Cast
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Allison Lange
as Claire Shelton
Nicholas Turturro
as Angelo Buono
C. Thomas Howell
as Kenneth Bianchi
Zarah Little
as Carrie Ploskonko
Jennifer Tisdale
as Erin
Kent King
as Gabrielle
Aimee Brooks
as Felicia Waller
Natasha Melnick
as Karyn
Brandin Rackley
as Janice Cooley
Lin Shaye
as Jenny Buono
Marisol Padilla Sánchez
as Christina Chavez
Damon Whitaker
as Ronnie
Roz Witt
as Frances Bianchi
Aaron Behr
as Dan Forney
Julia Lee
as Lisa Erwin
Crew
Director
- Chuck Parello
Writer
- Chuck Parello
- Stephen Johnston
Producer
- Robert S. Costanzo
- Michael Muscal
- Hamish McAlpine
Reviews
John Chard
Hardly Kissing Cousins.
Kenneth Bianchi and Angelo Buono were two cousins who were convicted of the rape, torture and murder of 10 females of various ages in LA 1977/78. This film is an interpretation of their reign of terror.
Unpleasant. If you are going to do a serial killer movie, one based on real life perpetrators, then you surely have to make the characterisations of fascination value away from their despicable crimes. Unfortunately director Chuck Parello and co-writer Stephen Johnston fail to do this, leaving the film with a paucity of worthwhile human story moments. It’s not helped by the fact Nicholas Torturro as Buono is badly miscast, he’s just impossible to take serious in a role that calls for the ultimate seriousness.
On the plus side, C. Thomas Howell as Bianchi hits the right notes. Howell is something of an undervalued actor in dark roles, as far back as 1990 where he played a vengeful killer in a film called Kid, he’s been doing good moody work in thrillers. Elsewhere John Pirozzi’s cinematography is on the money, keeping the murky tones of the film in harness, while Gregg Gibbs’ production design has all the late 1970s requisites. 5/10
Dec 1, 2014
Thematic Analysis
This Drama/Horror/Mystery/Thriller film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Hillside Strangler presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Chuck Parello brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2004, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Hillside Strangler took approximately 13 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $1.4 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 97 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 138 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 39 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2004, when this film is released:
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Hillside Strangler shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Children of War, which focuses more on action than character development, The Hillside Strangler offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Cry of the Banshee and Hoodlum explore similar territory, The Hillside Strangler stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 12, 2004
- Runtime: 1h 37m
- Budget: $1,400,000
