Monday, February 05, 2007

Rental Review: Boston Strangler

By Ryn Gargulinski
He killed at least 11 women, sending 1960s Boston into a frenzy of locked doors, bolted windows and peepholes working overtime.

But they still let him in.

This flick is a compelling look at one of the most notorious serial killers of the century, at least before Manson.

Unlike some other true crime movies, this one doesn’t get bogged down with pseudo drama or stupidity. It’s straight-up intrigue and, although made in the 1990s, has that 1960s flavor.

It also explores mental illness without all that psychobabble. The viewer is even treated to a credible rendition of strangler Albert DeSalvo slowly losing his mind.

Highlight: The kitschy 1960s feel.
Lowlight: Being terrified that you, too, might be a paranoid schizophrenic and, like DeSalvo, not even know it.
Rating (1-10): 29.5

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