Killing Words DVD Review:

Cat and mouse thriller uses words and perfectly timed twists rather than violence in order to remain suspenseful.

Surprise twists in films have become far too commonplace, so that as soon as we hear that there is a shocking ending the entire film hangs on the balance of that one moment which usually ends up far too ridiculous to swallow anyways. Killing Words seems to understand the importance of the twists that it throws at the audience, allowing for them to gradually come out as the film progresses and never straying too far from what is already known. The simplicity of the twist increases the believability and therefore the suspense builds without too much distraction or attention being focused on the twists that the film gradually releases.

Ramon is a distinguished professor living a seemingly normal life until he is brought in for questioning about the disappearance of his ex-wife, Laura. As he is questioned the truth slowly begins to come out. There are video tapes which Ramon has made confessing to murders and there is evidence that he may have taken Laura hostage in his basement. Bouncing back and forth between finding out what happened to Laura and the questioning at the police station, Ramon is constantly able to gain control of his situation with the words that he uses. The question remains whether or not the words he speaks are true or not.

The film is a large struggle for control, and Laura is capable of regaining control with ease, but Ramon can just as easily regain control within the police station. As the power struggle continues in each scene the audience is given just a bit more information with each scene. The film slowly moves along with great acting by Dario Grandinetti as Ramon, and cinematography that brings intensity to the well written words. The images look amazing especially considering the DVD shows the film in the much preferred widescreen, giving the scope of each shot as meant to be seen. In less capable hands this film could easily have become slow and repetitious. Perhaps it still is a little bit but I found myself drawn in so much that I was able to forgive any small problems with the story.

Killing Words was nominated for the Grand Prize of European Fantasy Film in Gold at the Amsterdam Fantastic Film Festival in 2004 and has won numerous awards at other festivals as well. The slow melodic pace of the film is what sets it apart from many other films that could be placed in the same category and although that may be a deterrent to some it is what makes this film so original and unique.



Ryan Izay