Copycat (1995)

An agoraphobic psychologist and a female detective must work together to take down a serial killer who copies serial killers from the past.

Director:

Jon Amiel

Writers:

Ann Biderman, David Madsen

Stars:

Sigourney Weaver, Holly Hunter, Dermot Mulroney

2 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Sigourney Weaver	...	Helen Hudson
Holly Hunter	...	M.J. Monahan
Dermot Mulroney	...	Reuben Goetz
William McNamara	...	Peter Foley
Harry Connick Jr.	...	Daryll Lee Cullum
J.E. Freeman	...	Lt. Thomas Quinn
Will Patton	...	Nicoletti
John Rothman	...	Andy
Shannon O'Hurley	...	Susan Schiffer
Bob Greene	...	Pachulski
Tony Haney	...	Kerby
Danny Kovacs	...	Kostas
Tahmus Rounds	...	Landis
Scott DeVenney	...	Cop #1
David Michael Silverman	...	Mike

Storyline

Criminal profiler and psychologist Dr Helen Hudson becomes entangled in the deadly mind game of a vicious copycat serial killer Peter Foley. Due to the horrific attack Helen suffered in her past as an agoraphobic she is confined to her apartment. The killer uses this against her in his murderous attempts to become a famous serial killer. Detectives M. J Monahan and Reuben Goetz they have the challenge of trying to capture the killer before he kills again and uses his chance to commit another atrocious murder.

---

Plot Keywords:

serial killer | psychologist | detective | computer | agoraphobia | 

---

Taglines:

One man is copying the most notorious killers in history one at a time. Together, two women must stop him from killing again. Or they're next.

---

Genres:

Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for violence and language

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

27 October 1995 (USA)

Also Known As:

El imitador

Filming Locations:

Golden Gate National Recreation Area, San Francisco, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$20,000,000 (estimated)

Gross:

£2,023,443 (UK) (17 May 1996)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Regency Enterprises, New Regency Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

123 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Sigourney Weaver is almost a foot taller than Holly Hunter, thus for many scenes Weaver would be sitting down to make their heights appear more equal.

---

Goofs

Helen manages to reply to completely anonymous email.

---

Quotes

[Discussing the Boston Strangler victim]
Nicoletti: So... you followed the girl home. Then what?
Harvey: I killed her.
Nicoletti: Where did you do that?
Harvey: It was in the bathtub.
Nicoletti: Why did you do that?
Harvey: She was dirty. She was a very dirty girl, very dirty.
Nicoletti: So do you remember... how many times you stabbed her?
Harvey: [Thinks for a moment] Eighty-seven.
Nicoletti: [pause] Harvey...
[...]

---

Connections

Spoofed in Family Guy: Blind Ambition (2005)

---

Soundtracks

"Murder by Numbers"
(1983)
Words by Sting
Music by Andy Summers
Performed by The Police
Courtesy of A&M Reco

User Reviews

Gripping; definitely _not_ a carbon copy.

Contrary to what several users have written, "Copycat" is _not_ "Silence of the Lambs 2". Nor is it a rip-off of "Se7en", or an exploitation flick, or any other negative labels that have been foisted upon it. Rather, it's a gripping, and largely intriguing thriller that succeeds thanks to performances by two confident female leads, competent direction, intelligent writing, and an appropriately foreboding score courtesy of Christopher Young, who's fast becoming one of my favorite film composers.

Sigourney Weaver hits the right notes as the agoraphobic psychiatrist, especially early on, as we see the depths to which she has shut herself off from the outside world, creating her own safe little corner. Holly Hunter, in a role that instantly brings to mind Jane Craig from "Broadcast News", is effective as the investigating detective. Hers is a performance that is three-dimensional and fully-realized.

If there's a weakness in the film, it's the ongoing beef between Ruben and Nico. It's a meritless p***ing contest stemming from one character's jealousy, and could've easily been dropped or retooled. This small gripe, however, didn't deter my enjoyment of the film.

Much credit has to be given to director Jon Amiel ("Sommersby", "Entrapment") for effectively capturing the atmosphere and tension prevalent throughout the film. In addition, writers Ann Biderman and David Madsen deserve credit for a intelligent, well-researched screenplay. No clichés here, just sharply-crafted dialogue. And Christopher Young's inspired score is brilliant; just listen to the theme that plays early on, as Helen calms down after a panic attack.

"Copyat" may not be classic material, but it's a strong entry in a genre that's too often consumed by formulas and gore. Highly recommended.