This obscure expose of insanity stars Stacy Keach as a small town sheriff with a penchant for murder. Rather than being a film about an insane madman, The Killer Inside Me focuses more on the psychological elements of insanity, and thereby provides a murderous movie with a hint of some brains behind it. The film is well written and the plot, while slow, remains interesting and engaging almost throughout. However, the plot does become a bit too slow at times, and despite a well timed performance from Stacy Keach, The Killer Inside Me sometimes becomes a little too slow and the film ultimately suffers because of it. The film is based on a book by Jim Thompson. I've never read the book that the film is based on, but the plot follows a small time sheriff who discovers that he has a murderous urge inside of him after the arrival of a prostitute upsets the balance between him and his childhood sweetheart. The sheriff then goes from all round nice law enforcement guy to brutal, cold-blooded killer as he murders his way through anyone that stands in his way.
The problem with the plot is really highlighted by the fact that it takes so long to get to the first murder. The film takes time to build the central character, thus making it more shocking once his schizophrenia does finally show through - but the build up to it is too slow, and that's not good when a film is claiming itself to be a 'thriller'. The Killer Inside Me also has a 'made for TV' aura about it. As far as I know, it wasn't made for TV; but the way that everything is very subdued and the support acting is nothing special gives it that sort of impression. The film really is held together by Stacy Keach, who gives it his all in the lead role. This actor really is underrated, as he often turns in memorable and assured performances, yet the cult star never gets the recognition he deserves. John Carradine is the only stand-out name from the rest of the cast, and he makes an appearance that is little more than a cameo. On the whole, as this film is rather obscure; I really can't see the point in purposely seeking it out. The Killer Inside Me is worth a watch if you do happen to stumble across a copy, but it's not a tragedy to miss it.
