Wow, talk about a great film! I have always been able to sit though even the most boring of serial killer films. I usually enjoy the whole psychological aspect of their lives, how they came to be, etc… This film however takes the cake. Now I might get heat for this, but I don’t fucking care. I thought this film was better than Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer. There I said it!!! It’s a hell of a lot more interesting, and has more of that edge of your seat feel to it. I mean this bitch; Katie Bird, She’s fucking crazy.
The film is shot in a split screen style, with slow wipes that go from one shot to the next. Now yes you might find it to be annoying, but in fact this style of filmmaking only makes the film that much more suspenseful. It’s misdirection really screws with your psyche, very much like a Hitchcock film.
“Katie Bird” is a story that chronicles the life of female serial killer simply known as Katie Bird. The film cuts between an older Katie Bird, telling her life story to her doctor/lover or whatever he was., and cuts to her story of becoming a serial killer from her first kill on… Now what makes her different is that her father was also a serial killer, and did in fact train his daughter to be just like him. Keeping it in the family sought to speak. However Katie Bird is a different kind of serial killer as she likes to feel the pain of her victims by self mutilating herself, however in a way that she won’t kill herself but more of less just likes to feel the pain similar to what her victims are feeling. She likes pulling people’s teeth out too.
“Katie Bird” is an independent film, and contrary to what most people think about all indie films having their flaws, I for one think “Katie Bird” was shot and edited just as good as any Hollywood feature. The script it great and very well written. I mean you can tell by watching the film that the script was very thought out and that it was not rushed. Like most indie scripts, the filmmakers usually write one draft and are eager to shoot the film. “Katie Bird” I’m sure was done the right way, and was proofread over and over again until every little detail was perfect, and that my friends is what the script is, nothing but top notch. The character development is unbelievable, I’m one of those people that can care less about the plot, I need good characters to satisfy my film needs. This film gave me that, and while I might not be able to relate to these characters, I really enjoyed the story they were telling.
As far as acting goes, I can honestly say that I have never in my life seen such great acting in an indie slasher flick before. I mean, holly shit guys. What a great casting job. These actors looked as if they really were the people they were playing in the film. I don’t know what the rehearsal schedule was like for this film, but I think Justin Paul Ritter’s job as a great and talented director shows big time here. It is nothing short of great and amazing filmmaking.
In terms of special effects, there is not much in terms of large scale gore. I mean we get some good make-up effects, but there is more of a “Less is More” thing going on in this film. We get a lot of blood but the really bad shit is done off screen, leaving the fear up to your imagination. However there is a “Hellraiser” like face peel towards the end of the flick.
On a side note, the music in this film really adds to the uneasiness of this film. I believe that the music is what really gives you that feeling in the pit of your stomach. It’s what makes each scene that much better.
Overall, expect to see this film on my top ten list of 2005, which I’ll be posting at the end of this month. (Jan. 2006) “Katie Bird” is nothing short of being the best serial killer film ever made.
– Horror Bob
- Interview with J.R. Bookwalter - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Andrew J. Rausch - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Rick Popko and Dan West - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Director Stevan Mena (Malevolence) - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Screenwriter Jeffery Reddick (Day of the Dead 2007) - January 22, 2015
- Teleconference interview with Mick Garris (Masters of Horror) - January 22, 2015
- A Day at the Morgue with Corri English (Unrest) - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Writer/Director Nacho Cerda (The Abandoned, Aftermath) - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Actress Thora Birch (Dark Corners, The Hole, American Beauty) - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Actor Jason Behr, Plus Skinwalkers Press Coverage - January 22, 2015
