DISTURBING MR. RYAN

One of the most disturbing films to come out in a long time is easily a little independent movie called “Amateur Porn Star Killer” by a small production company Alter Ego Cinema out of California. The film, also known simply as “APSK,” had a $45 budget and is part horror, part true crime, part mockumentary, part exploitation and extremely effective.

Director Shane Ryan plays the good-looking all American boy Brandon, who just so happens to be sadistic rapist and murderer in the faux snuff film. Most of the movie is shot from his perspective and viewers follow along as he picks up a young girl named Stacy (Michiko Jimenez), takes her to a hotel and turns her into an amateur porn star by filming himself raping her. Once he’s had his fun, Brandon also ends her life.

“Amateur Porn Star Killer” is down right painful to watch, but it’s also one of the most thought provoking films on violence, sex and nudity, possibly ever released nationally. The film hits DVD November 6 and Ryan is currently working on a sequel with a third installment to follow. In the meantime, PollyStaffle.com spoke with Ryan about what movies scare and disturb him just in time for Halloween.

“I’m probably not the best for Halloween recommendations as I’ve never really been a horror fan,” Ryan said. “But I do love true crime, detective movies and forensic files and let’s not forget the serial killer. That, to me, is what’s truly scary.”

“Especially when it comes to killers like Ted Bundy,” Ryan continued. “How about a charming neighbor who says hello everyday, loves walking his dog, spending time with the family, or participating in charity events. And wait, did I mention he also enjoys raping and killing young boys and girls... single moms... the college boys next door... your grand parents... or maybe even you? True crime scares the shit out of me because, well, it’s true.”

Besides Ted Bundy, the list of real life murderers that have been immortalized on celluloid goes on and on. Not including couples or cult leaders, Ed Gein, Richard Ramirez, Jeffrey Dahmer, John Wayne Gacey, Henry Lee Lucas, Andre Chikatilo, H.H. Holmes, David Berkowitz, Aileen Wuornos, Lizzie Borden, The Zodiac Killer, BTK, Jack The Ripper and The Green River Killer are some of the better known mass murderers and serial killers with their own feature films and documentaries. But Ryan’s top recommendation of all the true crime thrillers is David Fincher’s 2007 film “Zodiac,” which was based on books written by the movie’s main character Robert Graysmith.

“Please don’t rent the other Zodiac movies,” Ryan said. “You know, the ones that say ‘Ulli Lommel’s Zodiac Killer,’‘Curse of the Zodiac,’ or whatever. Fincher’s is a dream movie for people fanatic about crime scenes, detail, detective work, and the unknown. You’ll be freaked out for sure to see that some guy got away with this. Or that the cops couldn’t track him down but some cartoonist probably did. Yet, whether we know who did it or not, nobody was ever put behind bars for these murders. This film will give you the chills for sure, not to mention it’s just an amazing piece, well worth those fucking Oscar things they give out. It is, however, probably a film for older folks looking for scares that differ from your typical teen horror movie and gore. I’d say if you’re over 35 or at least like me, this is the Halloween film for you.”

“Sure, it might not make you jump that very moment,” the 27-year-old filmmaker continued in talking about the movie starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, Anthony Edwards, Robert Downey Jr. and Brian Cox. “But when you go to bed that night it stays with you and haunts you. You’ll start wondering what happened to those missing people, where the killer they never caught is or who is going to snap next?”

On the fiction end, the long list of cinematic killers, not counting any with supernatural abilities or movie monster qualities, includes Hannibal Lecter (“Silence of the Lambs”), Carl Stargher (“The Cell”), Patrick Bateman (“American Psycho”), Norman Bates (“Psycho”), John Doe (“Se7en”), May Dove Canady (“May”), Tom Ripley (“The Talented Mr. Ripley”), Jean-Baptiste Grenouille (“Perfume: The Story of a Murderer”), Ben (“Man Bites Dog”) and Jigsaw (the completely out of control “Saw” franchise).

But if you want a recently released serial killer DVD, Ryan gives a big thumbs up to the “Mr. Brooks.” The film about the Thumbprint Killer stars Kevin Costner, Demi Moore, Dane Cook and William Hurt, and was directed by Bruce A. Evans from a script Evans wrote with his longtime screenwriting collaborator Raynold Gideon (“Stand By Me,” “Starman”).

“Man, this movie fucking rocked,” Ryan said. “Who knew Kevin Costner would be a great serial killer who loves to stalk and kill young couples while they are having sex? He was so great in this role, I was in awe. But, again, this isn’t really one I think would be great for a bunch of teens or college kids to rent on Halloween that are looking for a big scare. It’s more of a dark comedy with nice suspense and a great story. Think ‘Fight Club’ meets ‘Ted Bundy.’ But there are a couple of really cool bloody death scenes towards the end and both messes each come from one amazing blow, that’s both shocking and fun.”

Aside from serial killers, Ryan said recently he has gotten into the zombie subgenre citing Danny Boyle’s “28 Days Later,” its sequel “28 Weeks Later,” which was directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, and Zack Snyder’s remake of “Dawn of the Dead,” which starred Sarah Polley and Ving Rhames, as ones to watch.

“I also have to recommend ‘Land of the Dead’ simply for Asia Argento,” Ryan said of George Romero’s 2005 zombie film. “How can you not? But seriously, in place of that check out ‘Planet Terror.’ Rose McGowan with a gun for a leg, Michael Biehn and Bruce Willis, that shitty old film look, and zombie splatters? Yeah, check that one out for sure!”

But for disturbing, and trust me, Ryan really knows disturbing, John Carpenter’s 1995 horror film “In The Mouth of Madness” and David Koepp’s 1999 thriller “Stir of Echoes” get nods. Ryan says “Mouth” drove him mad and “Echoes,” which starred Kevin Bacon, had him more scared in a movie theater than any other film.

“But the most disturbing thing I think I’ve ever seen, is ‘Family Portraits: A Trilogy of America,’” Ryan said of Douglas Buck’s graphic and haunting 2004 release. “This film will totally fuck you up and tweak your mind to feel nothing but the chills. I wouldn’t dare watch this on Halloween, unless you’re fucking crazy!”

SEE the trailer for “Amateur Porn Star Killer” here and its sequel here.

- CCF, October 2007