Deranged

Shameless exploitation based on the story of Ed Gein. There are many hilarious performances and scenes, and a "newspaper columnist" who makes Rod Serling-esque appearances onscreen to narrate the tale and assure us that no punches have been pulled depicting these ghastly events.

Roberts "Old Man From Home Alone" Blossom plays a pretty creepy dude who I could definitely believe as a crazy nut. Without him this film wouldn't be half as good as it is. I'm a sucker for these psychological serial killer movies, and this one satisfied me, but didn't wow me. The scene with the "skin mask" reveal was pretty freaking cool. The biggest problem with this movie is that stupid on-set narrator. Stop interrupting and just let me watch the damn movie!

This manages to be, by turns, gross, scary, and blackly funny. As Ezra, Blossom is nothing short of brilliant, lending considerable idiosyncratic shading to what could easily have been a one-dimensional role, and he receives ample support from a cast of unknowns. The film's simple but effective framing device features an omniscient reporter (Carlson) who pops in and out of the action with updates on Ezra's career.

So many literary and horror movie villains have been inspired by Ed Gein, that "Deranged" - which, while inaccurate, is the closest to being a reconstruction of the actual story - has gone almost unnoticed. Admittedly, this isn't quite the brilliant thrill-ride of "Texas Chainsaw Massacre", but it's a surprisingly good movie with its saturated tan sets, patient pace, suitably campy and eccentric acting, and understated macabre humor. Some moments are bizarre enough John Waters would grin.

The 70s always looks like the most uncomfortable period to be around in, just so itchy and garish - pretty perfect for this nasty little hoot. This feels like a Wes Anderson horror film.

Much better than I thought it was going to be. This is a bit grisly, and unsettling, yet still manages to be darkly comic. Blossom does extremely well in the lead role, creating a compelling character with substance, and able to elicit both sympathy and fear. The small cast is interesting too; the dialogue they are given to work with seems to fit the piece nicely. The film looks good, and the score contributes to the uneasy feel. I'm not sure about the narrator, but this is worth a look.

Apesar daquele narrador intruso ter me irritado um pouco, Blossom está tão sensacional com aquele olhar contido porém insano que terminei o filme querendo ferozmente ler uma biografia de Gein escrita por um psicanalista - com ênfase no psicanalista, não quero behaviorista, nem psiquiatra, nem criminologista, muito menos jornalista ou curioso. DVD Obras Primas do Cinema Serial Killers.

Okay Movie