Cast
View All
David Arquette
as Keith Hunter Jesperson
Gloria Reuben
as Melinda Gand
Stefanie von Pfetten
as Diane Loftin
Melissa M. Montgomery
as Felicia Boones
Em Haine
as Sissy Peyton
Jordana Largy
as Candy
Mittita Barber
as Summer
Josh Blacker
as Peter
Crystal Mudry
as Redhead
Kelly-Ruth Mercier
as Delores Pavlinac
David Allan Pearson
as Dez
Vanessa Walsh
as Taffy
Peter Flemming
as John
Kurt Evans
as Levi
Daryl Shuttleworth
as Cotton
Crew
Director
- Rick Bota
Producer
- Harvey Kahn
Reviews
John Chard
Happy Face Killer (2014)
The Jesperson Temper.
Happy Face Killer is directed by Rick Bota and written by Richard Christian Matheson. It stars David Arquette, Gloria Reuben, Daryl Shuttleworth, Stefanie von Pfetten and Josh Blacker. Music is by Hal Foxton Beckett and Marc Baril and cinematography by Adam Sliwinski.
This is an interpretation of the real life events surrounding the workings – hunt for – and capture of Canadian serial killer Keith Hunter Jesperson.
It’s one of those bone of contentions with adaptations to screen of real life serial killers, with poetic license etc, that invariably many feel cheated of not getting the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. The story of Keith Hunter Jesperson, who would become known as the Happy Face Killer, was not known to me, but when it caught my eye in the TV listings, with Arquette in a serious dramatic role, I had to take a look. Crucially for someone like me who was unaware of the case, it helped me to get more from the viewing experience by reading up on Jesperson after the viewing. I would urge any potential first time viewers to do the same.
The core essence of Jesperson’s crimes and his mindset is correct, but motives and means, and crucially childhood traumas, are sketchy at best. If able to accept the poetic license factor, this is still a very detailed and skin itching take on a man who it is confirmed killed 8 women. The murders are staged expertly by the makers to get the required impact to stun the viewers, the procedural aspects of the investigation, led by FBI Agent Melinda Gand (an excellent Reuben) are insightful and gripping, and Arquette, in spite of not remotely fitting the physique or profile of the real Jesperson, works very hard to convince as a man who could turn murderous by the slightest provocation.
In the pantheon of serial killer movies this is hardly essential stuff, but it is well worth a look and worthy of inspection by those interested in the topic to hand. 6.5/10
Sep 23, 2014
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Happy Face Killer examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Rick Bota 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 2014, 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 Happy Face Killer took approximately 9 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 83 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 115 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 68 unique compositions.
- The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2014, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Happy Face Killer shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Antarctica, which focuses more on action than character development, Happy Face Killer subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Ablaze and The Gray Man explore similar territory, Happy Face Killer stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 1, 2014
- Runtime: 1h 23m
Where to Watch
