Bloodtype Online

     "The Minus Man" is a psychological thriller, originally released in 1999. The film is both written and directed by Hampton Fancher. The screenplay is based off of the novel from author Lew McCreary. The film boasts a solid cast. The players include Owen Wilson, Brian Cox, Janeane Garofalo, Mercedes Ruehl, Dennis Haybert, Dwight Yoakam and Sheryl Crowe. Personally, I hadn't viewed the movie after it was released to video almost eight years ago. I had read about the film and it had interested me yet I never got the chance to watch it. Thanks to the website I was finally able to sit down with this movie that had peaked my interest so many years ago. The film stars Owen Wilson who has had a very successful Hollywood career since this film was made. As an avid film goer I always have fun going back and watching an independent film that a big star had made, previous to acquiring stardom. I was interested to see what a young Wilson would bring to the table with this feature.

     The story follows a drifter named Vann Siegert (Wilson) who drives his truck from town to town with no specific destination. At the outset of the film, Vann makes a stop in a small dive bar in the middle of nowhere. He quickly befriends Laurie (Crowe), lending her money after she can't come up with the cash to pay her tab. He soon offers to drive her home. On the way, he makes a quick stop at a public restroom. As he leaves his truck, Laurie (who's a junkie), shoots up some heroine. When Vann returns he finds Laurie in a drug induced state. He offers her a drink from his flask. She throws its contents down her throat. Unbeknownst to her, the liquid she consumed contained poison. Vann drags her lifeless body into the deserted bathroom and places the needle in her arm to make it seem like she overdosed. This scene introduces the character of Vann. A heartless, conniving serial killer who is also charming and well liked by all who meet him.

     Most of the remainder of the plot takes place in a small town that Vann decides to settle in for the time being. He finds a place to live with an unhappy married couple's empty bedroom. Before long he finds a job with the local post office and begins a relationship with another mail clerk (Garofalo). Vann charms his way into the small town people's lives but cannot stop his murderous ways. Vann also has interaction with two imaginary police detectives (Haysbert and Yoakam) who he consistently converses with when plotting his crimes or cleaning them up. The climax of the film embodies how Vann's actions and presence effect the small town and its inhabitants.

     The film is well put together by writer and director Hampton Fancher. A small film like this doesn't utilize or need to encompass any complicated technical maneuvers within its film making. This type a movie is a character study and its potential success must rely on the performances from its actors. Luckily, Fancher had a very talented cast to work with and all the main roles were in very capable hands. Owen Wilson, especially, had to carry much of this feature and he does a very convincing job as the lead. He successfully captures the likability that the Vann character needed for this film to work. The supporting cast all does a great job in keeping the flow of the film strong. Brian Cox stood out to me as having a scene stealing performance as the unhappily married landlord of Vann.

     In conclusion, "The Minus Man" is an original serial killer film that is quite different from most films within the same genre. It portrays the killer as a likable and charming young man who believes his victims deserve the fate that he can provide. More than anything, the film is an interesting character study on both the central Vann character and those who he interacts with and effects. I would recommend "The Minus Man" for any fans of psychological thrillers or serial killer films. Its originality and performances truly make it stand out.

**1/2

-Jared Bajoras