The Memory of a Killer (2003)
"De zaak Alzheimer" (original title)

Vincke and Verstuyft are the best detectives of the Antwerp police department. They are confronted with the murder on a leading executive and put all their effort to catch the murderer.

Director:

Erik Van Looy

Writers:

Jef Geeraerts (novel), Carl Joos (screenplay),

Stars:

Laurien Van den Broeck, Koen De Bouw, Werner De Smedt

7 wins & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Laurien Van den Broeck	...	Bieke Cuypers
Dirk Roofthooft	...	Vader Cuypers
Koen De Bouw	...	Eric Vincke
Werner De Smedt	...	Freddy Verstuyft
Hilde De Baerdemaeker	...	Linda de Leenheer
Geert Van Rampelberg	...	Tom Coemans
Jan Decleir	...	Angelo Ledda
Patrick Descamps	...	Gilles Resnais
Anne-Caroline Suberville	...	Dienster
Jan Dyck	...	Taxi Driver
Miek Van Bocxtaele	...	Receptionist (as Miek Van Bocxstaele)
Deborah Ostrega	...	Anja
Gene Bervoets	...	Seynaeve
Els Dottermans	...	Eva Van Camp
Lucas Van den Eynde	...	Bob Van Camp

Storyline

Vincke and Verstuyft are one of the best detective teams of the Antwerp police force. When they are confronted with the disappearance of a top official and the murder of two prostitutes, the trail leads to the almost retired assassin Angelo Ledda. Since Ledda starts showing symptoms of Alzheimer's, it's getting more and more difficult to complete his contracts. When he has to murder a 12-year old call-girl, he refuses and becomes a target himself. While Vincke and Verstuyft are chasing him and counting the corpses, Ledda is taking care of his employers.

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Plot Keywords:

murder | police | detective | prostitute | corpse | 

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Genres:

Action | Crime | Drama | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for violence, sexuality and nudity

Details

Official Sites:

official site Sony Classics

Country:

Belgium Netherlands

Language:

Dutch French

Release Date:

26 September 2005 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Memory of a Killer

Filming Locations:

Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium

Box Office

Budget:

€2,500,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$41,254 (USA) (26 August 2005)

Gross:

$332,015 (USA) (4 November 2005)

Company Credits

Production Co:

MMG Film & TV Production, PVPictures, TROS Bridge Rights

Technical Specs

Runtime:

123 min 135 min (director's cut)

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Jef Geeraerts:  the writer of the novel can be seen on a bench at the police department.

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Goofs

Troughout the movie, the Antwerp police can be seen driving a Mercedes Vito. This car joined the force in 1999, while the movie is set in 1995.

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Quotes

Freddy Verstuyft: [Nearly hitting a car] Goddammit! Fucking BMW's!
Eric Vincke: Right does have priority, Freddy. Pay attention.

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Connections

References Memento (2000)

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Soundtracks

"Some Of Us"
Performed by Starsailor
Courtesy of EMI Music Ltd.
Published by EMI Music Publishing Ltd.
Played during end credits

User Reviews

Belgian top thriller with outstanding performances

I was surprised to read several negative comments on this site about "De Zaak Alzheimer". Some people seem to think that the movie wasn't worth the hype, but I disagree with this. I think this is the best Belgian cop thriller ever made. The story (based on the novel of Jef Geeraerts) is brilliantly written and the cast is outstanding. Our best Belgian actors give top performances. Jan Decleir, Koen De Bouw, Werner De Smedt and Jo De Meyere are wonderful.

When I would see an American movie who is similar to "De Zaak Alzheimer", I'd probably give it 8/10. What so special about "De Zaak Alzheimer"? It is a Belgian production, made with a limited budget and a cast and crew who doesn't have that much experience in making cop thrillers in an American style. So I'm convinced the movie is really worth the hype. Also that fact that the movie was nominated and won several awards in other countries, proves Erik Van Looy really made a good impression with his movie. I also heard they're negotiating for an American adaptation of the book, what also proves the value of the movie and the book.

A sequel? No, not a sequel but an adaptation of another book of Jef Geeraerts would be suitable. Erik Van Looy is also planning on doing this, but I read it is possible we will have to wait several years for this adaptation because the expectations will be high and Van Looy of course doesn't want to disappoint the audience.

To conclude my comment I can only repeat the fact that "De Zaak Alzheimer" is a great movie and I can't hardly wait to see the American adaptation (they talked about Morgan Freeman for one of the leading roles) and the next adaptation of a Jef Geeraerts-novel by Erik Van Looy.

9/10