The Minus Man (1999)

User Rating:

6.1/10   

Director:

Hampton Fancher

Writers (WGA):

Lew McCreary (novel)
Hampton Fancher (screenplay)

Release Date:

8 October 1999 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Mystery | Thriller

Tagline:

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

Plot:

A cold-blooded serial killer floats around the country and chooses his victims from people who complain...

Plot Keywords:

Serial Killer | Poison | Based On Novel | Independent Film

Awards:

1 win & 4 nominations

Cast

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

MPAA:

Rated R for language and a scene of drug use.

Runtime:

111 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Iceland:12 | Singapore:NC-16 | Germany:12 | USA:R (#36873)

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Shooting Gallery

Trivia:

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

Goofs:

Continuity: The license plates on Ferrin's Volkswagen change from one shot (2VIT788) to the next (5C49127).

Quotes:

Vann Siegert: I feel like a light in the dark, they come to me like moths, because I shine.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Film Geek (2005)

Soundtrack:

Siesta

A good script, good acting, and new twist on serial killers

Vann Siegert (Owen Wilson) is a quiet, friendly, young man. Although a bit slow-witted and new to town, he quickly develops a close relationship with the couple he boards with (Brian Cox and Mercedes Ruehl), is being pursued by an amorous co-worker (Janeane Garofalo) and distinguishes himself as go-getter at the Post Office. There is one little thing that sets him apart from everybody else - he's a serial killer.

Minus Man is atypical of the films in this genre: there have been few trailers, it boasts no A-list stars, blood and guts are nowhere to be found, there is little melodrama, and it has a tight, well-crafted script. While the film seems to plod along, the pacing is deliberate and just when you're ready to walk it sucks you back in.

Wilson, (looking remarkably like a young Dennis Hopper) is spellbinding: he projects an innocence and vulnerability that not only makes you forget he's a murderer, but leaves you feeling sorry for him. Garofalo meanwhile, is uncharacteristically bubbly, and has no dialogue that dwells on bitterness and self-loathing. Sheryl Crow and Dwight Yokum also turn in admirable appearances.

If you're looking for a change of pace from the Hollywood grind, this is a risk well worth taking.