Driller Killer - 1979 - [Special Edition] - Abel Fererra

Driller Killer is a 1979 American horror film written, directed by, and starring Abel Ferrara. Set in the gritty landscapes of New York City during an era when the city was experiencing a significant decay due to economic and social crises, the movie is considered a cult classic that helped catapult Ferrara's career as a unique storyteller within the genre of horror and experimental cinema.

In the film, Abel Ferrara plays the role of Reno Miller, a struggling artist dealing with the pressures of urban life and financial instability. The movie begins with Reno living in a ramshackle apartment, shared with his girlfriend Carol, portrayed by Carolyn Marz, and Pamela, played by Baybi Day. As Reno struggles to make ends meet while working on a masterpiece he believes will bring him both wealth and recognition, the audience is plunged into a world of psychodrama where the thin line between sanity and madness is consistently blurred.

The setting of the movie is worth noting. Driller Killer does an exceptional job in capturing the chaotic, almost dystopian ambiance of New York City during the late seventies. The city, famously described as a melting pot of cultures, is presented as a landscape of despair and desolation in the film - a character in itself. Littered alleyways, dimly lit streets filled with shady characters, and the unending noise of a city that never sleeps serves as the perfect backdrop for Reno's descent into madness.

The film's title, Driller Killer, refers to the gruesome murders committed by Reno as his sanity starts to unravel. Driven to the brink of insanity due to a myriad of factors - mounting bills, strained relationships, creative block, and the incessant noise from a punk band living downstairs - Reno's frustration culminates in a harrowing, blood-soaked frenzy of violence using a power drill as his weapon of choice.

What sets Driller Killer apart from the usual slasher flick is its focus on the deteriorating mental state of the protagonist, as contrasted with the societal decay mirrored all around him. The movie uses gore and horror not just for the sake of creating shock value, but to emphasize the breakdown of the protagonist’s psyche. The power drill, which becomes Reno's tool of destruction, becomes a symbol for his desperation to regain control - a manifestation of his anguish, anger, and insanity.

Abel Ferrara not only directed and starred in the film but also co-wrote it, bringing a unique perspective to the narrative. The character Reno Miller is not a one-dimensional, unthinking monster typical of many horror serial killer films. Instead, he is portrayed as a three-dimensional character, flawed and human.

Carolyn Marz and Baybi Day provide compelling performances as the women entangled in Reno’s toxic world. Their characters, although secondary, play crucial roles in our understanding of Reno's psyche. The domestic and sexual tensions in their unconventional living arrangement add another layer to the narrative, offering a nuanced exploration of interpersonal relationships within the confines of such a distressed environment.

The distinct punk rock soundtrack, largely provided by a band named ‘The Roosters’ that features in the movie, adds to the grimy, raw atmosphere of Driller Killer. The noisy, aggressive music symbolizes the constant and unescapable agitation Reno experiences, driving him further into an abyss of insanity.

This Special Edition of Driller Killer, beyond providing a cleaned-up version of the original footage, includes enlightening interviews and other bonus materials that deepen the appreciation for Abel Ferrara's early work. It presents an invaluable insight for fans of Ferrara and anyone interested in the more avant-garde side of the horror genre.

In summary, Driller Killer is not only an intense and atmospheric slasher film but also an examination of the destructive effects of urban decay, isolation, and the ceaseless pressure to survive and succeed. It remains a testament to Abel Ferrara's unique voice in cinema, and a must-watch for horror genre enthusiasts who appreciate psychological depth intertwined with chilling terror.