Serial Killers at the Movies: My Intimate Talks with Mass Murderers Who Became Stars of the Big Screen

The depraved crimes of real and imagined serial killers and mass murderers have long fascinated us, and films such as Silence of the Lambs, Psycho, and Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer have allowed us into their minds. Bestselling author Christopher Berry-Dee talks to these serial killers and mass murderers and tells their stories in his book.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 01 November 2020
Publisher: Ad Lib Publishers Ltd

The depraved crimes of both real and imagined serial killers and mass murderers have long captivated us in newspapers and books, but perhaps nowhere more so than on the big screen. Films such as Silence of the Lambs, Psycho, and Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer have not only reached huge audiences but also allowed us into the minds of society's most disturbed individuals. Bestselling author, Christopher Berry-Dee, talks to the serial killers whose wicked stories have most thrilled and fascinated us at the movies and, through far-ranging and disturbing interviews, he tells the stories of the mass murderers who provided the inspiration for some of cinema's most shocking films.

The allure of serial killers and mass murderers has been a topic of fascination for many years, and it is no surprise that this fascination has translated into the realm of cinema. Films such as Silence of the Lambs, Psycho, and Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer have not only captivated audiences but have also provided a window into the minds of these disturbed individuals. These films have allowed us to gain a deeper understanding of the motivations and actions of these killers, and have helped to shed light on the dark corners of human nature.

One of the most notable aspects of these films is the way in which they have been able to portray serial killers and mass murderers as complex and multi-dimensional characters. Rather than simply presenting them as monsters or villains, these films have sought to explore the reasons behind their actions and to provide a sense of empathy for these individuals. This approach has been particularly effective in films such as Silence of the Lambs, which follows the story of Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant psychiatrist who is also a serial killer. Through his interactions with Clarice Starling, the FBI agent who is tasked with catching him, Lecter is revealed to be a complex and intelligent character who is capable of feeling empathy and remorse.

Similarly, films such as Psycho have portrayed the character of Norman Bates as a tragic figure who is driven to commit murder by his troubled past. Bates is a deeply flawed individual who is unable to connect with others, and his obsession with his mother and her death drives him to commit heinous acts. This portrayal of Bates has helped to humanize him and has made him a more memorable and sympathetic character.

In addition to these films that focus on serial killers and mass murderers, there are also films that have been inspired by real-life events. One such film is The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, which is based on the true story of a family of cannibals who murdered and mutilated several people in the 1970s. This film is known for its graphic and disturbing imagery, and it has helped to cement the horror genre as a popular and enduring form of entertainment.

Another film that has been inspired by real-life events is The Silence of the Lambs, which is based on the novel of the same name by Thomas Harris. This film follows the story of Clarice Starling, a young FBI agent who is tasked with catching a serial killer known as Hannibal Lecter. Starling is a complex and intelligent character who is able to navigate the dangerous world of serial killers and mass murderers, and her interactions with Lecter are both thrilling and chilling.

Despite the fascination with serial killers and mass murderers, it is important to note that these films can be highly disturbing and may not be suitable for all viewers. The portrayal of these individuals as complex and multi-dimensional characters can sometimes lead to a sense of empathy or understanding, which can be uncomfortable for some viewers. It is important to approach these films with caution and to be aware of the potential risks associated with viewing them.

In conclusion, the depraved crimes of both real and imagined serial killers and mass murderers have long captivated us in newspapers and books, but perhaps nowhere more so than on the big screen. Films such as Silence of the Lambs, Psycho, and Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer have not only reached huge audiences but have also allowed us into the minds of society's most disturbed individuals. These films have been able to portray serial killers and mass murderers as complex and multi-dimensional characters, and have provided a window into the dark corners of human nature. While these films can be highly disturbing, they can also be a valuable tool for understanding and exploring the complexities of human behavior.

Weight: 204g
Dimension: 129 x 196 x 56 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913543839