Overkill: The Aileen Wuornos Story (1992) (TV)

User Rating:

5.3/10   

Director:

Peter Levin

Writer (WGA):

Fred Mills (written by)

Release Date:

17 November 1992 (USA)

Genre:

Biography | Crime | Drama

Plot:

This film is based on the true story of Aileen Wuornos a prostitute-turned-serial killer who preyed mostly on truck drivers. |

Plot Keywords:

Killer | Prostitution | Truck Stop Prostitute | Murderer | Serial Killer

Cast

Jean Smart	...	Aileen Wuornos
Park Overall	...	Tyria Moore
Tim Grimm	...	Capt. Steve Binegar
Ernie Lively	...	Maj. Dan Henry
Geoffrey Rivas
Erich Anderson
Anthony Dean Fields
T.C. Warner	...	Amy
Dave Florek
Brion James	...	Bruce Munster
Marc Alaimo	...	Sheriff Walton
Arell Blanton	...	Douglas Chambers
Joe Bratcher	...	Dennis
Robert Alan Browne	...	Businessman
Lee de Broux	...	Sheriff Benson

Runtime:

95 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Finland:K-16 | Iceland:16 | Australia:M

Filming Locations:

Florida, USA

Company:

C.M. Two Production

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Mass Murder (2002) (V)

Excellent characterisation by Jean Smart - Well worth seeing

I accept the view of other contributors that this TV version of the story presents a sanitised picture with some aspects of the Wuornos story being reduced or ignored. In particular the motivation behind the murders is only peripherally explored and the true relationship between Wuornos and Tyria is really ignored being presented as room-sharing "sisters" almost.

However I do disagree with one commentator who says Jean Smart is awful in the title role. This is an actress I hadn't come across before but I can see from her IMDb entry that she has appeared in many films. I shall certainly keep an eye out for her in the future. I found her performance here compelling. She puts across the serial killer characteristics of someone who can function some of the time in their normal environment in a relatively "normal" manner but who is subsumed by an overwhelming compulsion in other circumstances. The scenes before her capture where she is dancing frenetically and aimlessly in a club and then is slouched in a yard full of bike-riders is a case in point.

I think an excellent performance from Smart well supported by Park Overall as Tyria though the police roles are perfunctory and basic at times.

Although the Charlize Theron version of this story is much more well known and garnered her worthy accolades this TV film is well worth watching if you get the chance.