren't safe in NY, as a crazed killer (Adam Ginsberg) is making mince-meat of prostitutes in the area. The story follows pretty, young, down-on-her-luck Tina (Jennifer Polansky) as she gets into prostitution, looking for a quick solution to her money problems.
Her timing is not ideal, as we have already seen working girls meeting their end before she decides to update her business plan. As the plot unfolds, the story goes back and forth between the killer's work, Tina's involvement in the very business said killer is putting the hurt on, and a few side-character's stories. Everything moves back and forth nicely and keeps a spirited pace. The movie is more-or-less a serious one, but still manages to feel playful and is easy to get into.
The story may be standard fair but Long Island Serial Killer isn't about strange story arches or major twists and turns. What makes the film interesting are the characters and the small moments that bring it into successful territory. The kills aren't graphic or of special note, but the killer story is more of a plot device that keeps the film moving. Normally, a serial killer film that doesn't primarily deal with the killer wouldn't be a preferred scenario, but with Long Island Serial Killer it works. There are several scenes that grab attention without having more going on than a conversation. I was surprised by this, but pleasantly so.
The pacing is one of the better aspects of the film. It all flows together nicely and never seems confusing or unintentionally jarring. With so many moving parts, it could have become a muddled contortion of ideas, but instead it keeps a tight hold on where it's going and how it wants to get there. The main acting parts are very competent and I can't complain about side characters who seem to have less chops because all the characters are fun to watch. Even with the acting having a campy quality to it at times, it still manages to never deter when something of more severity is going on. The moments that are especially well-written pop out just fine and don't feel out of place.
Some of the dialogue feels generic at times, but in an odd way it gives the film the feel it does. The baseline feels standard, but only serves to make the quirks and personalities of the characters/story rise to the surface more. It's a simple film but manages to work in quite a few different genres, but it’s difficult to do without messing up the overall tone.
Even though we see the killer all throughout the movie, it still feels like a procedural setup; even if we see the character, we are still an outsider. It's intriguing to see the killer do his thing on no-name characters and then shift to those we've grown to know and care for. The scenes where the victims get to say their peace are well filmed and written, getting across the proper emotions for the most part.
All in all, I enjoyed Long Island Serial Killer. While it relies on a few recycled lines and themes here and there, it does a good job with what it is and I got the sense that everyone involved had a good time and believed in what they were doing. And that's the element that makes up for an indie film’s lack of the big bucks. It never felt run of the mill and set itself apart, keeping me entertained all the way through. And that's all I can ask for.
P.J. Griffin, HMS
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