Alex Carter
Imagine the chilling combination of the infamous Jeffrey Dahmer and early 2000s horror. Most would anticipate a gruesome, unsettling film, brimming with blood-soaked power tools and rotting flesh. But what if instead, you were presented with a thoughtful, poignant drama that delicately handles one of history’s most horrifying killing sprees?
That’s precisely what David Jacobson masterfully crafts in Dahmer (2002). This film, surprisingly devoid of gore, delves into the psyche of the notorious serial killer. Despite his heinous acts, Jeff (Jeremy Renner) is portrayed as a subtly charming and persuasive loner who entices a young man named Rodney (Artel Great) back to his apartment with a sinister intention.
The narrative unfolds over a single night towards the end of Dahmer’s reign of terror, interspersed with glimpses into his troubled youth. Jacobson also dramatizes Dahmer’s first known murder, taking intriguing creative liberties. Join co-hosts Jenn Adams and Joe Lipsett as they dissect this unexpected and compelling adaptation, and applaud Great’s standout performance in the latest episode of Bloody FM’s Murder Made Fiction Podcast.
From Renner’s chilling portrayal of a murderer to the subtle deviations from real-life events, they scrutinize the filmmaker’s narrative approach. How does Jacobson depict Dahmer’s sexuality? Are the numerous flashbacks justified? What are their thoughts on the film’s shocking climax, and is the skeleton in Jeff’s living room meant to be real?
Join Joe and Jenn on their captivating journey through narratives inspired by the Milwaukee Monster.
Craving more Murder Made Fiction? Be sure to explore the podcast’s Patreon feed, where Jenn and Joe offer an additional ~8 hours of bonus content.
This month’s episodes feature a comprehensive discussion of the entire first season of Ryan Murphy’s Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, dissected episode by episode. They also delve into the Tubi documentary Killing Dahmer and provide a detailed primer on the case.
