Murder by Numbers (2004) Online

An interesting albeit brief look at the history of serial killers in the movies. For the most part, only well known films are covered but they do range from Fritz Lang's M (1931) to Jonathan Demme's Silence of the Lambs (1991). Chances are you won't recognize many of the names and faces on screen. The majority belong to critics, authors and professors of whom most viewers will never have heard. Fortunately these folks are quite well versed in the subject matter and are very informative. There are also interviews with more familiar names like Brian Cox and Ridley Scott as well as real life serial predator Henry Lee Lucas. Areas explored include crime fact versus crime fiction, sympathetic killers, audience appreciation and trends through the years. In all, not a bad way to kill an hour. General audiences may find this documentary boring but horror fans and true crime enthusiasts should enjoy as I did.

Murder By Numbers (2004)

*** (out of 4)

Interesting documentary that takes a look at the popularity of serial killer movies over the past twenty years. Various films from Psycho, Peeping Tom, The Boston Strangler, Seven and The Silence of the Lambs are discussed by directors and experts on real serial killers. They give various reasons as to why they are so popular today, although I don't agree with everything brought up. I do find it funny that the mainstream has taken so well to these "thrillers" while the actual "horror" films are still hated.