The Gray Man - 2007 US d: Scott Flynn
A remarkably well realised period biopic of deranged murderer Albert Fish and the hunt to track him down. The detail gone to in reconstructing Depression-era America on what is clearly not a huge budget is nothing short of amazing. It is also filmed magnificently, it's a visual pleasure.
There's no gore or on-screen murder, none of Fish's cannibalism is shown and the film is all the more powerful for it, in this case. On could argue that the extent of Fish's depravity is glossed over, but the expertly woven atmosphere here leaves you in no doubt as the the unhinged nature of the man. Seeing how his sickness affects his family too adds a wallop. It's not bang on accurate to the realities of the actual case, but it is closer than many such films, and what deviation from the facts there is is not drastic nor does it diminish (or embellish) the impact that this is based upon truth.
Patrick Bachau gives a super performance as Fish and Jack Conley gives a multi-dimensional noirish turn as the missing persons detective who had the case. The supporting cast are also aptly chosen and fit perfectly.
I was very impressed by this true crime story. It is really creepy and gets right under your skin. As such it is as much a horror film as it is a biographical drama. And all told with the discreet chilling skill of a Tourneur.
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