B.T.K.

(2007)

directed By Michael Feifer

reviewed by Adam p. Lewis*

06.12.2009

Liongate’s 2009 DVD release of B.T.K., directed and written by Michael Feifer, is a fictional movie based on real life serial killer Dennis Rader, better known as the B.T.K. Killer. The synopsis of the film is Rader, a middle-aged compliance officer and church leader, acts out his murderous urges through uncontrolled anger.

The movie stars Kane Hodder (Jason Voorhees, Friday the 13th parts VII - X) portraying Rader. He does an excellent job showing Rader’s diminishing commitment to his family, but more importantly his growing commitment to Bind, Torture and Kill. His acting ability to seem mild mannered and increasingly withdrawing from his family is overshadowed by his brilliant performance stalking and killing. Voorhees by far delivers the film’s best performance.

Another high point of the film is actress Odessa Rae. Her character, Heather, is a prostitute who eludes Rader at the beginning of the film but eventually succumbs to his murderous ways during the films best and disturbing scene, which finds Rader questioning not only his own motives but his commitment to his family.

The only low points are the supporting actors who drag the film down with moments of uninspired acting. However, the script is strong enough to overcome these weaknesses and does not take away from the overall emotions brought upon by the movie or Hodder’s brilliant performance.

Writer and director, Michael Feifer, does an excellent job building suspense and surprising his audience. For example, Rader kidnaps a young female by hitting her with a billy club. After pushing her into the back of his van, a fellow church member approaches and hears the young girl in the back agonizing in high-pitched moans. After talking his way out of the situation, Rader leaves with the female who has lost consciousness and picks up another young female to escort her home safely. The ride with both females in the van shows Rader’s disturbing personality at its best and glues viewers to the screen as they try to second-guess Rader’s next move.

The script is highly interesting and never loses focus of the synopsis. The dialogue is smooth and each character’s personality is perfectly written. The film has a few scenes of mild blood and gore, which removes the film from a potential splatter film and takes it into a refreshing direction of a crumbling family and a man unable to control his urge to kill. The contrast of Rader’s normal and demented personalities is spotlighted well where the viewer can relate to his family issue and then tremble at his psychopathic rampages.