The Minus Man (1999)

A cold-blooded serial killer floats around the country and chooses his victims from people who complain about their lives and indicate a willingness to be killed. His murders are introduced... See full summary »

Director:

Hampton Fancher

Writers:

Lew McCreary (novel), Hampton Fancher (screenplay)

Stars:

Owen Wilson, Sheryl Crow, Dwight Yoakam

1 win & 4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Owen Wilson	...	Vann
Sheryl Crow	...	Casper
Dwight Yoakam	...	Blair
Dennis Haysbert	...	Graves
Alex Warren	...	State Trooper
Mercedes Ruehl	...	Jane
Chloe Black	...	Karen - Age 18
Brian Cox	...	Doug
Eric Mabius	...	Gene
Larry Miller	...	Paul
Lois Gerace	...	Lois
Erik Holland	...	Coach
Danny 'Big Black' Rey	...	Arthur (as Daniel 'Big Black' Rey)
Janeane Garofalo	...	Ferrin
Axel Ovregaard	...	Joe La Moine

Storyline

A cold-blooded serial killer floats around the country and chooses his victims from people who complain about their lives and indicate a willingness to be killed. His murders are introduced with the killing of an asthmatic junkie. The killer settles into a seaside rooming house run by an unhappy married couple and waits for his next victims to unveil themselves. Dream cops plague his nights, while plotting his murders. Meanwhile, he also starts a relationship with a postal clerk.

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Plot Keywords:

murder | drink | post office | poison | serial killer | 

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Taglines:

Don't see it alone. Unless you like talking to yourself.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language and a scene of drug use

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

8 October 1999 (USA)

Also Known As:

Az idegen

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$40,292 (USA) (10 September 1999)

Gross:

$368,808 (USA) (22 October 1999)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Shooting Gallery, Fida Attieh Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

111 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Lew McCreary:  The author of the novel on which the movie is based has a role as the man in the diner.

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Goofs

Vann is talking to Doug while Doug is putting his pants on. Doug is sitting with his pants just past his underwear, when the camera moves to Vann. When we come back to Doug, you cannot see his pants at all, just his underwear.

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Quotes

Laurie Bloom: I have asthma. Would you like a cigarette?
Vann Siegert: Yeah.

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Connections

References Gilligan's Island (1964)

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Soundtracks

"When Our Band Goes Marching By"
Written by Willard A. Palmer, Morton Manus and Amanda Vick Lethco
Performed and Arranged by Tor Hyams
Courtesy of Shooting Gallery Records and Alfred Publishing Co., Inc. (ASCAP)

User Reviews

A Film of Many Pluses

"The Minus Man" is the sort of film whose success depends on the performance of the central actor. After viewing, it seems impossible to imagine any one else playing the lead. Owen Wilson is a significantly talented actor: he brings a realistic sense of detail and ambiguity to the character of Vann. It is clear from the beginning that this young man is supposed to be likeable. Wilson conveys almost angelic charm, yet he is also capable of a calculating, knowing quality. The latter is what gives the character resonance. It makes the film work. The viewer is presented with a serial killer who is not only aware of what he is doing, but has a certain subconscious understanding of why.

This film is a study of one suggested reason for a serial killer's actions: he kills for control, to have an effect on the lives of others. By taking away--a "minus" effect--he adds something of his own. The idea itself certainly isn't new, but the character's illustration of it in this film is something unique and fascinating. There is a memorable, chilling scene in which Vann joins a search party for one of his own victims. Later, at a memorial service, he ponders the tremendous influence he has worked upon the inhabitants of the small town, and how, with just a few, words, he could change things yet again. In another scene, Vann decides against murdering an artist who has invited him home: her paintings reveal a pre-occupation with suicide and death, so his actions would have no real effect on her.

Other actors here are very fine: Brian Cox, Mercedes Ruehl, Meg Foster, while Jeanane Garofalo gives a subtle and endearing picture of a lonely young woman.

You may not discuss it for days afterward, but "The Minus Man" is well worth the time.