Jeffrey Dahmer - The Secret Life

Customer Reviews:

Low budget but accurate and with a very convincing Dahmer.......2005-03-29

THE SHORT: Low budget and unintentionally silly sometimes, this is nonetheless the best telling of the Dahmer story. Forget the sloppy, artsy, woefully miscast early 2000s film "Dahmer"- This is a much more straightforward, accurate version, and with a very true portrayal of the killer.

THE LONG: This is a tough film to review, since several factors need to be taken into account. Let's filter the more judgmental..Ok, are you interested in the facts concerning the serial killer of Jeffrey Dahmer? Can you withstand an independent, low-budget film? Are you objective enough to NOT dislike a film solely due to its lack of stars or professional look?

Well, if you said yes then you should have a mind open enough to handle this one. This film is an almost 100% accurate dramatization of Dahmer's adult life and subsequent murder spree, and is styled as an autobiography. It isn't a glamorized, unrealistic account that unfortunately the theatrical film "Dahmer" (2001) was. The movie begins with Dahmer, played quite convincingly by Carl Crew, sitting in the police car as they raid his apartment. His thoughts of what got him there are presented to us in a past-tense, narrated style that accurately explains much of Dahmer's psychoses and motives which led him to commit murder almost 20 times.

Some of the reviews here say that this actor is too big, Dahmer was really frail, the 2001 Dahmer was more realistic, etc. I just wanted to say that I don't believe that they've researched the case very thoroughly. Dahmer was often thought of as a handsome man, quiet and unassuming yet startlingly strong when he went for the kill. His last intended victim, Tracy Edwards who escaped, told police how surprised he was at Dahmer's mood shifts and sudden strength. Dahmer was a man of duality, and the fact that so many people mention the more recent film "Dahmer" proves to me that not a lot of reviewers know the details of his life and appearance. Having no allegiance to one film over the other and having studied this case and been raised in Wisconsin, I can say with certainty that this film is the most accurate.

We get to know the character, both the devious side as well as the side that came moderately close to living a normal life. It isn't anyone's fault but Dahmer's that 17 people died, but being a criminal psychology student, I was pleased to see more than just his animalistic side represented, truthfully, in this film. You see him having a loving relationship with his grandmother as well as trying to find companionship, but of course we witness the side of him that everyone remembers.

It should be noted that there is little actual onscreen violence, with much of it suggestive in shots such as spattering of blood or a body being struck through a blurred curtain. You do see two deaths that I remember, one being a pretty bloodless throat slash and the other being a man shoved alive into a barrel of acid. While you don't see anything graphic, this cruelty and the convincing acting of both Crew and his victim make this a disturbing scene. And while the actual onscreen mutilation is kept low, you will see the results. There is a prop hand and head or two, but it seems as if this was to disturb the viewer and doesn't look to be exploitive. Besides, these fake anatomical pieces are where the budget limitations are visible. Although acceptable, they look enough like fakes to not be too disturbing.

The film actually concludes before Dahmer's death in 1994, due to the fact that it was released a year or two prior. That's about the only big difference from the real story, and the information that remains is, as I've stated, very true to the facts. The film quality could be better, the dialogue often sounds a little too quiet, and the acting of several characters IS a bit hammy, but it's not overboard (and again, Crew plays Dahmer very well and even uses several of his real-life statements- the filmmakers did their homework.).

In my opinion, this is a flawed but ultimately honest and serious look into one of America's most remembered serial killers. I think it's safe to say the film is memorable as well, and I respect it for overcoming its limitations to deliver the story in a believable manner, aided by a thoroughly excellent Carl Crew as Dahmer.

anyone with a dahmer facination.......2005-02-11

Anyone who even remotely finds Dahmer fascinating or even inspiring should watch this movie.
I liked it better than the film dahmer. It was more realistic and less hollywood. It does turn on a switch for homo-sexual tenndencies of the late serial killer. Yes, its poor quality, but its one of those films that sticks to your mind and leaves you in an odd mood all day. I would have liked to see more of Jeffrey'ss daily activities, but other than that, see it for yourself.

Decent enough movie..........2005-01-15

The film kept true to most of the facts of the life of Dahmer. Some of the acting was pretty bad, but Carl Crew (Dahmer) did a pretty good job. Most of his "victims" were believeable. However, his mother & parole officer were horrible. Luckily, they're not in the film for long.

Although the ending was a bit over the top as far as correct police procedure, the movie was factual & not too bad. If you're looking for factual over great performance, this movie is for you.

this is not the real dahmer but a good cheap horror flick.......2004-11-21

I bought the vhs on ebay and was disappointed. The picture quality stinks. The acting is so bad you actually want to keep watching. For a silly B horror flick i would recommend. But if you are looking for an accurate portrayal of jeff dahmer and his life - this is not it.

now as for books - i strongly recommend reading the shrine of jd by brian masters. he is an unbelievable author and having read nearly every book on the case, this one, by far, blows the others away.

buy the book instead of the movie

LOW BUDGET DVD THAT'S WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY.......2004-08-10

As a HUGE fan of Jeffrey. I purchased this DVD. I was very disappointed with the story, acting, picture quality and sound quality. The story shows the 16 kills. The reasons for me not liking the movie are below.

1. The story is not based on facts. I know a lot of Jeffrey Dahmer. Most the story is fictionalized *AS STATED ON THE DVD CASE*
2. Carl Crew who plays Jeffrey does not look like Jeffrey at all. He's taller and more built. The guy looks like a body builder. He is more vicious than Jeffrey ever was. He makes Jeffrey look like a big monster. Jeffrey was tall, thin, goodlooking and quiet.
3. Most of the movie shows Jeffrey fondling with men. I do know Jeffrey was gay. But this movie shows too much gay interest. It's more of a movie for gay men, then for someone who's interested in Jeffrey's life. I do admit that some of the men are gorgeous.
4. The picture looks like it was made from an old camera that just was working right. The sounds goes in and out.

If you want to see an EXCELLENT Jeffrey Dahmer DVD. I recommend watching the 2002 version called Dahmer. The actor playing Jeffrey (Jeremy Renner) acts and looks kind of like Jeffrey. He plays Jeffrey Dahmer very well. The story is pretty much based on true facts.

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